Open Thread–1/20/2011

I know I won’t get any visiting done today, because I have to go out to run errands, and when I return, I have to do my online grocery shopping for the month.  But I am up to date with comments.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today it took me 3:48 (average 5:31).  To do it, click here.  How did you do?

Short Takes:

From The Hill: House Republicans will force Democrats to go “on the record” about government spending in a symbolic vote next week timed to coincide with President Obama’s State of the Union address.

The House Rules Committee on Wednesday approved by a party-line vote of 8-4 a resolution calling on House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) to limit non-security discretionary spending in the second half of 2011 to 2008 levels “or less.”

This is more political theatre.  The Republican-dominated House has still done nothing of note.

From Salon: This is how Rush Limbaugh honored Hu Jingtao on a State visit to the US.

Ironically, he has never sounded more intelligent!

From Think Progress: In an article published on theloop21.com, John Wilson, a “regular contributor to Hip Hop Republican,” mused that Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) should resign her seat as she recuperates from her gunshot wounds. Citing media reports about Gifford’s medical condition, Wilson compared Giffords to the late Rep. Gladys Spellman (D-MD), who went into a coma while in office. He then asked, “Should constituents allow members to hold onto their seats like political Brett Favres with no concept of when it is time to go?”

Other Republicans have taken up this despicable meme.  It may well be that Giffords will have to resign, but could we at least wait until we know the extent of her disability, the degree of recovery possible, and the time required to do so?

Cartoon:

Let’s make today Republican toilet paper day.  Wipe well.