Randi Rhodes: Done Deal

t’s Friday, ya bastids!

The big tax cut compromise bill was finally passed by the House last night at midnight (see how your rep voted). While this bill was necessary, maybe midnight is the best time to pass it—there are elements of this agreement that really never should see the light of day. Actually, this bill does a lot. It’s good for the economy, and it’s good for wealthy people. And those are not complimentary aims. Most importantly, this bill extends unemployment benefits for 13 months. And that provision does dovetail nicely with healing the economy.

Meanwhile, the Senate just gave up trying to pass a bill to fund the government over Republican objections. If that sounds like the Republicans object to the government, it’s not that far off the mark. Instead, the Senate will pass a short-term stop-gap spending measure. It seems like Democrats are forever taking stop-gap measures, while Republicans are forever creating gaps. The abandonment of the spending bill shows how much more clout the Republicans have after the elections… and before they even take office. It’s almost like giving up a home run to the guy in the on-deck circle.

On a dumber note, Sarah Palin is out doing interviews to promote her book. ABC’s Robin Roberts, interviewing Sarah Palin, said that when John Boehner cries, “he’s seen as being passionate.” No. Actually, he’s seen as being drunk. Palin replied that Boehner “has worn his feelings on his sleeve.” Yup. Along with a lot of spilled merlot. Sarah doesn’t seem to be a big drinker. But what’s the point when you start out that confused? There’s the old phrase “that’s the whiskey talking.” If the whiskey could talk, it would be bound to make more sense than Sarah Palin.

This week Kate Gosselin was a guest on Sarah Palin’s show. Kate turned out to be even more annoying than Sarah Palin. Maybe that’s the strategy of the show—to have Sarah with people who are even more dislikable than she is. Look forward to upcoming guest shots from Mel Gibson, Charlie Sheen, and that assistant coach for the New York Jets. Gosselin whined the entire time. But then she was on a bear hunting trip with Sarah Palin. At a certain point you’re going to start asking yourself if you wouldn’t be better off with the bears.

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Larry King says so long…