Well its the Democrats that came up with this process, so many of them must find the bill important enough to get some kind of compromise on. Obviously, the majority of both parties think so on both parts of it. Thats how it works.

Yes, I know that’s how it works. I also know that Congress’s approval rating is close to the single digits, so I’m pretty sure I have company when I say I’m not happy with the way things currently work.

This is a perfect example of why Congress is viewed so poorly as a whole despite the fact that each individual Congressman has a reasonably high rating. They use tactics like this to go along with something their constituents hate without catching any of the flak for it.

If the lightbulb hasn’t gone on yet, I’ll make sure to point it out next year when your party does it to you.

I think it is naive to assume that the folks wanting to vote against immunity for the telecoms were doing so on principle and not to appease their constituents and lobbies to begin with. Whats the difference? Their vote is symbolic either way.

I don’t see anything dirty about this. No one could come to agreement with the bill combined. What difference does it make when they seperate it? It still allows people to vote what they believe.

They took real votes and made them symbolic votes. Like you said, they’re appeasing their constituents instead of actually standing up for them.

As it stands right now, those opposed to telecom immunity are “winning” because a tie goes to the status quo. With this deal, they’re giving up the fight in a way that looks just good enough that they won’t lose reelection. It’s like a boxer taking a dive, but making it look very real to the casual observer.

Since most of America consists of casual observers, we all lose when we tolerate such tactics.

Really… it’s a good idea. The hard left will never be satisfied, but this should make most folks happy. It accomodates those that are against telecom immunity by giving them an opportunity to put a vote on record appeasing the netroot ACLU types, and still look like they care about the country a little by voting for the other.

Set aside the fact that you’re getting what you want. How is this a good thing? This is the kind of political manuevering that both parties use to sell out their constituencies.

It’s exactly the same kind of BS that allows McCain to be a member of the senate for decades during which the government quadrupled in size and then run for President as a fiscal conservative.

If you support this approach, you’re supporting BS, two-faced politicians. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Congratulations on your dirty victory. I’ll have the kleenex ready when you come up on the short end of the stick next time.