Excellent summary, Lawhawk.
Re-phrasing from downstairs - if Congressional Republicans would put all the energy they spend dreaming up gimmicks to create the illusion of doing their job into actually doing their job, Congress might actually get some work done.
The story about the 30-40 House members (Birthers?) who refuse to recognize Obama’s legitimacy is extremely troubling, though. It’s a virtual guarantee that government will accomplish nothing. Shame on those who voted those dim-bulb extortionists into office.