Former Vice President Al Gore recently gave a speech to the Senate Environment Committee and answered questions about global warming, offering his suggestions for what needs to be done in the next few years.

What we witnessed from Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) was the symptom of a larger problem. The senator was questioning Gore on various topics and was not giving him a chance to respond. At one point Inhofe told Gore that "from now on I'm going to ask you to respond in writing."

Inhofe then continued to make accusations and ask questions without allowing Gore to get a word in. At that point Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), the chairwoman of the committee, cut Inhofe off and told him that she would give him additional time so that Gore could answer.

Inhofe wasn't having it and said what he wanted the rules to be. Boxer quickly let him know who was boss: "No, that isn't the rule. You're not making the rules. You used to when you did this. Elections have consequences. So I make the rules." The crowd in the chamber then applauded Boxer with a dismayed Inhofe beside her.

Republicans don't seem to be aware of the fact that Democrats are now in charge of the House and Senate. Before the elections, Republicans let Bush do whatever he fancied and no one was held accountable when something fishy came up.

Now that the Democrats are spearheading efforts to investigate the firing of U.S. attorneys, Bush does not have a convenient Republican fig leaf Congress to cover his follies. Eight prosecutors were fired under Bush, and the circumstances appear extremely worrisome.

One case that hits home is the firing of John McKay, the former U.S. attorney here in our very own Seattle. McKay was the attorney during the 2004 governor's election, which required a recount that ultimately indicated that Gregoire won.

McKay testified to Congress that the chief of staff for Rep. Doc Hastings (R-Wash.) had called him and asked about investigating voter fraud. McKay said he was "concerned and dismayed by the call."

He stated that he cut off the call immediately because he was afraid it would constitute obstruction of justice. No charges were filed and Gregoire remains our governor, but not without whining from nearly every Republican I can think of.

McKay was fired, as were seven other U.S. attorneys across the country. The other attorneys' situations were also a little troubling, prompting Democrats to begin an investigation to make sure they weren't fired for refusing to prosecute Democrats when the attorneys found no reason to prosecute.

Democrats want to bring high-ranking Republicans before Congress, put them under oath and question them about the firings. Bush offered to let people testify, including Karl Rove, but only if they aren't put under oath.

Democrats are threatening to issue subpoenas, and Republicans are threatening to take back their offer. Bush will most likely claim executive privilege and try to do anything possible to make sure they don't have to testify under oath.

The Republicans need to remember that checks and balances are the building blocks of our political system, and the 2006 election with a Democratic victory brought those building blocks back to our government. The Democrats make the rules in Congress now, and if they want to investigate something that looks wrong, they have the right and duty to do it.

Boxer said she's making the rules now, and it won't be the last time that Democrats will have to put their foot down on GOP members who want to dance around an issue or just sweep something under the rug. Republicans can either sit on the sidelines pouting and stomping their feet, or they can join the game and start playing by Democratic rules.

Reach columnist Hunter Kincaid at opinion@thedaily.washington.edu.