The Road Less Traveled

Much respect to House Speaker Pelosi, who has decided to take matters into her own hands.

This highlights a number of interesting things about the power dynamics that currently exist between the Executve and Legislative branches.

First, the Executive office should have that whole "personality-figurehead" thing covered, and this is clearly where Bush is getting his indignation.

Second, the Speaker of the House is in a position to influence legislation, but international relationships? Is this an appropriate use of her power?

Third, is our foreign policy to be determined, and our interests pursued by the Executive alone, or is there a place for the legislature in both formulation and execution? History shows that this is the reality, and that it was intended by the Constitutional Convention, but does it work when there are conflicting aims?

As a devoted believer in dialogue, I agree with Ms. Pelosi's motivation - it is better to be in communication than not. Our allies are, for the most part, decided by our attitude towards them, and in this age of fascist conservatism, we have a seriously bad attitude towards anyone who isn't sucking our Coca-Cola.

That said, I wonder exactly what Pelosi's aims are in Syria? It is an effective press junket, but what in the way of foreign policy does she expect to achieve? Certainly, the House and Senate could draft and pass legislation that provides resources for some joint international effort. They can make promises that only a newly-elected Democratic (or cooperation-minded Republican) President will fulfill. They can generate negative press towards the Bush Administration.

But what does this get her? us? them?