David Obey: “I am somewhat bemused as I sit here tonight listening to some of the comments about the sanctity of open debate and…”

“I am somewhat bemused as I sit here tonight listening to some of the comments about the sanctity of open debate and legislative alternatives. Some of the same people who have been uttering those platitudes are the same people who voted to deny the minority an alternative on prescription drugs. They voted to deny us the opportunity to debate and produce an alternative to the very budget resolution which has this place wrapped around the axle. They voted to deny us the opportunity to debate and offer an alternative to the economic stimulus package, to the airline bailout, to the antiterrorism bill, to the fast track trade bill, and they have engaged in incredible legislative legerdemain in order to avoid the regular processes of this House, but now suddenly express tonight their concern for open debate. I find that quaint, to be polite. Second, I would simply note a comment of my old friend, Archie the Cockroach. Archie said this once: "Man always fails because he is not honest enough to succeed. There are not enough men continuously on the square with themselves and with other men.…”