Just a thought: does anyone doubt that if, in the context of the Massachusetts election, the parties were reversed, facing an electoral loss that left them with a 59-41 vote majority (The Village Voice, this morning, headlined "Scott Brown Wins Mass. Race, Giving GOP 41-59 Majority In The Senate"), Republicans would say the loss was because their candidate wasn't a true conservative, and would dig in even harder? But, in droves, Congressional Democrats -- especially in the Senate -- are bailing. What a pathetic bunch of losers. They don't deserve the power the people, in overwhelming numbers, granted them a year ago.
True to form, the Ds will slink away and commit seppuku, gladly handed the knife by their colleagues across the aisle.
And yet. Brown represents Democrats, and he approved of that same plan for Massachusetts. He may keep his promise and vote against that plan *as it is currently written*--but he may also set an example of collegiality and crossing the aisle, something desperately needed there right now, in order to improve it.
ReplyDeleteAnd you might want to read my post for a little comforting history re filibusters. http://spindyeknit.com/2010/01/so-whos-afraid-of-a-little-filibuster/ (I don't name my grandfather there, because I'm not in the same political party as he was nor do I wish to be affiliated therewith. But he was a US Senator for 24 years, starting in the early 50's.)
You can come over and join the bright side. You'll find smart people (a lot of docs, btw), thoughtful conversation, morals, and people who will stand for what they believe. We'd be glad to have you.
ReplyDeletejd
Wow. Morals. Gee, I wonder what it would be like to be around people like that!
ReplyDeleteThe problem is that what they seem to stand for is pretty much the opposite of me: theocracy, every-man for himself, discrimination, race-baiting, seeking to divide the country, anti-intellectualism, dishonest politics...
I'm very disenchanted with the Democrats in Congress (in fact, the only thing worse is the Republicans in Congress -- it's one thing to be firm in their resolve, another also to be wrong); but I DO believe in compromise in a democracy, obligation to the less-fortunate (ironic for an atheist, huh?)(actually, not), reasonable regulation, balanced budgets, appropriate levels of taxation, separation of church and state, and, maybe most importantly, the Constitution. Unfortunately, your side (maybe not you) doesn't believe in any of that.
So I'm stuck with my beliefs and not much hope of seeing them bear fruit, no place to go with them.