This story I didn't touch on last week, but many of you have probably heard about it anyway. Representative Chris Smith (R, NJ) was removed from his position as chairman of the House Veterans Affairs committee. Apparently, Mr. Smith got it in his head that it was his job to fight for better benefits and support for America's Veterans, and, even worse, he was pretty good at that fight. This upset the House Leadership, who characterized him as a "liberal," despite having a 71 percent rating from the American Conservative Union. To be fair, I'm sure it is frustrating to have a guy like Rep. Smith around when you are trying to manage budget deals to ensure a maximum of pork goes to your districts. I mean some of your pork might end up on a veteran's plate.
Anyway Robert Novak writes on this depressing situation this week, and states, "Obsession with centralizing authority by the leadership does not precisely fit the pattern set by Democrats during 40 years of ruling the House. But the new majority party resembles the old one in this sense: having long been in power, they act as though they are sure they will keep it forever."
As people become entrenched in their positions of power, they start to forget how they got there in the first place. It's only natural, if unfortunate.
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