With the countdown underway towards the "nuclear option", I am struck by the inconsistencies of the Republican Right's positions. One observation is overwhelming...those who support absolute thinking based upon religious principles often proceed without regard for actually upholding the Christian principles of fairness, integrity, and decency.
Here's the basis of my contention. Today, Congress is also engaged in hearings related to steroid usage in sports. The context of these hearings is focused on individuals breaking rules and cheating for advantage. Many argue that such actions provide our children with negative role models. The demonstrated outrage at the behavior of these select few athletes is both vocal and obvious. Underlying this outrage is the notion that sports is a game with rules and there should not be a disregard for these rules or more bluntly stated, cheating is wrong and should not be tolerated.
I am at a loss to distinguish the difference between the steroid controversy and the efforts to eliminate the filibuster. In order to eliminate the filibuster, Republicans will break a number of Senate rules. The intended consequence of this action is to give unimpeded power to the wishes of one group over another and allow the stacking of the judiciary with conservative ideologues.
My objection is simple...those who choose to champion family values, morality, and Christianity ought to be held to the very standards they espouse. Children are witnessing a number of Senators use their positions of power to break the rules and achieve advantage. I accept the role model argument and therefore conclude them to also be negative role models.
This leads to some obvious and reasonable conclusions. These Senators and this Republican Party have co-opted the moral high ground in order to win votes and further their immoral pursuit of power regardless of the means. At the same time, those Republican voters who profess moral integrity and sincerity while condoning this hypocritical bad behavior dishonor the very morality and values they seek to institutionalize.
For all the Christian banter heard in this country, little Christianity is being displayed. In the end, its about deeds, not words. An immoral victory in an effort to expand morality can be nothing but immoral. If there is a God, hopefully he will look after our children...God knows they have no role models to guide them.