Monday, May 23, 2005
The Showdown in U.S. Senate - Judicial Nominees and Appointments
Lies and distortions, smoke and mirrors
As the zero hour approaches for the so called "Nuclear" option over President Bush's judicial nominees, we know about the major players in this battle.
What do we know of the facts--the history of judicial appointments?
And what do we really know of how the American people feel?
For the answer to the first question all one needs to do is to look at the chart below (published in NY Times May 18, 2005). These are historical facts, not numbers cooked up by reporters of the Times.
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| May 18, 2005 |
As to the second question, the Republican senators pushing the nuclear option feel that they have the backing of their constituents. How many of their constituents are aware of the facts and the significance of this unprecedented political muscle flexing is another matter. Editorials in newspapers as diverse as The Chattanoogan, Salt Lake Tribune, and Roanoke Times have come out against the tactics being used by Majority Leader Bill Frist and the senators who are supporting the nuclear option. While refraining from public statements, The White House is deeply involved...and is in full suppoort of what is going on in the senate.
This is an example of "power corrupts" at its worst. It is almost as if the Republicans are sure that they will enjoy majority for ever.
