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terpfan1980

Join Date 08/2004

+13

Dems threaten shutdown if GOP goes nuke... solve it this way

From The Washington Times, headline is linked....

Democrats threaten shutdown

By Charles Hurt
THE WASHINGTON TIMES

Democrats yesterday said they will halt all Senate business except essential operations and national defense if Republicans use the "nuclear option" to unclog President Bush's judicial nominees.
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada made the threat in a letter yesterday to Majority Leader Bill Frist, who has said he has the 51 votes needed for a parliamentary procedure that would force the nominees through the Senate on a simple majority vote.
"Of course, Democrats would never block legislation vital to our troops or other national security interests, and we will help ensure that critical government services continue to function for the American people," Mr. Reid wrote.

... more at linked article

So the Dems are threatening to shutdown the government, or at least the legislature over the potential use of "the nuclear option" by the GOP as an effort to clear up the judicial log-jam.

Funny, since the Dems themselves have used the nuclear option before (do some research on Senator "KKK" Byrd's tenure as majority leader).

I have a proposed solution though, and that is this: push through the nuclear option and then bring up proposals to raise the minimum wage by $.25 / hour for each and every thing the GOP wants to get passed. As the bills pile up, and then potential for raising the minimum wage by $2 - $4 per hour goes without enactment because of Democratic stalling techniques in the Senate, the GOP will reap gains a plenty.

Yes, it's cynical to raise the minimum wage in these trivial amounts, but over time the Senate could potentially bring the minimum wage up into the $7 range (where it probably belongs), at least through some phasing in of increases that would be included literally with every bill that gets advanced in the Senate.

Let the Democrats sit and look like the obstructionists they are. Even without such efforts to coerce the Democrats into letting business get done, if they truly "shutdown" the Senate as they threaten, they'll harm their own cause that much more as the 2006 elections come rolling up and the public grows tired of watching the Democrats stall and delay.

Ask Tom Daschle how well those delaying tactics worked before this last election while you watch Senator Harry Reid kill his party's chances at regaining any seats in the Senate.

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Island Dog

Join Date 06/2003

+1048

Democrats are the party that just keeps giving. Maybe they will all run off and hide in a hotel like they did in Texas.

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Why the hell do they think we have elections? They farkin LOST. So, now they are fighting an uphill battle, all the while screaming that they playing field should be even??? Whey the hell do we HAVE ELECTIONS???

My God what is wrong with these people. I believe devoutly that they have no respect whatsoever for the democratic process, and feel that government should be teetered in their direction no matter how the American people vote. They are "right" after all, aren't they?

This blocking judicial nominees through procedural bullshit needs to go, and go now. They are thwarting the will of voters who made them a minority.

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BakerStreet - I agree with you 100%

The Democrats are abusing the rights of the minority to stop run-away legislation and bad policy in the name of stopping judicial appointments for qualified individuals.

Why do I label these candidates as qualified? Because in most cases the local American Bar Associations (state and local levels) have already given thumbs up to these candidates. (Never mind many of the other organizations that get a voice in the area as well).

The Democrats are doing their best to stop anyone that might eventually wind up on the Supreme court, or might prevent cases from getting there. They figure their last best hope for controlling the agenda in this country is through activist courts. They're probably right in that regard

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It's insipid to deny people jobs because of their religious or political beliefs. Not only do Democrats do this, but they openly admit to it. How American to say "You can only be a judge if your moral beliefs fit with these guidelines."

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Draginol

Join Date 03/2001

+137

Let me get this straight - the Dems threaten to shut down the senate for anything other than defense measures if the republicans do this?

And this would be bad...how?

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Let me get this straight - the Dems threaten to shut down the senate for anything other than defense measures if the republicans do this?
And this would be bad...how?

I'm still trying to figure out how exactly they can really shut down the Senate with only 45 (give or take) votes.

I just don't see it. I believe the article notes, and other sources definitely note that there are several potential "defectees" already about to abandon the Democratic ship in this regard. It's a dangerous game of chicken and could wind up seriously harming the Democrat's political future.

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