Senate Judiciary Committee members Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold voted March 27 in a way that makes you wonder if they really mean what they say on their homepages about how they're protecting the interests of their constituents. Kohl's homepage says he's "fighting for families." Whose? Mexico's? And his new TV campaign ads tell us that the "people of Wisconsin are his 'special interests. ' " (Sniff! Where's the Kleenex?) And (Sniff!) here's what Feingold, who says the country is ready for its "first Cheesehead President," boasts on his homepage:

"It is now more important than ever that Congress be proactive in taking care of the working men and women who are the heart and soul of our economy in Wisconsin and around the country. I am also working to ensure that American workers receive the benefits and protections they deserve."

But look what he just said in defense of his throwing in with the cheap labor lobby and Vicente Fox:

March 28, 2006

"At the beginning of this debate, I said I would support meaningful, pragmatic, comprehensive immigration reform. I voted for the bill that the Senate Judiciary Committee approved today because it meets that test. It is not a perfect bill, but it recognizes that we will all be better off if Congress creates a realistic immigration system that allows foreign workers to come into the country legally to work when there is truly a need for their labor, and that ensures our government knows who is already here. We can and must improve our efforts to protect our borders, but we cannot focus exclusively on enforcement. My continued support for this legislation will depend on whether the improvements adopted today in the Judiciary Committee remain after the full Senate considers the bill."

Kohl, as I write this, has yet to explain his vote on his homepage and I'm not holding my breath that he will. But it's not surprising given his apparent lack of interest in the proceedings during the past few weeks. When he did show up, one observer noted that he "just sat there, staring into space." (I wonder if that included the session where Kohl walked in, sat down, and "left 10 minutes later.") Watching these two "lawmakers" during these proceedings ( as well the majority of their Committee colleagues) has convinced me that the swearing in ceremony for new members of Congress should either be discontinued or at least require a new oath of office that better reflects today's "political realities." Let's see, um, how about:

"I do solemnly swear to abandon all allegiance to this nation, its citizens and its laws, and I will, to the best of my ability, fulfill all obligations to Corporate America and all corrupt foreign governments unwilling to provide for their own people, so help me God."

The Committee's 12-6 vote not only dumped all over American workers but put its stamp of approval on President Bush's idea of "American values" You know, the same values he "honors" each Veterans Day.