Way back in January, when we were trying to stiffen the spines of Senate Dems on Scalito, there was a suggestion that DKos send emissaries to the Hill. While there was considerable sentiment in favor of this idea, no emissaries were ever sent. Is there any reason not to send emissaries to discuss censure this time?
Today's NYT has an above the fold front page story about how the GOP has used censure/impeachment as a means of rallying its base. The Mighty Wurlitzer is now operating at full throttle. Rush, Faux, the WSJ and all the rest are beating the drums and herding the troops into battle formation. Meanwhile, w/ the exception of Harkin and Boxer, the Dems are laying low and hoping that it will all go away.
These widely disparate reactions, once again, demonstrate the fascinating dichotomy between the parties' respective reactions towards their respective bases. The Rethugs view their base w/ enthusiasm--they want it to get fired up. The Dems view their base w/ reluctance--they'd like to see it calm down. The Rethugs consider their base to be an asset, while the Dems seem to view theirs as a necessary evil.
I can't speak for others, but I'm more than tired of being viewed as a necessary evil. I'm tired of being tolerated and endured. I'm tired of seeing the Rethugs turn logic and reason upside down by sheer force of will.
The incumbent president broke the law, pure and simple. He openly admits to violating FISA, he has made it clear that he intends to continue doing so, and he has made it even more clear that he will not accept any challenge to this brazen assertion of monarchical power. This self-described "conservative" has shown complete and utter contempt for over 200 years of constitutional traditions.
Russ Feingold, John Conyers, and a handful of others have decided to challenge this brazen illegallity. Thus far, they have found few supporters. The House and Senate Dems, as a group, appear to still be afraid of a president whose approval ratings now range from 34-37%.
I'd like to know why this approach (I wouldn't dignify it by calling it a "strategy") is being followed. I'd like to have representatives of this community be told, in person, what logic is behind this latest illustration of cowardice. I'd like to know whether the Dems on the Hill agree that this president is above the law.
The only way for this to occur is for this site to send designated representatives to the Hill. I don't really care that much who they are. Any combination of Armando, MSOC, Georgia10, and Kos would be fine w/ me, but others may have better suggestions. It's long past time for the Dems to start taking their base more seriously.