In a stunning development, a move to halt all governance in recognition of "Pootie and Woozle Day" led by the US government has led most NATO members, China, India and numerous other industrialized nations to halt all government operations.
The sudden cascade of governmental shutdowns was evidently initiated when a high ranking US Administration official queried about the activities of certain liberal bloggers and activists. When he was told that they were fixated upon humorous pictures of cats and dogs, he went directly to President Obama, reportedly saying, "Those fucking ****** aren't paying attention to us! We've got to do something!"
President Obama immediately called for a joint session of congress. And in the first true display of bipartisanship under his leadership, both the house and senate immediately and unamously passed a resolution declaring this to be "Pootie And Woozle Day."
The joint resolution forbids any work on any legislation be done, including substantive contact between elected officials and their staffs. It further prohibits any and all international negotiations, acts of war and diplomatic contact. Furthermore, no lobbyist monies may be transferred, and for the duration of the day, also forbids all staff and elected official contact with any lobbyists.
The Western world and much of the rest of the industrial nations were quick to follow suit. From London to Paris, from Beijing to New Delhi, reaction was swift, with nations swiftly adopting similar resolutions.
Statements from various heads of state were similar in character. French President Nicolas Sarkozy was quoted as saying, "How can we operate when the blogsphere won't actually report what's going on?" And British Prime Minister Gordon Brown was quoted as saying, "When the American Liberal Blogshpere isn't paying attention, there's just no point. No bloody point at all."
In the United States, reaction from both Democratic and Republican leaders was eerily similar. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said, "Well, balls. I'm going home," while senate majority leader Harry Reid was quoted as saying, "Excellent. Another chance to keep our powder dry."
On the right side of the aisle, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said, "Well, they wanted bipartisanship. This time, this one time, we'll give it to them. And that's just because we can say NO to doing any work." Minority whip Eric Cantor was quoted as saying, "Well, this of course was really our idea. I'm sure the American people can see that clearly."
Pundits were quick to chime in as well. On the left, Rachel Maddow was quoted as saying "Meow!" , and Michael Moore was quoted as saying "Woof!"
Support by right wing pundits was not as unified. Radio commentator Rush Limbaugh called day "A communist takeover by the liberal, welfare supported cats and dogs who don't understand what it means to be an American" and threatened to move to Zimbabwe. Ann Coulter was interviewed, but simply shrieked into the microphone (though, Fox news claims that she was quoting Thomas Jefferson). Sarah Palin's response was somewhat enigmatic; she was quoted as saying, "I can see a doggie from my porch! Also! Ya betcha! Now where's my check?"
The work of the world is expected to resume to its normal mix of corruption, corporate driven political greed and the attempt of a very few to actually do the right thing.