Don't Go Out Without 'Em

Timeclocks next? Ankle bracelets? Washington Post (03.31.05):

"President Bush is requiring Cabinet members to spend several hours a week at the White House compound, a move top aides say eases coordination with government agencies but one seen by some analysts as fresh evidence of the White House's tightening grip over administration policy." Bush Is Keeping Cabinet Secretaries Close to Home

On one hand, "(o)ne White House official said the policy has caused some consternation among some of the Cabinet secretaries..." On the other, in a scintillating display of nasal-anal dexterity, Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao said, "'Having an office and time to work at the White House is a great way to build an effective and cohesive team.'" Rah, rah, rah. Claude A. Allen, domestic policy adviser, feels the new policy "allows us (at the White House) to work on a much more regular basis with the Cabinet in helping to manage issues.'" Which clearly is a more diplomatic way of saying it sure helps in keeping tabs on the bastards. How much latitude does a Cabinet Secretary really have? Ha, ha. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez (former CEO of Kellogg) wanted to bring in a fella named George Franklin, a Kellogg vice president, as his senior adviser. "But the White House scuttled that plan after officials learned that Franklin had made a $500 contribution to the presidential campaign of Democrat John F. Kerry, an administration source said." As well, it turns out Mr. Franklin also was an avid supporter of Representative Joe Schwarz (R - MI7) in Mr. Schwarz' successful campaign for Congress in 2004. Mr. Schwarz ran John McCain's 2000 presidential campaign in Michigan. Mr. McCain won that primary, pissing off Karl Rove to no end.