Congress Did Something So Spectacularly Creepy That It's Too Unbelievable To Make Up

On the House floor, Congressman Chris Van Hollen decided to get a clarification on the rules of the shutdown. Apparently, normally any congressperson can call for a vote on any bill at any time. But just before the shutdown happened, the GOP quietly passed a measure that said only House Majority Leader Eric Cantor can call for the shutdown to end (unless he gives a designee permission). Not even the most senior GOP congressperson, Speaker of the House John Boehner, is allowed to do it, without permission from his own guy.
Here's the thing. Democrats are not always right. Neither are Republicans. The political system is messed up from top to bottom. But this is just crazy. The guy in charge of the GOP can't end the shutdown. Watch and see. At 5:00, we get to the reality of the situation.

Adam Mordecai More from Adam »

If you want more details, check out Talking Points Memo's excellent coverage. It shouldn't matter what party does it. This is nuts. You could share this if you want to help apply pressure to end the shutdown and the dangerous game that is playing out right now. Totally up to you though.