For some international flavor...

Some countries just know how to do democracy right.  Carrying on the proud tradition of Sumner and Brooks, Taiwan has developed a reputation for literally hard-hitting floor sessions including food fights and slaps.

Even our Canadian friends take comfort in Taiwanese fighting during the darkest of their days: the NHL Lockout.

The 19th Century ... and the 20th

You want polarization? Here's some polarization. Representative Preston Brooks of South Carolina beats Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts.

Video and transcripts of the Lincoln-Douglas debates.

The congressional oath of office dates from this era.

Background on the impeachment process.

There is an entire site on the Johnson impeachment.

Another impeachment:

Real Foreign Policy

From the Associate Press:

The Olympic torch began its first-ever run through North Korea on Monday, where the flame was assured of a trip free of the anti-Chinese protests that marked other legs of the relay.

The North Koreans promised there will not be ANY protests during the torch relay. Oh thank goodness. I hear North Korean pro-democracy demonstrations are usually pretty wild. Now that is an ally you can rely on.

Guam Update!

From New York Times:

When former President Bill Clinton called a Guam radio show on Thursday morning
to talk up his wife, it was described as a historic first. The same was said of Senator Barack Obama’s decision to open a campaign office in Hagatña, the territory’s capital.
With four delegates up for grabs in caucuses on May 3, Guam is a player in the Democratic primaries for the first time. Though island residents cannot vote in the general election, they can help choose a presidential nominee. In fact, Guamanians need not be registered voters to participate. While the caucuses are open only to registered Democrats, people can sign up on site...

See: Guam for Obama
See: Senator Clinton's Guam interview.

Congress and Foreign Policy

Except when American lives or interests are at stake, the public places a low priority on foreign policy.

Senate action on treaties

Pelosi in Syria:

Hill-Rod, The Barack, and "Hollywood" John McCain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHJhVBemBmA

The candidates take their battle to the ring to win hearts, minds, and of course that championship gold.

Congress and War

• Iraq War Resolution
• Feingold on Iraq
• President Bush on Iraq
• Opinion on Iraq