DISQUS

FedUp · 2 years ago

Every day in so many ways, Harry confirms that he is a weak, spineless political hack who puts the party ahead of the people! I hope that the people of Nevada kick him out the next time he comes up for reelction! I'm hopint that we will get rid of Murtha here as well!

SupplyGuy · 2 years ago

I would say that the American people will be the eventual winners when the few decent democrats left in the country team up w/ the independents to vote w/ us and install a truely conservative government.

Or maybe I'm just dreaming and we're just heading for the cliff even faster.

MikeD · 2 years ago

'start a "throw them all out" reaction from the American electorate.' Start? START? The level of disgust is already sufficient and the reasons perfectly manifest. Both parties representatives with both their earmarks and less obvious monetary crimes are incurably crooked and corrupt, neither party has any intent on serving the populace only themselves, and the Democrats , on a daily basis, show a self-serving intransigence that belies any degree of intelligence. Throw them out? NO, Line them all up against a wall as an object lesson and then start over from scratch.

John · 2 years ago

Just about the only Democrat in the entire Senate with anything approaching common sense is Joe Lieberman and look what they did to him.

A pox on them.

K T Cat · 2 years ago

I would think that you could craft a pretty effective ad campaign just by doing a side-by-side comparison of what they spent their time on and what they did not.

olddeadmeat · 2 years ago

I really like that idea, you have enough material for a TV mini series already.

howardlohmuller · 2 years ago

Under Senator Reid's leadership, the Senate has fallen into disrepute. Senator Reid didn't cause it but his poor leadership allows everyone to see clearly that the body is not doing it's work and that the Senate is inhabited mainly by a bunch of traveling salesmen.
There are two remedies. One, Joe Leiberman could force joint control or even Republican control over the Senate unless Reid gives up his Majority Leader job. Second, a recall effort in Nevada could be mounted.
Howard Lohmuller-Seabrook,Tx.

chuck_1776 · 2 years ago

"Democratic nominees for bipartisan oversight agencies"

"Bush has not officially nominated some Democratic selections for the bipartisan commissions"

Since when does the party opposing the President get to make ANY executive branch appointments? If I want the democrats to nominate somebody, I'll elect a democrat President. This is almost as bad as Teddy Kennedy's idea to "give the President a list of acceptable nominees" for SCOTUS, etc.

Jack Barnes · 2 years ago

I'm curious about this as well. Was it just a phrasing issue, or do we really have Congress nominating appointments? How is it that Congress has any business making "picks for the executive branch" other than confirmation votes? Isn't this a trampling of the separation of powers? Does the executive branch have any "picks for the legislative branch"?

Senate sources said Reid made the decision after he was unable to strike a deal with White House officials that would have allowed swift consideration of several key Democratic picks for the executive branch. In his statement, Reid points to the Federal Communications Commission, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Nuclear Regulatory Commission as examples where Democratic choices have not been moved along.
“Up until recently, the President has generally discharged that obligation,” Reid said. “In the last several months, however, the administration has been stalling progress on Democratic appointments.”
Democrats have feared Bush would look to use the upcoming break to appoint some of his own nominees that may not otherwise clear the Senate. In particular, concerns have centered on the appointment of James Holsinger as surgeon general, who has met criticism from gay rights organizations and opposition from key Senate Democrats.

bayam · 2 years ago

Chuck,

It's a long-held tradition that discussion and consultation occurs between the White House and legislative leaders before judicial nominees are announced and presented to the Senate. Reagan and Clinton, for example, both faithfully followed this precedent and didn't witness the types of delays that occur when the executive tries to force appointees down the throat of the Senate. I don't care who's in the White House, I want to see consultation happen, because it ultimately results in moderates being appointed to high office.

If you haven't noticed, Bush continues his legacy of appointing unqualified favorites to critical national security jobs. Take for example the inexperienced Julie Myers, nominated to head Immigration and Customs (yes, it's a national security job). No one seriously doubts that this country has a large number of more qualified candidates, but it seems that Bush is more interested in handing out gifts to friends and appointing by whim than in nominating the most qualified candidates. I'd rather see national security as the top priority.

