[BigV]

It's a pleasure to watch the two of you discuss (not argue) these important topics. I agree with plenty of what each of you have to say. I want to interject my two cents worth.

I believe this is a naked power play on the part of the Republicans.

l13, your point about giving them the benfit of the doubt in that perhaps these renominations are occuring because of the belief that this is the*best* person for the job is possibly true. But here's how it plays in my small smooth brain.

When I have to make a decision in my family, I try to do the right thing, all the time. I mostly succeed, thank heavens. But not because *I* am the all knowing fount of all wisdom. I consult, I seek "advice and consent". I sometimes disregard that advice (at my peril). Like when the President makes a recess appointment. That's just....weak, slimy. It doesn't have to be that way. It only happens when the executive feels there's no other way to get their way.

In this case, though, not only can they have their way, but they can rub everyone's nose in it. Think of the deterrence factor of having my opponent's best defense whipped, killed, and stuck on a pike. This is showboating, grandstanding, message sending, and hanging on the rim. Throw the penalty flag for excessive celebration in the end zone. Why? Because even if I agree with you that the nominator's motives are pure, (something of a stretch for me...) it can't possibly be true that these nominees are the ONLY ones that can do the job. Do you disagree? Pick another one.

My wife and I run the family. If I pick a solution to a problem that works, is "best" and my wife, as co-equal, strenuously objects, what should happen? Regardless if the pick can work, if there's another less divisive solution, move on to that new track. Duh. Sure, I can just do it my way if I have the means, opportunity and motive. And the problem will be solved. But at what cost? If I have disrespected the input of the other parts of the decision making system, I have only sown the seeds of future trouble. Damn skippy I will see this same thang whack me upside MY head down the road. This is not a recipie for domestic felicity. Nor is it the way to govern the country. Those in power currently are saying very clearly: Fuck you. You're not the boss of me, I can do anything I want, I have a "mandate", etc, etc. I'll spare us all the spin and counterspin. There's enough material there to make a whole other forum of threads.

(shit. I guess I can't resist after all)

To have it misrepresented as "they want minority rule" or "they want to change the constitution"... I'm so tired of the lies, the spin, the character assasination, the ad hominem arguments.... on both sides. Don't they have a f*king job to do? Like, govern?

Great. Now I'm all pissed off.