Richard Shelby: Poster Child for Arrogance
In case you haven’t heard what the Senator from Alabama did on Thursday, he put a “blanket hold” on ALL of President Obama’s more than 70 nominees before the Senate. Reports say the holds were placed because of a dispute over a contract to build Air Force refueling tankers. Guess where Shelby wants to see those tankers built? Shelby is also angry about a decision to hold back funding for construction of a new FBI facility dedicated to research on explosives used by terrorists. Guess where that facility is supposed to be built? If Dick Shelby doesn’t get what he wants then Obama doesn’t get his nominees looked at. The arrogance is incredible! He makes a mockery of the Senate and the US government with these shenanigans.Â
After the Scott Brown election I said something about the risk of Republicans overplaying their hand in the same way the Democrats overplayed their enormous legislative advantage. I can’t imagine a more perfect gift to the Democrats. They should get great leverage out of this. It’s everything the voters in Massachusetts said they wanted to see less of from Congress. You want to know what’s wrong with the political gamesmanship of the Republican party and with Washington in general?Â
I give you Richard Shelby (and Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid, and Mitch McConnell, and John Boehner, and, and, and,……)
And people wonder why I’m cynical of Congress and its members, regardless of party.
KenL´s last blog ..Friday Report
I am past trying to figure out why politicians do some of the things they do. I can understand putting a hold on a particular nomination to give oneself time to resolve an issue one might have with that nominee. However, I can not understand putting even a single nomination on hold in an attempt to bring home more bacon to one’s home state. Putting all of them on hold? Sigh…..!!
The political tactics of nomination holds and filibuster have been so overused by both parties as to call into question the usefullness of either. Unfortunate, as there are good reasons for both parties to selectively and judicially utilize them.
The overreach-the kind that Shelby has done- does absolutely nothing to protect our government or our people. Let’s not forget that the TSA was rudderless on Christmas, a hold-up led by GOP politics in an election year…Just when it could have really used a leader.
I am certain examples of Democratic abuse of their “advise and consent” roles abound as well. Round and round we go. In a world where things move so much faster than before, though, we can no longer afford to let petty politics or a Senatorial tantrum make the process of staffing so much slower.
Not too long ago, GOP Senators helped confirm a LIFETIME appointee in Sonia Sotomoyor quickly. Their comments to the criticism of their base?The President appoints, we vet. If there’s nothing illegal or immoral there, we have a duty to confirm his nominee. That was wise for its simple truth and showed true reverence for their roles in governing. I also thought it might speak to the maturity of the Senators in command- Hatch, Graham etc. Some of the old guard needs to step up and Spank Shelby hard. And when it comes around again, the Democrats need to do the same with their problem children.
First of all, Larry. You blog looks wonderful. I was going to say beautiful but thought that might not be manly enough!
You did an amazing job. I just love it. It feels home yet professional!
I, are you ready for the Mike and Laurie?, agree with all of you! he he
Have a great week everyone1
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Sorry about the typos. Geez. I am having a little difficulty with my cognitive abilities today! home should be homey….everyone1 should be everyone! You blog should say your blog! Ugh. So bad today!
Dominique´s last blog ..Telling MYSELF the truth
Seems like Shelby have gone a step too far with these blanket holds—many however are justified. I hope Alabama gets the tanker contract, these planes can be built cheaper there than in the northwest where one must deal with the unions. Shelby will be saving the taxpayers money in the end on this. But your point is well made on the holds.
Ron Russell´s last blog ..Animal Rights vs. Human Rights
This is the kind of political behavior that people are upset about. Politics for the sake of politics. If he was holding up a nomination over something substantive, than I would be OK with it. But to hold up 70 nominations just to get your way on something is exactly what Ben Nelson did with the health care bill. He is holding out as long as possible in order to get something that benefits him. Of course, I haven’t liked many of Obama’s nominations and would like to see most of them voted down, but to do it this was just gives the Democrats ammunition.
Forgotten Liberty´s last blog ..No Gun Rights in King, North Carolina
I just read that the “hold” was lifted but that does not excuse his actions. This was done simply because he was not happy that earmarks he had coming to him were not “paid out” yet. This is exactly what the American people want to stop and he had better be careful because the people no longer care who you are, everyone up for re-election is vulnerable.
Mr Pink Eyes´s last blog ..Three House Democrats move to block EPA from regulating carbon emissions
I’m okay with Senators using holds – Tom Coburn does it all the time, in situations that merit it. However, when, like Shelby in this instance, you’re doing it just because you’re throwing a fit for not getting your pork, that is just plain ol’ wrong.
MuskogeePolitico´s last blog ..Presidents’ Day? Actually…