Huffington post has a story up about the GOP's new plan to refuse to work after 2:00 p.m. This seems too unbelievably dumb to me. Is there any way to make this look like anything besides being obstructionist babies?
This may play well for die-hard conservatives and Tea-Party lunatics, but how do they think it will look to moderates and independents? Hard-working people who have to put in long hours for way less pay are not going to think too highly of a bunch of babies who walk out of work at 2:00 because they are mad the vote didn't go there way. Imagine if we did that at our workplaces! I don't like what the boss did, I'm leaving at 2:00 from now on but I still want full pay!
It also looks very bad when you check to see what is not getting to the floor because of this stupid stunt. For instance, there was supposed to be an oversight hearing on Afghani police training contracts that now has to be delayed. The testimony of some big-wig military personnel had to be postponed: Admiral Robert Willard, United States Navy Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command including General Kevin Chilton, United States Air Force, Commander of the U.S. Strategic Command, and from General Walter Sharp, United States Army Commander, U.S. Forces Korea. I thought these guys wanted to paint themselves as the only ones who cared about the military or took a tough stance on foreign policy? I guess that is only true if they aren't busy throwing a hissy fit about about not getting their way.
They are delaying other things as well and I think the following quote hits the nail on the head:
For his part, Judiciary Chairman Sen. Pat Leahy (D-Vt.) was livid when his committee was forced to delay consideration of several judicial nominees.
"I have accommodated requests from Judiciary Committee Republicans to delay the Committee's hearing to consider Professor Liu's nomination," Leahy said.
He continued: "For months, Senate Republicans have resisted efforts to enact important reforms to our health insurance system. But when the dust settles and the emotions are calmed, history will show that President Obama and this Congress responded to a pressing national issue, and proved once again that we can act with the purpose of advancing an important national interest. Sadly, actions like today's objections from Senate Republicans to the consideration of a highly qualified, historic nominee will be viewed as little more than petty, partisan politics."
Petty, partisan politics indeed. One more quote:
Jim Manley, a spokesperson for Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) addressed the matter on Wednesday: "For a second straight day, Republicans are using tricks to shut down several key Senate committees. So let me get this straight: in retaliation for our efforts to have an up-or-down vote to improve health care reform, Republicans are blocking an Armed Services committee hearing to discuss critical national security issues among other committee meetings? These political games and obstruction have to stop - the American people expect and deserve better."
So, in sum: We refuse to work after 2:00, even if it compromises national security, foreign policy, and domestic policy because we are pissed off. Oh and, vote for me!