A smidgin of thanks to Barney, Mitch, even Obama

[Geee]

Washington Examiner:



Josh Reynolds/AP U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., addresses supporters party in Newton, Mass Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2010 after winning re-election in the 4th Congressional District. Frank faced Republican Sean Bielat in Tuesday's general election.

Bailed out banks report soaring profits, but still Republicans and Democrats both push more corporate welfare while our national debt balloons. Senators, congressmen, and top aides from both parties continue to cash out at record pace, putting their "public service" to work as lobbyists helping special interests win handouts.

As a journalist specializing in lobbying and the tawdrier aspects of the business-government intersection, it's easy to find grist for indignant columns. But it's harder to find things to be thankful for.

But it's Thanksgiving. So I worked hard, and came up with four things to be thankful for in the otherwise depressing intersection of business, government, and lobbying.