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It’s congressional eve and ”Pelosi-a-looza” is beginning to heat up in our nation’s capitol.  In lieu of a Presidential inaugural (they’ll have to wait two years - maybe longer) the Democrats have instead chosen to herald the ascendency of Nancy Pelosi as the first woman to sit in the Speaker’s chair.  Word from the beltway is that along with the threatened first 100 hours of Democrat congressional legislative bliss (in which no bipartisan activity will occur - didn’t the Democrats say during the campaign that they would work in a bipartisan fashion?) will include Tony Bennett serenading Ms. Pelosi at a dinner at the Italian Embassy and the renaming of a Baltimore (her hometown) street in her name.

Not that I can blame them.  The incredible power shift that occurred with the November elections gives the Democrats something to cheer about it, they ought to have a party… but then they need to get down to business and they need a leader who will get the work done.

Over the last decade and change, we’ve been witness to a climate of confrontation and consternation in Washington.  This less than friendly atmosphere has done little in making government the tool of the people and has instead made it the battlefield of radically partisan opinion-mongers.  It’s no mistake that the last time we experienced governmental harmony was when two old and wise men occupied the Speaker’s chair (Tip O’Neill) and the Oval Office (Ronald Reagan).  Even more ironic is that each served as vehement instigators and defenders for the left and right respectively.  Nonetheless regardless of the controversies that occurred between nine and five, at six o’clock you might easily find the Speaker and the President enjoying a happy hour cocktail and discussing things on friendly terms.  This friendly dialogue was borne of respect and helped to squelch more problems and bad ideas than any public debate in the well of the House or on the floor of the Senate.

Governing is about dialogue and debate, but it’s also about compromise and consensus.  Leadership requires consideration of all of these and then choosing a path that honors tradition, accomplishes the task at hand, and sets the table for those who will follow in our footsteps.  My hope for this new Democrat majority and the current Bush administration is that they find some modicum of respect and work in the best interest of all Americans regardless of party.