And Let Loose the Dogs of Politics.

It's going to be a bloody war. There will undoubtedly be a good deal of collateral damage. In the end, the American people will win. The battlefield will be the floor of the U.S. Senate.

The battle lines for a bitter fight over judicial nominations are already being drawn as Bill Frist who proved ineffective in fighting Democratic filibusters has taken strength from the GOP's 4 seat gain in the Senate and is making noise that he is prepared to fight. Frist has indicated that he is prepared to use what has been labeled the “Nuclear Option” of amending the Senate rules to require a simple majority to move a nominee to an up or down vote. He has made this threat before and, of course, it never happened.

Along with Frist's newfound resolve, comes a promise from President Bush that he will re-nominate previously filibustered nominees. After the year-long ordeal of Miguel Estrada, I would imagine that he would need to have a fairly solid commitment of support from both the President and Mr. Frist before trying again.

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid has promised that if Frist goes Nuclear, he will make the obstructionism of his predecessor seem like a bipartisan picnic and jamboree. Reid has threatened to throw a procedural monkey wrench into any and every legislative initiative the Republicans put forward.

Some people have noted the Minority Leader's threats with disdain. I say bring it on. Of what use is an opposition party if they do not fight for the things they believe and against the things they oppose? A good bitterly fought political battle in the Senate will not spell doom for the republic. Quite the contrary, this is what the Senate is for.

I wouldn't even have any objection if we returned to the days of the occasional fisticuffs on the Senate floor. We have become too politically delicate. To afraid to give offense when and where offense should be given. Show me a Senator, from either party, being lead out of the chamber in handcuffs for assault, and I'll show you the likely recipient of my next campaign contribution.

Let them get their blood up. Let us see some passion. These people are there representing us. Lets have them do it with feeling.

Posted by: Stephen Macklin at 01:52 PM | No Comments | Add Comment