How’s That Again?

As Congress wrapped up its business last week, effusive farewells were given for Senators and Congressmen who will not be returning to Capitol Hill. Some kudos fell a little flat. Congressman Bill Dannemeyer, improbably lauded as “the conscience of the House,” will long be remembered for inserting into the 1989 Congressional Record a description of homosexual lovemaking so meanspirited that it was later excised from the permanent text. Senator Steve Symms, praised for bravely defending the rights of gun owners, is notable for little else. Senator Alan Dixon was lionized as “one of the most fiercely independent Democrats” in Congress. Funny. He is noted for being so chummy with lobbyists that he is known around the Hill as “Al the Pal.”