EVERYONE seems so concered about whether or not Joe Lieberman stays on our team, they will forgive and forget.
Let me try once again, we don't need Lieberman, he is a thorn in the side of the Democratic party. I believe no one should be barred from caususing with whoever they choose. If Lieberman wishes to causcus with the dems, so be it... but......
He forfieted his senior leadership position when he stabs your ENTIRE party in the back. It was one thing to campaign for John McCain, but I really never had a problem with that idea, IF he campaigned for John McCain and not against Obama.
There in lies the catch, he campaigned not just against Obama, but against other democrats in down ticket races. Against others who share more in common with him than just a party affiliation, but common ground on most social issues.
Should he be expelled from the caucus? No, but he should not enjoy a major chairmanship after he violated party ethos by trying to bring down some of it's chosen nominees.
But from a completly different view, what does "60" get us? He won't break a fillibuster if congress votes on a GTFO (get the F### out) bill for Iraq. Other foriegn policy issues he will stand with them.
As for social issues such as health care, social security and others... I can think of 4 or 5 GOP senators who would break as fast as Liebermann would. (Collins and Snow come to mind)
The fillibuster is a procedural myth anyway. It's a senate rule they put in to give to few people to much power. It has been modified before, last time in the 19teens I believe. Lets change it one last time, which I believe will give it the respect such a rule deserves without insulting the american moral compass.
The only thing that shall ever be allowed to be fillibustered should be a judicial or presidential appointee. The movement to far to an idealogical end of the spectrum is dangerous in either direction. (judges, cabinet positions or ambassadors). THOSE should be able to be put on hold, especially judges since they are life time appointments.
But fillibusters killed anti-lynching legislation. It delayed the civl rights and voting rights act. How many people died, or were denied basic rights of citizenship because some loudmouth bigoted senator decided to throw a temper tantrum.
Just wondering?