Adventures in My Mind
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Apr 25, 2005
US Christian Conservatives Take Aim at Filibusters
Christian Conservatives were urged by Christian radio and television over the weekend to let their senators know that they favor the so-called "Nuclear Option" of removing the filibuster challenge from senate protocol. This would remove the last roadblock that Democrats could put up against radical conservative nominations for Federal judges.
Republicans and their Christian Conservative supporters will tell you that it is the only way that they will be able to get on with the nations business and fill critical spots on the federal bench. They will say that the filibuster is only good for derailing W's agenda - an agenda they say was supported by a "mandate" in last November's election. They will say that it is the right thing to do for the oppostition to role over and play dead. It is majority rule, after all.
I will tell you that it is a despicable plan to remove the last vestiges of democracy available to the minority in the face of the tyranny of the majority. It is true that the filibuster is a desperate act. And whether you believe it or not, these are desperate times. Desperate because we have a weak electorate that has once and for all given all of its individual authority and critical thought to the sound byte and the cravens who rule in D.C. Desperate because America has decided that good/moral = Christian = Republican agenda.
For more perspective see Duquesne University professor Bruce Ledewitz's End of American Democracy.
I am guilty of falling into the opposition camp and believing, just like the majority, that there is no room for compromise. Democracy must be preserved and the Republican agenda has precious little to do democracy. I would sooner see this country torn in half than to see Constitution shreded for the sake of what is politically expedient.
Democracy is hard. There will be disagreement. You will not get what you want sometimes. That doesn't mean, however, you have the right to change the rules so that you can. We must preserve the ability of the minority to stand up to the majority.
Do not allow senate Republicans to change the filibuster rules regarding judicial appointments. You may currently agree with Republicans, but remember this: one day you will be in the minority and the filibuster your only tool to avoid a certain railroading by the majority. Unfortunately, you may still not care, but you should. You most certainly should.
Please contact your own senators and tell them to avoid the "nuclear option". You can find them at Senate.gov.
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 1:40 PM
