What Goes Around....

RadioBlogger is one of many who have the following quote from Barbara Boxer...

"Why would we give lifetime appointments to people who earn up to $200,000 a year, with absolutely a great retirement system, and all the things all Americans wish for, with absolutely no check and balance except that one confirmation vote. So we're saying we think you ought to get nine votes over the 51 required. That isn't too much to ask for such a super important position. There ought to be a super vote. Don't you think so? It's the only check and balance on these people. They're in for life. They don't stand for election like we do, which is scary."

Interesting...the Dems finally admit to misusing the filibuster in the Senate to block judicial appointments. Although the admission was not necessary, as even the most near-sighted, politico would have to recognize that tactic for what it was, it will be fun to replay over the denials we have endured over the past five years. I am sure Radioblogger and others are busy adding bytes to CDs that we will listen to well into the next election cycle...in two years.

What Senate Dems are going to have to live with are a couple of things. First, they outright blocked the fair efforts of the President to advance many candidates from diverse backgrounds. Where does this leave the Dems when they claim to represent the poor and oppressed, as they themselves suppress the advancement of candidates of color? It leaves them scrambling to hold onto 40 seats in the Senate. The more they attempt to obstruct, the more the tide rushes around them. So sorry.

Additionally, when the Republicans change the Senate rules next week, and out maneuver the Dems, they will have done it while operating within the rules of the Senate. As it has always been, a majority of the Senators can vote to change the rules. This is likely avoided in most circumstances because of the fear that the "rule changers" may, at some point, end up in the minority, and have the "new" rules used against them. But, as the Dems continue to slide out of the Senate, I see little fear in the eyes of the Republican Senators. In fact, I see a day when the Republicans will be happy to restore the old rules for the whining Dems, and be able to live with it, as they will easily have the 60 votes snap a filibuster

Remember, this tactic would not be required, if the Dems had had their say in committee, and even in full session, then allowed a vote in the full Senate, where these candidates would have prevailed.

Plainly put...the Dems thought they had the trump card, and were gleeful about the control they were wielding as the minority. They talked about this, as they had done about the recess appointments, they simply felt that the GOP would not pull the trigger on this option. Surprise...bluff called. Not only do you lose the judgeships, you lose popular support and seats in the Senate. Please boo-hoo as much as you want about the unfairness of it all. I love the drama.

Full speed ahead GOP...don't slow up for a second.