Shiite Republicans

That's what Molly Ivins calls 'em -- but the breed is not confined to Texas.

The NC House of Representatives is evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans, with 60 members from each party. A few days ago, the GOP state Executive Committee voted to ban Co-Speaker Richard Morgan from holding any party post for five years.

Morgan's crime? Forming a governing coalition with the Democrats. He led a group of five Republican House members in organizing the coalition, and he shares the speakership with Democrat Jim Black of Mecklenburg County. In addition to deciding which bills come up for votes, the co-speakers play a key role in deciding how the state's budget will be allocated. In other words, they found a way to break the legislative gridlock and get things done. Which is why we sent 'em to Raleigh in the first place.

When I was growing up, that kind of cooperation was the norm. Politics was the art of compromise. Now these Shiite Republicans are so hell-bent on screwing the Democrats, they don't give a rat's ascot about accomplishing anything.

If you didn't get anything done at work, you'd get fired. I only wish NC voters would have sense enough to fire the perpetrators of this idiocy.

Coming soon: My take on suckers who lack the sense to vote in their own best interests.