Monday Mention: Rep. Bob Inglis

Courtesy of Wall Street Journal

Here's a great example of how politics sometimes gets in the way of governing. First, the background. Bob Inglis a Republican congressman from South Carolina was defeated by a Tea Party conservative in a primary election this last summer.  Now, as a lame duck in Congress, Rep. Inglis has been freed from the pressure for re-election and has reemerged as a rationally minded individuals as opposed to the partisan politicians that are the norm of DC. In the months following his defeat Inglis has attacked the bitter rhetoric many Tea Partiers have and has challenged the fringe of the Republican Party on various issues. The most recent example has earned Bob Inglis the Monday Mention. Last week Inglis made comments to a Congressional Hearing blasting Republican skeptics on climate change issues. The best part of the lambasting is when Inglis relayed an idea he came up with when discussing the issue with liberal author Thomas Friedman. He said:

Your child is sick. 98 doctors say treat him this way. Two say no, this other way is the way to go. I'll go with the two. You're taking a big risk with those kids

Its too bad that is takes a defeat for a politician to stand up to his own party, but maybe there's hope that Rep. Inglis' challenges will encourage others to speak up, and for that he earned himself the Monday Mention.

Honorable Mentions:

• Pope Benedict XVI- In a recent speech in Asia, the Papal father noted his support for condoms as a tool to fight HIV. Contraception is a major hush-issue in the Catholic church, and the Pope's recent remarks show some modernity may be entering the traditional church.
• Barbara Bush- Everybody loves Raymond, and everybody hates Palin. The former first lady included. In an interview with Larry King, Bush was asked what she thought about a possible 2012 run for the momma grizzly. Bush responded by saying she hopes Palin will stay in Alaska. Atta girl Barb.