This past week's good news for reformers is likely to continue in the weeks and months to come. Record campaign fundraising (see Schwarzenegger's bid to raise $120 million in the California gubernatorial race) and the continued stench of national scandal will lift reform efforts in Washington DC and across the country this year and beyond.

Republicans in Congress have signaled that they want reform -- but not very much reform. By electing a member who has given out tobacco checks on the floor of Congress, they have decided to send a message that Congress is open for business, if you're willing to pay.

I think (initially) there is always some caution, because people have never seen it work before _ and they always want somebody else to be the one to try it out.

Speaking at a very loud volume has an impact on those who cannot speak so loudly.