There's Still Work to be Done

In our usual talks over the phone, my father told me something that I didn't find out until the late night news: that the Dems control over the Senate might be in jeopardy.

Knowing my forays into the cyberspace world, Dad told me, "Read it on the Internet. They probably have something more to say on this matter."

A quick glance over the daily news (apart from the sad news about actor Peter Boyle's passing :( )revealed what he was telling me earlier this evening:

This comes from the Houston Chronicle:

Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota was hospitalized Wednesday with the symptoms of a stroke and underwent surgery several hours later, officials said.

There was no word on the nature of the surgery, which lasted past midnight, or on Johnson's condition.

Apart from the risk to his health, Johnson's illness carried political ramifications. Democrats emerged from last month's elections with a 51-49 Senate majority. If he is forced to relinquish his seat, a replacement would be named by South Dakota's GOP Gov. Mike Rounds.

A Republican appointee would create at 50-50 tie, and allow the GOP to retain Senate control.

It is amazing how the winds of fortune can change in the blink of an eye. It is definitely serious if there is brain surgery. And at this time, all best wishes go to the Senator's family in this time of dire need.

The thing that comes up with news like this is whether the GOP would be callous enough to treat this sad incident as roadkill and name the appointee before it is said and done. This is not to be said lightly. The present Administration is not that hospitable to "the enemy"--the opposing party. For the acts that have happened (like putting Rep. John Conyers (D.-Mich) in a basement room of the White House to hold a press conference or the skewering of former Georgia Rep. Cynthia McKinney by the passage of a resolution), it is not surprising that the lack of empathy and candor which would otherwise be held by those more thoughtful would not be practiced in this case.

However, even the most tactful of those in the GOP might notice that if such an act were to take place, it might reflect badly in their stance to quickly tip the scales of power. One would hope that the notion of humanity would appeal to some. It is hoped that someone of the elephant party would have a sense of civility in this matter.

Politics is a cutthroat business not for the faint of heart. Keep your eyes peeled and your senses keen. Things will probably happen that will never cease to surprise you.