Slipping through the governmental system of checks and balances like a greased hog, President Bush used a recess appointment to bypass a Senate filibuster in appointing comedian Richard Pryor to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday. Bush defended the appointment by explaining that the Court of Appeals hasn’t made him laugh in a good, long time.

Bush praised Pryor as “this really funny black guy” who was sure to be a hit with his fellow justices. In addition, the president expressed bewilderment that Senate Democrats would want to block yet another of his appointments, commenting that he thought everybody liked Richard Pryor. “Hey, this is fun,” responded an elated Bush when given word that Pryor had been successfully installed.

The recess appointment was Bush’s second since Senate Democrats mounted successful filibusters to block the president’s last five appeals court nominees, including stuntman Evel Knievel, Hollywood actor Russell Crowe, Yankees shortstop Alex Rodriguez, famous child psychologist Dr. Spock and the cartoon character Fat Albert. Following his unsuccessful attempt to have the African-American animated character installed in the court, Bush used his first recess appointment to add soulful latina singer Gloria Estefan to the circuit court last month.

Senate Democrats defend their filibuster tactics as necessary to protect the President from himself, explaining that they shouldn’t be viewed as a personal vendetta against a president who thinks he can appoint whoever the hell he wants to the nation’s courts.

“Look I love A-Rod,” confided Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle. “That guy can hit the piss out of a baseball. But I’m just not sure he belongs on the appeals court.”

“At least he exists,” interrupted Sen. Charles Schumer, D-New York. “Remember back in 2001 when he wanted to appoint Gandolf and that guy who was Sylvester Stallone’s trainer in Rocky? Jesus Christ.”

Bush appointed the comedian and actor despite suggestions that Pryor might be physically unfit for the position, given the debilitating effects of the Multiple Sclerosis from which the comedian suffers.

“I’m sure he’ll be fine,” explained Bush. “He’s probably just making it all up to have a good laugh at us. That guy’s hilarious.”

This latest appointment is expected to have a positive effect on the president, who is said to be in down spirits since the death of “Spotty,” the White House dog, last week. Though the dog came with the job, Bush had become especially attached to the canine over the last three years, and hoped to pay off the dog’s lease in order to take it with him when he left the White House. Though he’s not sure of the exact clause involved, President Bush expressed confidence that his renter’s agreement states that the White House now has to get him a new dog. He’s hoping for a Pomeranian or a golden retriever that can do tricks.