http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/sen-richard-lugars-searing-concession-statement–read-it-here/2012/05/09/gIQAgLm2CU_blog.html
The final exodus of actual rational human beings from the halls of Congress is beginning. Hope they all have something to say, like this, before they go: “I don’t remember a time when so many topics have become politically unmentionable in one party or the other. Republicans cannot admit to any nuance in policy on climate change. Republican members are now expected to take pledges against any tax increases. For two consecutive Presidential nomination cycles, GOP candidates competed with one another to express the most strident anti-immigration view, even at the risk of alienating a huge voting bloc. Similarly, most Democrats are constrained when talking about such issues as entitlement cuts, tort reform, and trade agreements. Our political system is losing its ability to even explore alternatives. If fealty to these pledges continues to expand, legislators may pledge their way into irrelevance.”
