The Ice Storm, Part 2

It seems as if Denton was sort of surrounded by the weather disaster rather than pounded by it, but the Weather Channel is showing me an animated radar that looks very threatening... if it actually materializes and doesn't stall out over Abilene. The local media seems to think things are going to get out of hand, including the picture they lead with. With all that considered, we are reminded that the news waits for no man.

In response to the storm system that hasn't done much in our neighborhood but has caused serious problems elsewhere, Governor Perry mobilized the National Guard in a limited capacity. It has often been said that people in Texas seem to become far worse at driving with the mere mention of ice or snow, and this time, those people are not being proven wrong.

On Friday, the Texas House floor debate largely centered on that body's rules, and how some committee assignments are made. Harvey analyzes it correctly, I think, as attempts to reign in Craddick's power, which reinforces the idea that some aspects of leadership may be difficult after the challenge. I'm not convinced this will be effective - I think Craddick and his lieutenants will continue to get the lion's share of what they desire, but we'll see as the session plays out.

As for how the votes are coming down, the government allowed itself to spend more money but didn't bother so much with those meddlesome ethics and lobbying rules, despite a good effort by Representative Jim Dunnam to get some change happening. Oh yeah, and smoking was banned inside the building, leading me to be surprised that smoking was allowed inside the building.

Condoleezza Rice is in the Middle East this weekend trying to cook up some goodwill, and Palestinian President Abbas has indicated that his government is in no way interested in a temporary solution or border definitions, which is what Israel wants. That isn't really a good development but at least people are talking.

Which is different from where the Executive and Legislative branches seem to be heading, with the White House making the argument that Bush can do what he likes with the armed forces without the need for Congressional approval. Arguments about the Constitutionality of more or less everything are on the horizon, and Senate Democrats are already posturing themselves to play the role of "Righteous Committee Hearing Flamethrower" in the coming weeks.

Stay warm, stay classy. If things get really messy, maybe we'll liveblog the weather.