As I have said in a number of recent radio interviews, I am not a religious person but I get down on my knees every day and pray that the Catfood Commission II collapses, does nothing and goes home. A glimmer of hope for that:

Democrats said they were dismayed to see Republicans rallying around the proposal without offering further concessions to address Democrats’ concerns.

“Republicans took a step backward today by coalescing around the Toomey plan, which Democrats have roundly rejected,” a Democrat close to the negotiations said Tuesday night. “That’s a troubling, worrisome sign. The door is still open; discussions will continue. But if this becomes the Republicans’ last, best, final offer, they could be dooming these negotiations.”

   Well, praise the whatever. It looks hopeful that nothing will happen–unless the Stupendously Stupid Sixty do something even dumber. Which is always possible.

   Remember, if these dopes go home with no deal, the Bush tax cuts will expire at the end of the year–a welcome event for the federal budget…and the people.