The war in Iraq keeps getting worse. Gas prices remain high. Corruption is oozing through Congress. And hurricane season just started.

So what are Republicans in Washington preoccupied with?

This week it’s banning gay marriage and repealing the estate tax.

Next week it’s banning flag burning and criminalizing Janet Jackson’s left breast, aka upping indecency fines.

Bob Geiger of Democrats.com calls it “Wedge-Issue June.” I prefer irrelevancy month.

Can disaffected conservatives be bought off this cheaply? After six years in power, are symbolism and scandal the only things Republicans have left to offer the country?

These steps are truly pathetic. No wonder seventy percent of Americans believe Congress doesn’t share their priorities.