Few things really set my blood boiling these days. But Dan Quatro's comments in the D&C this morning did the trick.

Quatro is majority leader in the Monroe County Legislature. The Lej picked a new trustee for MCC last night. That is to say, the Republicans did. The GOP deigned to share John Bartolotta's name with the rest of the world - including their Democratic counterparts - one whole day before the vote, then introduced it as a "matter of urgency" the next night. In GOP-speak, that means "We don't want to give anyone a chance to really think about this."

When Democrats complained about being excluded, Quarto said - according to the D&C - that allowing Democrats to vet Bartolotta would've been a "political sideshow."

Mercy.  

The Church of Minarik may have lost its leader, but the devotion continues.

Yes, Mr. Quatro, one-party rule has been working out so well, hasn't it?

Shall we recount the miseries of the last year? The FAIR Plan, public defender, MCC, and the Water Authority scandals among them. If allowing Democrats to properly vet a candidate before voting is a "political sideshow," these things are what? Legitimate theater?

Let's take it a step further: let's close Congressional hearings to everyone but the party in power. How about separate bathrooms for Republicans and Democrats - Joe Lieberman can whiz on the lawn. George Bush has almost eliminated the presidential press conference, anyway, so let's bury that for good. Wouldn't want anyone asking uncomfortable questions of the Rhinestone Cowboy in Chief.

There is a difference between what is right and what is expedient.

And you are wrong, Mr. Quatro. Wrong. Wrong. Dead wrong.

But I bet you made your ol' Uncle Stevie mighty proud.