Our [Stupid White] Men in Washington

From today's news regarding the Senate's debate of an internet privacy bill:

"A bill that would allow consumers to sue Internet companies that mishandle their personal information moved a step closer to passage today, despite staunch opposition from Republicans and business groups."

Well, that about sums it up, really. How many times have we seen similar openings to news stories?

"A [Patient's Bill of Rights] (1) that would allow consumers to sue [HMOs] (2) that mishandle [their cases] (3) ran into staunch opposition from Republicans and [industry lobbyists.] (4)"

For (1) you could easily substitute "product liability laws," "environmental regulations," "guaranteed minimum wage laws," and of course "the Equal Rights Amendment." For (2) you could save time and just substitute "big soulless corporations who don't give a toss about anything except your money." For (3) I think "the life, health and well-being of you and your loved ones" will cover it nicely. For (4) just put down "their masters."

So somebody please tell me: why are they like this? Did nobody show these people A Christmas Carol when they were young?

By the way, don't think I'm letting the Democrats off, either. They have a completely different (all right, not really that different), but no less disappointing, set of ethical and reactionary problems. I'm just tired of the Republicans defining themselves, over and over again, as the no! no! we're not listening! blahblahblah can't hear you! party in the eyes of normal Americans. And by "normal" I mean real people, who may vote Republican ... or not. Not the weirdo idealogues who always seem to do well in politics.