War Funding The vote was scheduled for 10:00 a.m. The chamber smelled faintly of polished wood and recycled air. Flags stood in symmetrical pairs behind the raised dais. Screens glowed with muted graphics: DEFENSE REALIGNMENT BILL — HUMANITARIAN STABILIZATION SUPPLEMENT. Language had done most of the work already. Outside, protestors gathered behind designated barriers. Their signs were colorful but not aligned. Their chants lacked rhythm. The police presence was calm. Not