America Is Watching

Hopefully the Senate, or should I say a future Senate is going to learn a valuable lesson from the passage of a version of an immigration bill today. And with new media, including talk radio, cable and blogs, they aren't going to get away with stunts like slipping in last minute additions which require us to consult with Mexico before constructing a wall.

Given public sentiment on this issue, it's difficult to describe the Senate's actions as anything short of a legislative form of tyranny. And that conclusion is also supported by the political maneuverings and gerrymandering processes our politicians have undertaken over the years to all but ensure their re-election.

I can't speak for others - but from now on, all bets are off. I no longer consider myself as owing the Republican Party anything in the form support.

You can read all the details here. The American people need to hold the appropriate individuals, including the President, responsible. For now, the battle moves to the House by pressuring them to hold firm in conference.

If they don't, I predict an entirely new political movement forming in this country, one that reaches across party lines and results in some significant number of these political hacks being thrown out.

Comments

[Robert]

Once again we see the total disregard for the wishes of the American people displayed by that august collection of pompus old jackasses called the US Senate. They do not give a damn for the people or the country, all they want is a block of votes and cheap labor.

[hobo]

As a very long time patriot and flag waver, I am thoroughly disgusted with the way things have been unfolding in our government. I have aggressively noted in each and every blog I can that there must be a forceful pursuit of return to ethical standards because the hypocrisy and corruption we see in government has gone beyond the ridiculous. The public servants now believe that if they don't grab the easy [bribe and corruption] money available, the next guy will. It's almost like they are competing for the grab. How these people can look at themselves in the mirror in the morning without slitting their wrists is beyond me. Have they no shame? Pardon me, very dumb question.

[tracker]

The actions the senate took today are totally reprehensible. It amounts to abject, unconditional, surrender to a foreign government. I am fearful that their actions have gone too far to be reversed. Our government is surrendering to outside forces and it appears our only recourse is rebellion.

[Dookus]

The Senate must be suffering from acute 'lets commit suicide in Novermber' syndrome. I've always known they were all self serving pompus, egotistical idiots. They truely are out of touch with 'what the American people want' . Looks like there's gonna be a 'whole lot of shakin' goin' on in November...I just hope we Americans don't forget this.

[Stella]

They do not give a damn for the people or the country,...
Posted by: Robert | Thursday, May 25, 2006 at 09:38 PM
...there must be a forceful pursuit of return to ethical standards...
Posted by: hobo | Thursday, May 25, 2006 at 10:09 PM
...it appears our only recourse is rebellion.
Posted by: tracker | Thursday, May 25, 2006 at 10:29 PM

Just before I read the comments that I pulled these pieces from, "taxation without representation" was running through my mind; that's essentially the point we've reached.
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Looks like there's gonna be a 'whole lot of shakin' goin' on in November...I just hope we Americans don't forget this.
Posted by: Dookus | Thursday, May 25, 2006 at 10:49 PM

Sadly - tragically - I'm very afraid too many won't even bother to vote.

[Phoenix]

Maybe, Stella. On the other hand, just the opposite might happen. The best way to get people to the polls is to piss them off. Here's the tragedy: Who to vote for? Nothing worse than voting for the less of two weevils.

[Stella]

Phoenix - things look so awful right now, I needed a chuckle. Hey - why don't you run for office? I like many of the things you have to say. I think we need to scare up some new candidates.

[SallyVee]

Dan, I can't keep up with your political affiliations. Months ago I could swear I read that you never considered yourself a Republican (though you usually voted with Pubbies). I remember then thinking that was a bit of weenie work. Some time recently you seem to have jumped into the fold of Angry Absolutist 'Publican Bloggers -- specifically united on the subject of immigration. Y'all seem rather high on your 'new media power.' Okay fine. I'm following along, agreeing here and there with a few common sense criticisms and suggestions. Now you announce 'all bets are off' with the party you apparently never belonged to, and that it's time to think about forming a third party... have I got that right? Well, just so you know. I don't consider that leadership. And I won't be strapping on a suicide belt and following you into third party death.

Understand, I am grateful for your often intelligent and scrupulous bird-dogging of the immigration bill. Everyone knows the Senate is pitiful and self-serving. But we have real, honest work to do now. And here's a clue: it will involve compromise and negotiation. It will also involve a path to citizenship for a whole bunch of human beings who need to be dealth with fairly, humanely, and reasonably. Please try to keep your eye on the prize and avoid collapsing into hysteria or painting yourself into an isolated corner. Seriously, I am rooting for you to use your talents to help, not to destroy.

By the way, did you see President Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair last night? You might want to take a peek. It was inspiring and instructive beyond description. And so very very poignant. The signs of real sacrifice, real leadership, real cost to the soul were plainly evident in both men. Tony Blair has aged 10 years since last I saw him.

[Dan]

Dan, I can't keep up with your political affiliations

They haven't changed in 20 years, Sally. As I have always maintained I am registered Independent and am center right in my views. Are you saying that as an Independent I can't possibly have been supportive of Republicans in the past? Or that I can't claim to now feel that way because I'm not a card carrying member?

It sounds as though you're advocating that everyone must fit into some pre-determined slot or their view and support isn't legitimate?

I am not and have never claimed to be an ideologue, or a Party hack. And I take issues on as I see them, not because I want to be seen as a member of some club.

With all due respect, read the fine print, Sally. I have no problems with amnesty, never have. Our government has one issue in front of it right now - security for the Southwestern border and they are failing to act. And for that, they shoudl be held accountable, regardless of their party affiliation.

[VirginiaBreeze]

Here, here Dan >!!!

[Phoenix]

Hear, hear for Sally's description of Bush and Blair's speech. It was humbling and great to watch.

As for political affiliation, it's bunk. Rational people who are capable of thought do not define themselves by politics. They define themselves by being objective and doing the right thing. That's called a number of things, but 'independent' works well.

[jamie]

My family has been in the Republican party since Lincoln's era, and I would frankly LOVE to see the necons and segregationists leave the party and for their own nazi party. Leave the Republican party in the hands of those of us who don't think gay marriage and Mexicans picking lettuce are the greatest threat to America - PLEASE. Let's restore some sanoty to the Republican party.