Fast action on no-brainers

National Underwriter Life & Health, October, 2004 by Steve Piontek

IF ANYTHING SHOWS HOW UTTERLY dysfunctional this Congress is, it is when our solons mobilize in rapid-action fashion over some no-brainer of an issue.

Yes, as a matter of fact, I am referring to the flap over alleged abusive sales practices to military personnel--especially young new soldiers--on military bases.

The alacrity with which the House Financial Services Committee moved on this issue proves only two things.

First, it proves that politicians love nothing so much as they do the opportunity to wrap themselves in the flag. Second, it proves the immense power of the New York Times, which lit a fire under the collective butts of our elected representatives with its expose of the practices.

I realize that mention of the Times is like...