Republican Clapper

Congressional Republicans floated a government shutdown, suggesting it would send a serious message about deficit reduction.  Republicans turned off the lights during the Clinton years and paid a clear political price. 

Two years ago, Republicans asked the Capital lights be turned back on.  They wanted to address America's energy crisis via "Drill Here, Drill Now."  Here's the pattern:

Lights off (1995)
Lights on (2008)
Lights off (2010)

Who knew the Clapper would symbolize Republican strategy?  That's one odd Circadian Rhythm.  The days keep getting stranger.