Two weeks ago, Republicans staged a sudden takeover of the evenly split state Senate when two Democrats switched sides and supported a leadership change that would have put Republicans in control of the chamber. Democrats retaliated by locking the doors to the Senate, so no business could be transacted.
At that point, it was time to pull up a seat and watch the fun unfold.
The New York Post, one of New York City's two irreverent tabloid newspapers, sent a clown to the state capitol to underline the obvious. Gov. David Paterson, who is dealing with approval ratings usually associated with plagues and natural disasters, asserted that the situation was ridiculous, that the legislators were behaving like children, but then urged them to "think of the lobbyists" and all their hard work.
Paterson is partially blind, but urging lawmakers to show a little compassion to lobbyists seems spectacularly tone-deaf.
The whole circus reached the jugglers-and-elephants level last week when state Sen. Pedro Espada, one of the two dissident Democrats, explained that as president pro tempore of the Senate, he should be allowed two votes when there are ties since the lieutenant governor's seat is vacant and he's the acting lieutenant governor. Paterson offered to preside over the Senate himself, but, The New York Post reported, Republicans hooted at the proposal.
To add a litle flavor to the tale, Espada is under investigation by the state attorney general for possible misappropriation of funds, and there's some question about whether he actually lives in the district he represents. The other renegade Democrat, state Sen. Hiram Monserrate, has been indicted for slashing his girlfriend in the face with a broken drinking glass.
To paraphrase Earl Long, the colorful one-time Louisiana governor, this is excellent entertainment but it's hardly good government. Bills that would allow cash-strapped New York counties to charge additional sales tax haven't moved, along with legislation dealing with school governance and gay marriage.
The old adage has it that laws are like sausages: it's better not to see them being made. In this case, however, it's gone beyond sausage-making to an all-out food fight.