There was a time, not that long ago, when Democrats packed up their tiny suitcases and left the supposedly-sinking ship of the Democratic Party. Now it's Arlen Specter swimming the other way. Of course he gets something for that: the promise of no support for a primary challenger from the Pennsylvania Democratic Party.
If the above paragraph gives the impression that I call Specter a rat, my apologies. Rats are noble in their own way.
Some very good news for rats which are rare enough and for those of us who'd like to pass some wildlife on to the next generations:
The Obama administration on Tuesday revoked a rule enacted toward the end of the Bush administration that it said undermined protections under the Endangered Species Act.
Federal agencies must "once again consult with federal wildlife experts at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — the two agencies that administer the ESA — before taking any action that may affect threatened or endangered species," the Interior and Commerce departments said in a statement.
I was furious when the Bush administration changed those protections and I'm very happy to see them back. Even if they then end up protecting a few rats.