Class Act

Happy Americans look on as President George W. Bush signs the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005 on February 18; legislation aimed at discouraging multimillion-dollar class-action lawsuits against large corporations. Even as he signed it he made clear that he had his sights set on much broader restraints.

Next up, Bush said, should be curbs on asbestos litigation and medical malpractice awards.

Some might note that under Vice President Dick Cheney, Halliburton's Kellogg Brown & Root unit -- the single largest benefactor of no-bid support contracts in the War on Terror -- entered bankruptcy protection to avoid paying billions of dollars in class action awards regarding, specifically, asbestos litigation. Halliburton was represented in several such actions by Houston law firm Vinson & Elkins, whose rising star employee at the time was -- you guessed it -- Alberto Gonzales. Mr. Gonzales went on to become Texas Supreme Court Justice for a year, during which time the courts overthrew a $2.6m finding against Halliburton's KBR even amid evidence of a full court judicial pay-off. He did not recuse himself.

No kidding -- Google "Halliburton" and "asbestos" and tell me that you don't see a connection to this legislation.

Also, why the hell are legally bankrupt companies even considered for multi-billion dollar government contracts, bid or no-bid?

I guess that's why they call it a bill.

Diplomatic Body Language

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, right, looks on as Dutch Foreign Minister Ben Bot answers a question during their joint news conference at the State Department in Washington, Friday, Feb. 18, 2005.

When he's not looking, Condi gives him that "I'd just as soon eat your young" look.