Democracy Attacked By Democrats on Capitol Hill

Complaints have piled up against the conduct of the congressional Democratic leadership and some have come from a surprising source.

The Washington Post stated "Democrats brought more measures to the House floor under closed rules - permitting no amendments - than any of the six previous Republican-controlled congresses." This means that Democrats have shut down one of the main ways that the minority party members can help their constituents or even perform their jobs. Senator Tom Coburn (R) of Oklahoma referred to the ability to add amendments as a "right." That may be up for debate, but it at least was a privilege that Republicans did not deny to their opposition.

Democrats have controlled Congress now for two years and now that an election commission in Minnesota has handed a Senate election to Bozo the Comedian, the atmosphere does not promise to improve anytime soon. Their arrogance is bipartisan, relishing conflict with not only Republican colleagues, but also The One himself.

Republicans can and should respond with filibusters to reassert their power to influence events and help their constituents. The voters from Republican districts do not deserve to have all of their needs blotted out by a dictatorial majority.

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Too bad a president can't just order up a high quality Cabinet from American Woodmark. Obama has had a difficult time assembling one on his own. First Bill Richardson withdrew his name under a cloud. Now we see that a nominee for Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner, could not figure out how to prepare his own tax return and got into trouble with teh IRS.

Even Senate Republicans say that the Treasury nomination will be approved. He made a mistake. With our overcomplicated tax system, only H and R Block and their competitors benefit.

I wonder if Geithner ever wishes that the Bush plan to simplify the tax code and reduce the burden on workign Americans had been passed a few years back.