When you look at the resume of Julie Myers, do you really want Congress rubber-stamping Bush nominees?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071117/ap_on_go_ot...

The Yell · 2 years ago

Clinton raised hell about the delays his nominees got.
Whether you personally like the political outcome of divided power is irrelevant--the President constitutionally doesn't have to.
The FCC website says no more than 3 of the 5 commissioners can be of any party. That does not guarantee the Democrats any votes at all; I suggest Bush put up some Greens and maybe a Socialist.
I do not think "national security" is an issue the FCC considers.
I am tired of pretending that a VIP sleazeball can be treated as anything other than a sleazeball. Harry Reid is a sleazeball who "made his bones" politically giving gambling licenses to mobsters. Just because his party welcomes a sleazeball as Majority Leader is no reason to pay him respects due an honest liberal like Daniel Patrick Moniyhan. "Conciliation" with dishonorable people isn't honorable.

bayam · 2 years ago

The reason consultation occurs before nominees are send to the Senate is because the Constitution does grant the legislation power to approve or disapprove appointees. To say that Bush can appoint anyone he chooses isn't in the spirit of what the founding fathers intended.
Clinton bitched about delays, but in almost every case he had already consulted with Republicans to ensure that a given nominee met with their approval.

redherkey · 2 years ago

If the Senate's open, then I expect our Senators to show up for work. Or at least, all of the Republicans with the token 1 or 2 Democrats. My understanding is that the Constitution provides that a simple majority of the Senate constitutes a quorum. Imagine the business we would get done with all but a handful of Democrats present.

And regardless of games, in the real world, when the business is open, you'd better have a good reason for skipping work. No wonder they don't have a freaking clue about what real work is like.

docjim505 · 2 years ago

I was thinking of this. If one could get that bunch of lazy wardheelers on our side to agree, have 'em do quorum calls every hour and force Dingy and his filthy crew to show up. "OK, pal: you want to play these games, we can play, too."

Max · 2 years ago

So, why don't the Republicans have about ten or so Senators show up during one of these "gavel in" moments and vote to pass all of Bush's nominees (all 200 plus of them) "in Toto?" With only one Democrat there, couldn't they do that?
MM

Silence · 2 years ago

redherkey and Max are reading my mind. I wish I knew more about the Senate rules. How many are required for a quorum? How does one change the Senate rules. If the Senate is in session then ALL Republican senators should be showing up EVERY day voting to change the rules about the structure of the Senate, making Joe Lieberman the Majority Leader, approving appointments, passing stalled bills, unporking pending bills and passing whatever resolution strikes them. And if they don't do it, they've got no hair, none of them.

BE IT RESOLVED that it is the sense of the Senate that Senator Harry Reid from Nevada is a punked-out ever-loving two-bit pink-eyed sissy-lace-panty-wearing commie.

Silence · 2 years ago

Hey, I'm serious here. The more sober I get, the more serious I am. Shouldn't we all be contacting our Republican senators and telling them we expect them to be in Washington working while the Senate is in session?

Jack Barnes · 2 years ago

Here is the Senate rule on quorums. We should have Republicans use it.

Standing Rules of the Senate
RULE VI
QUORUM - ABSENT SENATORS MAY BE SENT FOR
1. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Senators duly chosen and sworn. 2. No Senator shall absent himself from the service of the Senate without leave. 3. If, at any time during the daily sessions of the Senate, a question shall be raised by any Senator as to the presence of a quorum, the Presiding Officer shall forthwith direct the Secretary to call the roll and shall announce the result, and these proceedings shall be without debate. 4. Whenever upon such roll call it shall be ascertained that a quorum is not present, a majority of the Senators present may direct the Sergeant at Arms to request, and, when necessary, to compel the attendance of the absent Senators, which order shall be determined without debate; and pending its execution, and until a quorum shall be present, no debate nor motion, except to adjourn, or to recess pursuant to a previous order entered by unanimous consent, shall be in order.

DayTrader · 2 years ago

Reid is using a tactic to stop recess appointments.

There is no way the Republicans can self organize a session because they do not control the calendar or have a method to bring legislation to the floor under the rules.

