May 22, 2005

Republican Kingdom

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- There are some things that make you throw your hands up in the air and wonder.

Gas prices have leveled off at about $2 per gallon in South Carolina, coming down from about $2.15. No weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq with yet another report confirming that intelligence was being gathered and formed around administration policy, according to a The Washington Post report published May 21.

The U.S. Senate worried about finding a way to keep energy prices down? They calling for hearings to hold President Bush accountable for going to war under false pretenses? Doesn't look like it. They worried about dealing with the Senate minority's right to voice their dissent through filibuster? You bet ya!

Last week started proceedings in the Senate to implement what Democrats call the "nuclear option." To me, it sounds like playground politics. It's our ball, the Republican majority say, we're going to change the rules so they favor us. My bet is these were the same people who, as kids, ruled the school playground with bully tactics and fear.

In all, 208 Bush judicial nominees have made their way to Senate confirmation between his first term as president and now. Yes, 208 have made it through both Democrat and Republican controlled Senates with fewer than 10 to go. That's all these Republican bullies are trying to shove through a hesitant Democratic minority, and probably some moderate Republicans who voice a nameless opinion in support of keeping the rules the way they've been for clearly 200 years.

com pro mise n 1. A settlement of a dispute in which two or more sides agree to accept less than they originally wanted. 2. Something that somebody accepts because what was wanted is unattainable.
v 1. vi To settle a dispute by agreeing to accept less than what was originally wanted. 2. vt To undermine or devalue something or somebody by making concessions.

That's all that need be done. A little compromise on the part of the Republicans wouldn't hurt the democracy one bit. How the hell do they think the country has survived 215 years without potential overthrow or uprising by The People? I don't advocate that now, but some activism on Election Day would be a welcome change by voting out the people who care more about shoving their ideologies down American throats than the good of the people.

So I "look forward" to this week's Senate business with a great deal of trepidation and only a sliver of hope.

- Rich