What causes people to take a stand? How does one decide where “the line” is? I first posted this in another forum in early March, and my mind is subject to change before November, for any reason, but this is how I still feel right now, today.
As a dedicated Centrist I no longer have loyalty to any party, but I do tend to lean a bit to the conservative side. And let’s be honest, Hillary Clinton is no prize. However, having said that, the Reps and the Rep Party are driving me away. In a recent post I talked about voting straight ticket, and I never have, purposely. I have also NEVER voted for a Dem for President. Ever. I have always voted either Rep or Libertarian. I have voted Dem for state Governor and Senator before, albeit not often. Yet, if the general election were held today I would vote a straight Dem ticket.
Why, you ask?
As much as I detest The Donald, he alone would not be enough to drive me away from the entire party completely. I would still be open to voting for a Rep depending on the office and the scenario. I would not vote straight Dem as a matter of preferred strategy. What IS enough to drive me away completely is the stated position that the Senate Judiciary Committee will not even consider (hold confirmation hearings, etc.) if President Obama nominates a Supreme Court justice to replace Scalia, and Merrick Garland’s name has been submitted and been in limbo for a few months now. I’m looking straight at you, Senator Grassley. And Garland’s a relative moderate, not some screaming partisan liberal. President Obama actually threw them a huge bone with this one. Garland is much better then anything President Hillary will throw their way.
Each side can point to some instance in the past to supposedly justify their position. Let me be very clear: I.. do… not… care… one whit the hypocrisies of the past. I also understand there is no legal obligation for the Senate to hold hearings, but there is plenty of time, and it is the President’s and the Senate’s ethical responsibilities to keep a full bench. Period.
I’m sorry that Scalia had the bad manners to die at an inconvenient time, but to not hold hearings at all… just because… would be a slap in the face to the citizens and the height of arrogance and irresponsibility. They could even hold hearing and vote to deny the appointment. I certainly don’t expect a confirmation of just anybody. I just expect a responsible process and an honest effort.
If they follow through on their threat, I will vote straight Dem. It ain’t much, but it’s all I got. And I will hope a Dem beats their candidate so they can get this appointment and two more as I’m sure at least two of the older justices will retire or die during the next administration.
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