The only alternative is for a Presidential recall of the congress into session to do the country's business.

gahrie · 2 years ago

There is a problem with your prediction.

Yes it is true that everyone dislikes Congress. However, most people also feel that my Congressman is great...it's your congressman that sucks and is causing all the problems. Since we only get the chance to vote on our Congressman, we never get a chance to throw the bums out.

Carl · 2 years ago

I'm normally not a violent person and have a pleasant disposition, but in regards to Congressional matters (Democrats, Republicans and all other parties & independents) their behavior and lack of effective leadership and their gross inefficiency of getting anything constructive done is so frustrating that if presented the opportunity, I personally wouldn't mind kicking some Congressional ass to get them moving in the right direction (pun intended).

Ken Hahn · 2 years ago

I think McConnell should try to get all 49 Republicans to show up Friday and with the token Democrat or two a quorum would be reached which could vote the Senate into recess. Just for the fun of it.

Barney15e · 2 years ago

Isn't it amazing how powerful the lame duck President is that he can force the Senate to remain in session during a national holiday?

NoDonkey · 2 years ago

Senator Traitor's bean needs gaveling - with a sledgehammer.

Pythagoras · 2 years ago

Don't forget that one of Bush's first acts as President was to renominate Clinton's two recess appointments.

In light of that record breaking olive breach, this is particularly nauseating.

COgirl · 2 years ago

I'd like to send Reid a turkey sandwich for Thanksgiving. Should I send it to his office in Washington?

GinnyD · 2 years ago

It would be interesting to see what would happen if McConnell could get all the Republican Senators and Lieberman back to Washington, then call a recess. The rules of the Senate are so arcane that I'm not sure that can be done, but it sure would be fun to try. By the way, the President doesn't have to consult with Congress when choosing a nominee, but it makes sense to do that, because it is much easier to get them confirmed.

Archdean · 2 years ago

Is Harry Reid an idiot? If he isn't then he is putting on a terrific act!
It takes no special qualities to be an obstructionist so why is he doing this repetitative stupid act of his?
IMO he realizes that he could never become a national leader and want's to be remembered for something and you can bet that he most certainly will be remembered!!

dhunter · 2 years ago

Term Limits but first take away their lifetime pensions. If all 49 reps. plus Lieberman and a token dem were there it would be a quarum.

I am of the opinion its' best that these dumb-asses of either party get nothing done . At least they do no harm and cost us no money, except when they don't fund the war being won be the troops they (support).

I won't gamble in Nevada till "Baghdad Bob" Harry Reid is gone.

Carol_Herman · 2 years ago

Missing: Reagan's legacy

I'd bet bottom dollar none of the Bush's liked Reagan all that much. So "casting aside" what he achieved during the 1980's, came easy, enough.

This Bush was the Bush hired by the Saud's, to "complete the mission."

What's ahead, though?

What this bet derives.

Since Putin's back in business. Who knew?

And, you really can't go around promising "democratic elections," as if that's a panecea. It just "ain't so." (Heck, our own break from England in 1776 only proved that we were in the tank, 11 years later.)

Did we have better diplomatic relations before things to where they are now? Yup.

Though the Mideast seems to be tracking "weak leaders" ... who fight , sect on sect, tribe on tribe, among themselves. Until we got involved in Irak. No, they didn't have WMDs. Heck, under Saddam, they didn't even have Al-Qaeda. And, now? After the Sunni's actually "lost" ... given Maliki's ability to go to Iran for "halp" ... We have Petraeus, who came in. And, did the "surge." Where he trained 70,000 Sunni's to become armed militants. And, gosh, darn it. The Iraqi army won't hire them, either.

But you see nothing tossed away, huh?

Or even any reasons to be concerned? Huh?

Dubya's just one lucky fella. Huh?

But not in my book.

As to the "special session" called by Reid, which keeps the senate "working" sans a Thanksgiving recess ... This is to keep Bush from making recess appointments. That's all.

It means the guy who advertised himself to be a "uniter. Not a divider." Is, in fact, a bully.

