What to expect in 2007

The state of the government is as bleak as ever next year. Here is something everyone should know about our country's leadership:

Rep. Silvestre Reyes of Texas, who incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has tapped to head the Intelligence Committee when the Democrats take over in January, failed a quiz of basic questions about al Qaeda and Hezbollah, two of the key terrorist organizations the intelligence community has focused on since the September 11, 2001 attacks.

But then again, why would we expect the head of the Intelligence Committee to understand terrorism; all he really needs to know for the next few years is 'blame Bush' -- it has worked fine so far.

Also, don't expect any improvements in the area of limited government. We learn here that musicians are seeking a little help from the government as well:

Radio consolidation is shrinking playlists and creating a homogenized musical landscape, several singers and songwriters told the Federal Communication Commission on Monday.

They are correct, of course, that radio has become pretty worthless (except for those moments on a long car trip when you need a bubble-gum-pop singalong to break the malaise), but why should the govenment care about diversity of entertainment options? Apparently, here are their reasons:

"You can drive I-40 from Knoxville to Barstow, California, and hear the same 20 songs on every country radio station."

. . .

[Porter Wagoner] recalled how his former duet partner, Dolly Parton, scored a huge country and pop hit with the song, "Jolene," and he said, "The chance of that happening today is almost slim to none."

. . .

They say [a proposed] change would hurt minorities' access to the airwaves, curtail children's and local programming and limit musical diversity.

I personally like the juxtaposition of minority access (a cow as sacred as they come) with the plea for "musical diversity." Minorities & diversity! -- It is time for the goverment to step in and save the day. These less popular artists are suffering from music-popularity discrimination and it must be stopped. Instead of whining to the government, I suggest that these artists read this book and start improving their material, but that is the cold-hearted attitude that makes me un-electable.

I also find it hard to believe is that they think without the government's help Dolly Parton would not become popular today. It seems that Mr. Wagoner is discounting Parton's talent and ability when he says this. Incidentally, Dolly Parton was just honored by the Kennedy Center, so she is getting her government help, albeit indirectly.