Bush at Midnight

So the thrill of the chase is gone and now the mundane reality of the relationship begins. 

This may sum up how many of you are feeling now that the excitement of the presidential election campaign is over. Turnout was high and passions ran higher, revealing a level of civic engagement in public affairs not seen for many years. With the contest over, it's natural to feel a bit of a letdown and pay a little less attention. I know I, for one, have been somewhat less inspired to write in recent days (not to mention too busy to spend much time on the blog). 

But now is the time to start paying more attention, not less. 

Exhibit A: news that the Bush Administration, in its waning days, is taking the black art of passing "midnight regulations," first introduced by the Carter Administration, to a new low. Here's a glimpse at what's on the docket, courtesy of Elizabeth Kolbert, writing in this week's New Yorker:

Among the many new regulations—or, rather, deregulations—the Administration has proposed are rules that would: make it harder for the government to limit workers’ exposure to toxins, eliminate environmental review from decisions affecting fisheries, and ease restrictions on companies that blow up mountains to get at the coal underneath them. Other midnight regulations in the works include rules to allow “factory farms” to ignore the Clean Water Act, rules making it tougher for employees to take family or medical leave, and rules that would effectively gut the Endangered Species Act.

Heckuva parting gift to the nation, eh? Can we choose the Bush-Cheney home game instead? I'll take cronyism for 600, Alex. No, make that torture for 1000. Daily Double — woo-hoo!

OK, end of snide remarks. 

In addition to keeping a watchful eye on the departing Administration, it's also critical to monitor what President-elect Obama is doing as he puts together his government, and what Congress may or may not do in any lame-duck session. In the past week alone we've had rumors about Hillary Clinton being appointed Secretary of State (I have to admit cringing at that one, and am still not sure what I think of it... likely a topic for a future post), a series of Congressional hearings on the financial crisis and a potential bailout of the automobile industry, as well as debate over future economic stimulus and financial regulatory overhaul. 

These are all far more important than whatever is said or not said on the campaign trail. They will affect our lives profoundly. Now is the time to be engaged.