It is rare that the Sunday article deals with more than one event. Today I’m citing three which I believe have one “common denominator” (albeit of greatly different degrees). That common denominator is acting poorly.
Wednesday the Senate voted on whether to proceed with debate on a House passed measure that codified a woman’s right to choose. Keep in mind that regardless of the rhetoric to the contrary this was ONLY a motion to proceed! The Republicans filibustered the motion to proceed which meant 60 votes were necessary to overcome the filibuster. It failed 49-51. All 50 Republicans were joined by West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin. Of special note are Republicans Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska both of whom claim to be pro-choice but had issues with some specifics in the bill. That was also Manchin’s excuse.
Neither of this trio is a rookie. Here is a news flash for them: This was a motion to proceed which entails debate and the opportunity to offer amendments. In a situation (a very common one in Washington) that an amended form of the House bill would be passed in the Senate the House would then have the opportunity to pass the amended bill which would then go to the president’s desk for signature or veto. If that didn’t happen a conference committee would be appointed to work out the difference and then present both chambers with the “compromise” legislation. This may be too in the weeds for many at home but it is an everyday occurrence in Congress which veterans like our trio well know.
As part of the voter guide function I wanted to print the names of the 15 out of the 51 foes of women who are up for reelection this fall: John Boozman of Arkansas, Mike Crapo of Idaho, Chuck Grassley of Iowa, John Hoeven of North Dakota, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin (and Moscow), John Kennedy of Louisiana, James Lankford of Oklahoma, Mike Lee of Utah, Jerry Moran of Kansas, Murkowski of Alaska, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Marco Rubio of Florida, Tim Scott of South Carolina, John Thune of South Dakota and Todd Young of Indiana.
If you drove the getaway car in a bank robbery or gave aid and comfort to the fugitives you would be just as guilty as the person who passed the note to the teller and held the gun. With that thought in mind I’d like to cite the five insurrectionists who the 1/6 Committee issued subpoenas to this past week: Republicans Kevin McCarty of California, Jim Jordan of Ohio, Andy Biggs of Arizona, Mo Brooks of Alabama and Scott Perry of Pennsylvania. Brooks is seeking a “promotion” to the Senate (his bid is not going well at this point) the other four are up for reelection this fall.
Finally, I’d like to chastise some on the left. Their “sins” are nowhere near as serious. In the wake of the leak of the draft Court opinion that would overturn both Roe and Casey. A handful of peaceful demonstrators have taken to protesting outside the homes of several justices. Personally, I’m not much of a protest guy (I think I’ve been to two in my lifetime). However, there is no doubt that protests are effective in bringing attention to a problem; just not my thing. Like most things in life, I feel there are times and places. I believe in the Castle Doctrine and that extends to not demonstrating outside people homes (think Castles). Demonstrating outside their place of business/office – in this case the Court Building is fine; their homes not so much.
Our comic relief for the week came from Texas Senator Ted Cruz. He characterized the demonstrators outside the Justices’ homes as a violent mob of thugs while defending those who are responsible for the death of five police officers in relation to the insurrection of 1/6 as peaceful people engaged in political discourse. Humor or just more right wing raw sewage?
This article is the property of tellthetruthonthem.com and its content may not be used without citing the source. It may not be reproduced without the permission of Larry Marciniak.