■ In the House of Representatives, a recess is called a “district work period.” In the Senate, a recess is called a “nonlegislative period.” Among the taxpayers, a congressional recess is called blessed.
■ chilling effects dept. Gerald Ford recently made some criticisms of the way the Carter Administration is handling the economy and arms talks—Spoke Out, as they say in Washington. Next thing you knew, Carter was privately accusing Ford of a breach of faith—Ford, he said, had assured him he’d follow the precedent of other Chief Executives in refraining, for a spell, from attacking his successor. Tip O’Neill chimed in: “I don’t think it looks well in the eyes of the world for the President to be criticized by his predecessor.” Fritz Mondale found it all “unseemly and unfair” and “out of keeping with the American political tradition.” These are the avatars of candor and innovation who cheer when Andy Young yells “Fire!” in a crowded theater.
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