The American Spectator

br> — Lamar Johnson br> Portland, Oregon /p>

The term “codel” refers to a congressional delegation that visits U.S. embassies/consulates overseas to familiarize the participants with problems or particular aspects of our foreign policy. Although the term “junket” can also be used, connoting light and transient reasons for the trip, a “codel” visit can, if well-organized and properly scheduled, have a beneficial outcome for the participants.

Sen. Arlen Specter’s many “codel” visits to Israel and other locales have cost the U.S. taxpayer thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of dollars. I wait for the fruits of the senator’s wisdom to appear, but, alas, I wait in vain. But Specter is not unique in taking government-sponsored trips; what makes him special is that he pushes the envelope. Included in his travel plans there is the requirement to schedule his daily squash game, and Lord have mercy on the embassy official or Senate aide who foolishly forgets the senator’s priorities. Hell hath no fury as a Specter disappointed. Or his requirement that the plane, often a U.S. government jet, be plentifully stacked with Evian water. None of that Maine spring stuff for Snarlin’ Arlen. And, of course, while in Israel, our senator from Pennsylvania, by way of Russell, Kansas, can, if he can find the time from his onerous duties, visit his sister. Ain’t life grand!

Senator Specter’s metamorphosis into an Attila with a Kansas twang is as phony as the Social Security cards now being sold along the U.S./Mexican border. His unceasing refusal to follow party lines is legendary: he led the charge against Robert Bork, voted to increase taxes, and, more often than not, supports the Democratic Party’s social program, including partial birth abortion. Yet, this president and the Republican Party stalwarts will not even show neutrality towards Pat Toomey, a Republican conservative’s dream candidate. But that may just be the problem. After all, if Senator Specter is good enough for George Soros, then he must also be good enough for George Bush.

But if there is one big loser in this primary election, it is the credibility of Pennsylvania’s other senator, Rick Santorum. Specter and Santorum are polar opposites on social, as well as economic, issues. The latter, while writing as a columnist in a Catholic monthly, has often decried the need for representatives/senators similar to Toomey, but after standing aloof at first, Santorum, probably coerced by the White House, endorsed the Specter candidacy. It is a sorry spectacle: Santorum supporting Specter!

p>”Nolite confidere principbus.” Place not your trust in princes. br> — Vincent Chiarello br> Reston, Virginia br> /p>