And, Reid is, in fact, now majority leader; because in 2006 there was some shrinkage done to the GOP.

I guess this constant anger campaign can out-ride Bush's terms in office, too, huh? What if ya don't win nothin?

Math_Mage · 2 years ago

Wow, Carol.

"This Bush was the Bush hired by the Saud's, to "complete the mission." "

Somehow, I think not.

"Since Putin's back in business. Who knew?"

Everybody who noticed that Putin was back in power, I presume. Not that difficult since it's public knowledge.

"Though the Mideast seems to be tracking "weak leaders" ... who fight , sect on sect, tribe on tribe, among themselves. Until we got involved in Irak. No, they didn't have WMDs. Heck, under Saddam, they didn't even have Al-Qaeda."

No, they didn't necessarily have Al-Qaeda, but they had Saddam, and that was bad enough. And regardless of whether they had Al-Qaeda initially, they're coming in droves to Iraq (and then dying) now, so the world population is greatly reduced. Ever heard of the flypaper strategy?

unclesmrgol · 2 years ago

Reagan's legacy is missing? I thought it was at the Reagan Library. Oh yes, but wasn't there some scandal about stealing stuff from the Libarary? It would be just like that dastardly Bush to take Reagan's legacy and auction it off on eBay.

Of course if Bush is a hireling of the House of Saud to Complete the Mission, he is a Muslim. Secret trip to Mecca. Pretend to be Israel's friend, whilst doing the hudna thing. Yes, it all adds up. You are right. All that remains is for him to declare the emergency and call off the elections, thus completing our conversion to the Dark Side. The Emir of America, Bush will become. Powerful will he be. But wait, there is another.... he has a sister. We know her, because pink she wears, and she Let the Wookie Win.

All muslims are bad. Petraeus doesn't know that -- he needs your help. Email him, show him the path, before we hear a billion voices cry out and suddenly go silent. Before the whole planet is totally blown away.

Scrapiron · 2 years ago

What republican will cooperate with the idiot to call the Senate to order? All kinds of laws/rules will be broken by Dingy Harry. Feet to the fire people.

unclesmrgol · 2 years ago

Help me here. Why does Harry need any Republican? I'm trying to understand the rules of the House when compared to the Constitution. How many members does it take to bring the House into session? Just two out of four hundred thirty five? That makes a quorum?

Is the House like the Church, such that, whenever two or more are gathered in its name...

Jon Prichard · 2 years ago

Washington is a sinkhole. But I take exception to the idea that this behavior is coming from both sides. I don't see the President throwing any tantrums in the manner of Reid and also Pelosi. In fact the Administration pretty much acts above board and frequently tosses out olive branches only to have them urinated on.

Mwalimu Daudi · 2 years ago

A Democrat-controlled Senate in session. Four days a week! No man's life and property can be considered safe while this goes on.

What will they debate, I wonder? Museums for aging hippies? More earmarks for Murtha? Not voting funds for the troops in combat? Senate Judiciary Committee investigations to expose Bush's sinister plot to waterboard Mr. Spock who was kidnapped from the Enterprise in order to justify a military invasion of the Planet Vulcan (and steal oil)?

caustic · 2 years ago

Crissakes, why can't congress have 120 vacation days a year like the preznit?

captained · 2 years ago

They barely have 120 days in session. Take a look at this schedule. They'll work 154 days this year, compared to 260 for the rest of us. The President's four weeks of home officing hardly compares.

dhunter · 2 years ago

I suggest we get their days in session to match their poll numbers. If they had single digit days in session imagine the harm they wouldn't be able to do to the American people.

Trumpy · 2 years ago

Under that plan, a few senators, perhaps just one Democrat and one Republican, will briefly open the chamber for debate during the next two weeks.

if the GOP wanted to be slick, they'd all show up and make Reid and the Dems look like losers

unclesmrgol · 2 years ago

I see a big chance for the Republicans here. Overwhelm the Democratic presence and get some business done! Fix the bills going before the President to reflect our will. Turn Harry's grandstand ploy on its ear!

Oh, Trumpy had the same idea! Do we have more brains than the entire Congress here?