Turning the page in D.C.
The U.S. House has decided to end its page program, with Speaker John Boehner and Nancy Pelosi saying the $5 million cost can no longer be justified.
The savings are meaningless, but the action is one more symbol of how things have changed in Congress.
Once upon a time, the program was considered a worthwhile investment in young men and women who aspired to gain firsthand exposure to Washingtonís corridors of power. While the labors were menial ó ferrying messages and documents around the Capitol ó competition was fierce for the roughly 70 page spots filled each year by high-school juniors who applied through the office of their districtís congressional representative. The program was both a way to recognize ambitious young achievers and give them an insiderís look at how Washington works.
Come to think of it, maybe itís best the program is ending. Instead of seeing how our legislative system works, these days congressional pages get a crash course in how it doesnít.