More Warp Speed, Please

By Sniffles

While the erstwhile Party of Lincoln appears hell-bent on defenestrating Liz Cheney, we Democrats have problems of our own: redistricting, and retirements. We weren't pleased that Charlie Crist intends to run for his old job in Tallahassee again. Cheri Bustos calling it a day in Illinois was unwelcome news. The census is reshuffling the Congressional district deck (although we must point out that it could have been worse). And Democratic seats opened up by members either dying or leaving to serve in the Biden Cabinet are having their special elections delayed by vengeful Republican Governors.

So, Mr. President, a word, please: Things are tight on Capitol Hill. You need to get done what you need to get done — now.

Yes, in political terms, the 2022 election is eons in the future. The economy is set to roar after months of pandemic-induced, pent-up demand, and with so many insurrectionists copping to plea deals, lots of unsavory stuff about January 6 is sure to come out. So the climate will be quite different in 12 months. But Joe, you haven't a moment to waste. Your agenda (and the nation) simply cannot allow "Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy" to happen.

But it's more than just McCarthy, toad that he is. To have a major political party embrace the Big Lie and sow doubt in our democratic processes will bring an end to the American experiment. The country dodged not just a bullet but a cannonball in ousting Donald Trump from the White House. But things are even more dangerous now, because after Republicans' split second of sanity after the attack on the Capitol — when they rightly placed blame on Benedict Donald and, in the case of Lindsey Graham, even declared the relationship over — the party has now given itself completely over to full-blown Trumpism.

There was a time in the GOP when to cross a Cheney meant that bloody bodies would soon litter the ground. But this time, the consequences are less clear. Sure, Liz will scream from her soapbox, and Dad Dick might call up Republican donors and tell them to put their wallets away. But after 12 years out of the spotlight, his influence may have softened. We never dreamed we'd see the fate of Liz Cheney linked to the future of the Republic, but now they appear inextricably entwined. We cats worry, and we HISS.