Don’t want to speak too soon, but . . .

by David Safier
Somehow, these clowns may figure out a way to put together a budget with scotch tape and band aids, smoke and mirrors, before midnight tonight, but it looks doubtful right now.

Even if they do, this has been the most tragi-comical show of ineptitude I can remember witnessing from a legislative body. Republicans gathered together in their little factions when they increased their hold on the legislature, then crowed when they stumbled into the governorship. They clapped and hugged one another and promised they would bring a new conservative morning to Arizona. But what they didn't realize was, each clump of ideologues had a different set of absolutely-have-tos and absolutely-won't-vote-fors.

The result? Republicans clustered in separate bunkers, seeing a thin slice of the world through viewing slits and screaming, "No surrender!"

Here's the perfect quote from an Arizona Guardian article:

Sen. Ron Gould, who is not on Rules but has actively opposed a tax increase, said this morning the battle is for more than just a tax proposal.

"This is open rebellion," he said. "We are fighting for the heart and soul of the Republican Party."

The best way to find out a group can't govern is to give them power and let them demonstrate their incompetence. The problem is, in the process, they create calamitous legislation that takes decades to undo. (See Bush administration for prime example.)