Hastert left Congress for recess early headed to a meeting in Japan.

Why?  It's hard to know exactly because he didn't publicize this trip anywhere that I can find.

But, reading the press accounts in Japan, it's not hard to guess why. 

Seems anti-war politicians in Japan now have the ability to block an extension of the law which mandates logistical support for coalition forces in Afghanistan by the Japanese military.  Our Ambassador, Dept. Secretary of State (and I assume Hastert) are all making the rounds trying to get the law extended.  Hastert is a big Japan aficionado having worked there in the past, and long rumored to be interested in an Ambassadorship there.

So why is this Japanese law so important?  Well, if Japan doesn't provide the logistical support for the Afghanistan war, then someone else will have to.  It's likely our forces will have to pick up those responsibilities.  And, I suppose it goes without saying the US doesn’t have a lot of military resources just sitting around waiting to be utilized. That’s because they are all tied up in Iraq.

Not to mention our Representative missed 'the' vital vote on the FISA law. His vote is not in doubt. But, if he is indeed traveling to Japan to cheerlead the failing efforts in Afghanistan at the expense of important house votes, well that’s just unacceptable. Let the Secretary of State deal with things like this.

My hope is that Mr. Hastert spend more time in Washington and continue his vocal fight against the SCHIP program. I relish his fight against health insurance for America’s children which seems to be his pet cause this year. 

But, if he is going there to measure for curtains, then more power to him!