Monday Morning Open Thread

Good morning.

The federal government is cloaed today, which means most organizations in DC will be, too. Just about every entity related to government and politics follows the federal schedule. However, this is 2010 and it's not like people have to be in an office to do work.

The city is still a mess -- and we're getting another storm tomorrow. I know this is causing hardship for many people who don't have power and can't get around. But, being a native Mainer, I've been having fun. I've been able to cross-country ski all over town. And, Petey, like most dogs we've encountered, is loving it.

The President has a low-key schedule today. Yesterday, shortly before the Super Bowl, the White House announced it was holding a bipartisan summit on health care, which will take place on February 25th. This summit will apparently give the Hill Republicans a chance to showcase their ideas for "reform." As John noted, "It's hard to understand any method to the madness." The obsession with process over results within Team Obama is maddening.

Later this week, the U.S. House will vote to end the anti-trust exemption enjoyed by the insurance industry. The Senate, which is owned, in part, by the insurance industry, will probably never vote on that provision.

What's going on out there?