Oh… except for this.

“President Obama plans to focus attention on immigration next week by meeting at the White House with two senators crafting a bill on the issue.  White House spokesman Nicholas Shapiro said Mr. Obama will meet with Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York and Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina on Monday.”

That “Monday” was yesterday, March 8.  As it turns out, Graham was unable to attend the meeting because his flight was canceled.  Even with 3 US Airways flights daily non-stop from Columbia, SC to DC?  Perhaps I’m being a bit skeptical — or maybe when news of this meeting leaked last week, Lindsey got cold feet.  And we all know how much Graham loves some immigration.

In any case, “immigration reform” appears to be the next torch for Obama to carry.  That sad, worn-out torch.  Though this could be the opening act for Obama’s campaign promises, this most likely surfaced simply as a diversion.  Case in point:

– For months now, Schumer and Graham have been working on “bi-partisan” immigration reform legislation, but have yet to find any Republican co-sponsors

– Reform advocates have scheduled a rally/march on the National Mall on March 21

– As Politico’s Ben Smith suggests and a Pelosi aide eludes to, Easter (April 4) may mark the final showdown for healthcare reform, with important votes in the House and Senate on March 19 and March 21

I’m not suggesting that Congress can’t multi-task, yet we’ve seen how unfortunately efficient they can be behind closed doors.  Whether this sudden interest in  ”immigration reform” is legitimate or diversionary, I’m issuing the Congressional BOLO.  If this turns out to be McCain-Kennedy all over again, melt phones.  And if this is just a “look over here!” healthcare reform rope-a-dope, melt whatever phones remain.

Yet, before cherishing the irony of a “British tea party,” consider why this event shouldn’t have been so remarkable.  The shared ideals of the hundreds of thousands who have attended tea parties are, by no means, exclusively American.  Simply put, the will of free people to assert economic and individual liberty dwarfs that paltry pond known as the Atlantic.  And, for whatever the British lack in cuisine, I believe their hunger for limited, representative, and economically responsible government grows daily.  And for decent food.

*Full disclosure:  I have the highest regard for Daniel Hannan and, if biologically capable, would have his babies.

Crosslinked at thestrategery.com