Hold the pickles, hold the lettuce, Special Orders don't upset us

After the votes are finished for the day, the House frequently remains in session for Special Orders. Which means that the Dems and the Reeps take turns for up to an hour at a time to give speeches on the issues of the day. A member volunteers to organize three or four others who are interested in speaking, and distributes talking points on the topic chosen.

Then, on the House Floor, they have at it. To an empty chamber. No one is listening. True, CSPAN is there, all-seeing, unblinking. I'm not sure what it's viewership is, but I don't imagine that Idol's producers are losing sleep over the competition.

The Congressman has been taking every opportunity to speak in favor of the health care bill, and last night I sat in the House Gallery to watch the boss do his thing. He does a great job--articulate, passionate, persuasive. Once again, it's difficult to be cynical while sitting in that room where so many momentous events have occurred. If only all those seats weren't empty.

It looks as though the House will be voting on the health care bill on Sunday evening. I'm sure that the seats will be filled then.