May 24, 2005
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I wish to extend a heartfelt thank-you to John McCain (R-Arizona) and Ben Nelson (D-Nebraska) for crafting a compromise in the Senate that has put a halt to my immediate plans to open a branch office for my firm in
One of the greatest constructs of our system of government is the principle of checks and balances. Even a cursory examination of history demonstrates that when one group within a society gains too much power the results are always devastating. Apparently Bill Frist hasn’t read a history book.
I was having a discussion with one of my Republican friends here at the office about this issue and he made the following comment: “If a majority of Americans feel a particular way about an issue, then the rest of Americans should be forced to bend to their will.” He said this without even a hint of irony. I was reminded of a line I heard in “Revenge of the Sith” this weekend. Padme makes the statement that “Democracy always dies to the sound of thunderous applause.” No truer words have ever been spoken, even if they are coming out of the mouth of a Star Wars character.
I’m afraid; very, very, afraid.
My friend went on to say that, as a nation, we have to be protected from left-wing extremists. I agree! We also need to be protected from right-wing extremists! That’s what “checks and balances” is all about. That is why a filibuster is an integral part of American politics that cannot be tampered with.
When I brought up the issue of right-wing extremists, he stated that he was not aware of an issue on which the far-right would be considered “extreme”. I beg to differ. Allow me offer two recent examples:
Texas – Texas has passed a law that will keep us safe from the single most corrupting influence on the moral integrity of today’s youth…sexy cheerleading. Did anyone hear the sound of rushing wind as the time portal was opened up back to the early sixties when the networks would only show Elvis Presley and Joe Cocker from the neck up because of their “sexy” hip moves?
Ridiculous legislation aside, neither the far-right or far-left needs to be making decisions for all of us. I’m taking a deep breath because, for now, the filibuster will remain a tool of the minority. I’m just praying fervently that our Supreme Court Justices all stay healthy and happy until the reign of George W. has come to a close.
Comments (8)
when it is on your side, it is never extreme, didn’t you know?
what has blown me away is this republican innocence. that claim that they never used the filibuster to shoot down clinton’s nominees. i especially like frist’s “it’s unconstitutional.” um, no, the nuclear option would have been unconstitutional. some of those old time lawmakers were pretty good at using the filibuster.
I’m of the opinion that every contemporary lawmaker should be forced to watch Frank Capara’s Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (starring Jimmy Stewart – http://imdb.com/title/tt0031679/) In that film, a no-idea civilian is appointed to fill a senate vacancy, and stands up against the corruption and extremism. How? A fillabuster. It’s beautiful.
I absolutely abhor partisan politics. When people say “The right blah blah blah” or “Those liberals…” just churns my stomach. We’re people. People with our own ideologies…but I’m quickly losing my idealism and seeing that many blindly follow the ideology set before them – right and left. That being said, the power of the people with a right leaning agenda scares me in this government. The calls for impeachment of judges during the Terri Schivo debacle were th last straw. I’m scared for our constitutional integrity.
I think the time tunnel has actually gone back to the 50′s… when Lucy and Desi had to have twin beds on tv.
“When I brought up the issue of right-wing extremists, he stated that he was not aware of an issue on which the far-right would be considered “extreme”.”
Wow, I almost fell right out of my chair when I read that!
At least we can take “some” sollace in the fact that the Republican party appears to be showing signs of a rift in the ranks. Between the debate over stem-cell research, the unwillingness of Frist to actualy attempt the nuclear option, and several republicans breaking ranks and opposing Boltons nomination, I can only hope that their discontent with Bush is growing. Especialy since most of them will face reelection.
I’m glad your friend is not the one holding the “Get a brain! Morans” poster. Morans? Too bad spell check only works on computers…
Sorry this isn’t in any way related to your post. It’s a lovely post, with some excellent acting…I mean, thinking. But I come from a long line of librarians, English majors, and Spelling Bee winners, and this has been bugging me for quite a while.
…and I feel like a HUGE dork now, for not getting what you meant by your caption. Thanks for correcting me! Further thanks if you’ll allow me to get away with a plea of temporary insanity (or unwittiness?), brought on by the mental overload of four research projects all vying for my attention simultaneously. Or you can just write me off as a dumb blonde.
I know I’m posting late, but I’m catching up as I have been out of the country. And should the need arise, I think Canada would be a lovely place to set up shop. Especially the Calgary area. Beautiful place
And I agree with Jordan, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington should be required in every government class and then reviewed by every lawmaker before taking the oath of office.