Welcome Senator Franken

I find the swearing in of Al Franken to be of interest since he was so well known as a humorist and a liberal talk show host. If the time he spent as a humorist and comedy writer is being held against him then I wonder what these people think about the other members of the US Senate. I know that Charlie Cook is quoted as saying “A comedian would not be an effective senator – but then again, a comedian wouldn’t have won." That phase of Franken’s life has to be over. I seem to remember that Mark Twain was asked to run for a political position and that he stated that he did not want to compete against the professional humorists that were already in public life. I have noticed that many of the members of the congress are really comedians who do not seem to be able to get a gig at comedy club.
The article in today’s LA Times seems to indicate that as a new member Franken was very quiet on his first day in the Senate. Most new members are quiet and do not really do much until after spending some time to adjust and to become a member of the club. I do remember that one member of congress stated that in the house it took one term to learn were the rest rooms were located.
With most of a six year term remaining Franken has plenty of time to learn the way of the Senate and to make his mark. One day does not make a term of office and even if I never did find his comedy appearances very funny I do see him as a valued member of the Senate.

Senator Franken I do wish you well and know that you are a serious member of the Senate. Just remember that many Republicans are hoping you will fail, BUT do not let them ruin the good time that you should be able to have in office. If you can achieve your political goals and help the people of your state, do it. Also if you can make the members of the Senate feel good by not being overly serious, do that.