Sen. Richard Shelby's (R-Ala.) decision to place a "blanket hold" on all presidential nominations until a pair of billion-dollar earmarks for his home state are fast-tracked has reignited the debate over the parliamentary tactics being deployed by the Republican Party.... On Thursday evening, news broke that the Alabama Republican has taken the extraordinary measure of holding up at least 70 "nominations on the Senate calendar" -- essentially threatening to filibuster the confirmation processes if they came to a vote. The move has spurred a series of recriminations from Democratic officials who see it as yet another instance of over-the-top obstructionism of the president's agenda.
For those of you who think that the problems in Washington can and by all rights should be laid at the feet of one Barack Hussein Obama, let me offer you an opposing view. Even better, I'll offer up someone even more representative of corruption in Washington than anything President Obama could provide. For your edification, I offer Richard Shelby, Republican from Alabama...and a Dick. When one corrupt, self-absorbed politician can impinge the day to day functioning of the federal government, you have to know that the system is broken.
Most Senators and Congressman prefer to at least maintain the pretense that corporate donations don't influence them. No one wants to openly admit that corruption is rife on Capitol Hill. Then there's Shelby, who's very open and up front about the reality that his influence is for sale...and he doesn't particularly care who knows it. Until and unless Shelby gets what he wants for his home state, he's willing to hold up the nominations of 70 qualified people who should be helping set government policy...something that just might even benefit Alabama.
Of course, Shelby isn't into subtlety. He believes in the Golden Rule. He's willing to shill for those corporate interests who have filled his campaign coffers with gold. And if he doesn't get what he wants...well, the federal government can just go straight to Hell.
The best democracy money can buy? THIS is the leadership and morality that Republicans want to "restore" to government?
WE DESERVE BETTER.
