I've been on the lookout for an open thread since last night [edit: well there it is, but what the hell], but I finally decided to go ahead and make this one of those "diaries that are not a diary." I enjoy Doonesbury, and recently started checking out the website every day. There is also a feature called Flashback. In today's Flashback cartoon from 30 years ago today, there is a discussion at the Whitehouse that goes like this:
"Gee, Fellahs, I appreciate your wanting to compromise, but last November the people gave me a mandate to get government off their backs."
"That may be, sir, but there are bills being pushed through Congress right now that have nothing to do with that mandate."
"Gee, like what?"
"Like denying abortions to incest and rape victims."
"Well, fellahs, I have to differ with you on that. The American people also elected me to punish promiscuous poor people."
"To WHAT?"
"They were most clear on that point."
I lived through that time too, but I guess I forgot this crap has been going on forever. Just found it sad and interesting.