Who Knew That Senators Were Regular People, Too

As much as I enjoy reading my celebrity gossip blogs, I think I like reading the hot political gossip blogs even more. Why? Well, because celebrities are just that... celebrities. They're famous, they know it, and even though Us Weekly tries claiming that "they're just like US," it's just not true. My line of work does not involve watching myself on a 1000-foot screen with hundreds of onlookers.

Now, politicians... well, that's a whole other story! Yeah they might be a little famous. True, some are even the targets of assassinations. But they don't all invoke the same sense of awe that your Brad Pitts and Angelina Jolies do. When have you ever made a fashion purchase based on an outfit that Barbara Boxer wore to a restaurant one Friday evening? Yeah, I didn't think so either.

The funny thing about politicians though, and this is why I love my DC gossip, is that they're just so full of themselves! As much as a politician informs their constituents that they truly are just another common citizen, it just isn't the case. It's all, and I hate to use this word, but it's all political... just another move. Re-election is coming up, let's remind the people residing in Bumblefuck, New York in Podunk County that I once visited a farm and milked a cow... albeit a farm I own... and it's in Australia... and I make thousands every year from my profitable side business... which I don't technically own and operate... you know, because of tax purposes... but seriously, I'm totally a cool guy... and modest, too.

Like I said, it's all political. And they smile too much. But they're always good for a laugh! Especially when something really simple and oh-so-common happens that shakes up their entire world. Take flying for instance. Delayed flight? Canceled flight? Overbooked flight? We've all been there... but politicians, not so much. Enjoy this little blog from the Washington Post by Mary Ann Akers (my hero) and some other guy.

Airlines No Longer Letting Senators Travel Like Senators

By Mary Ann Akers And Paul Kane
Thursday, September 13, 2007; A17

Talk about traveling like a regular schlep.

Senators trying to race home yesterday for the extended weekend caused by the Jewish holiday had to fight for airline seats just like the average tourist, thanks to a new ruling from the airline industry.

Because of new ethics rules forbidding gifts to senators, the Air Transport Association ruled that it would be a violation of the Senate's gift ban to allow senators to continue their usual practice of double- and, sometimes, triple-booking flights.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, which has oversight of the issue, explained the practice this way: This week, it was unclear whether the Senate would finish Tuesday night or yesterday morning, so senators would have booked multiple flights, hedging their bets on when they could get away and paying only for the flight they took.

"The airlines have allowed us to hold these flights," Feinstein told On the Hill, explaining that it is a service that is also offered to the most frequent travelers on particular airlines -- and is, therefore, not a specific gift.

But the ATA believes it is a gift because it is a service not offered to regular customers.

"Along with others impacted by the rules, the Air Transport Association airlines are seeking the guidance they need to fully understand and comply with both the letter and the spirit of the new congressional ethics rules," said James C. May, Air Transport Association president and chief executive.

At least three airlines -- Continental, Delta and Northwest -- have gone along with the industry ruling, wreaking havoc on senatorial schedulers. "Obviously, we're going to follow the rules," said Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), though she said she is uncertain how her travel to and from Detroit on Northwest would be affected.

Feinstein said she will soon ask the Select Committee on Ethics to issue a ruling on the matter, noting that senators weren't looking for a handout from the airlines but, rather, the best way to get home to their constituents. "It's really hard because if you can only book one flight, and you can't make that flight, then you're stuck," she said.

Yep.