Sam Bridges
The stench of compromise
By Sam Bridges
Just over two weeks ago, fourteen Senators developed and signed a "Memorandum of Understanding" that trumped all other parties under the guise of valid compromise. Through this document, the Senators agreed that "nominees should only be filibustered under extraordinary circumstances." Isn't that the condition under which the judicial nomination filibuster would be expected to be applied already? Obviously, the Democratic minority already believes these fully qualified jurists meet the definition of "extraordinary circumstances" because of either their personal religious beliefs or their Constitutional approaches to judicial decisions.
The Memorandum goes on to expand the definition of "advice and consent" by suggesting that the President should begin consulting with Senators before making judicial nominations. That has always been part of the executive option. This "encouragement" simply demonstrates that these legislators are typical of liberals and so-called "moderates" that seek to convert the judicial branch into a source of legislation and now apparently desire to blur the line between the legislative and executive branches.
This so-called "compromise" is of no use to the Republican or conservative causes. Virtually nothing is gained that would not have otherwise been accomplished; so much is lost. This inequity can only make us speculate about what motivated the seven Republican Senators to participate in such a charade. This is but one indication that the Republicans involved were either duped by an inordinate desire for political correctness or had their own ulterior motives. The range of motives appears to include political positioning to undermine the leadership of both Senator Frist and President Bush and a forced moderation or liberalization of conservative values.
Republicans are in the majority, placed in that position by those with conservative values. Of course, they should not abuse this position of influence. But they must at least act like they're the majority and accurately and consistently represent the people and their values that put them in office. Otherwise, they betray the bulk of their constituency and, therefore, will be foolish to expect re-election. But fortunately for these 14 Senators, we live in a culture that tends to forget abysmal failures in our elected officials when these failures fade from the headlines after three days. This disappointment will be far out of our corporate consciousness by the election time.
I still, however, will look forward to watching each of the 14 Senators who forced this compromise on the Senate, the President, and the country lose their next bid for re-election, even if those losses mean the Republican party loses its majority status. There is no point in being the majority if that position of strength is not utilized to the benefit of the constituents and the country. But more importantly, maintaining the majority status is certainly not worth the costs of losing the greater battle of leading the country in true God-honoring values and Constitutional government.
Compromise has its place in areas of life, culture, politics, and government, but not where absolutes of right and wrong are at stake. In striving to appear enlightened, we humans increasingly act as if compromise is a value or goal in and of itself. There is no place for compromise when it is used to move this country from right to wrong. When that which is right and true is sacrificed for conciliation and appeasement, we are all left to endure the stench of compromise.
© Sam Bridges
Just over two weeks ago, fourteen Senators developed and signed a "Memorandum of Understanding" that trumped all other parties under the guise of valid compromise. Through this document, the Senators agreed that "nominees should only be filibustered under extraordinary circumstances." Isn't that the condition under which the judicial nomination filibuster would be expected to be applied already? Obviously, the Democratic minority already believes these fully qualified jurists meet the definition of "extraordinary circumstances" because of either their personal religious beliefs or their Constitutional approaches to judicial decisions.
The Memorandum goes on to expand the definition of "advice and consent" by suggesting that the President should begin consulting with Senators before making judicial nominations. That has always been part of the executive option. This "encouragement" simply demonstrates that these legislators are typical of liberals and so-called "moderates" that seek to convert the judicial branch into a source of legislation and now apparently desire to blur the line between the legislative and executive branches.
This so-called "compromise" is of no use to the Republican or conservative causes. Virtually nothing is gained that would not have otherwise been accomplished; so much is lost. This inequity can only make us speculate about what motivated the seven Republican Senators to participate in such a charade. This is but one indication that the Republicans involved were either duped by an inordinate desire for political correctness or had their own ulterior motives. The range of motives appears to include political positioning to undermine the leadership of both Senator Frist and President Bush and a forced moderation or liberalization of conservative values.
Republicans are in the majority, placed in that position by those with conservative values. Of course, they should not abuse this position of influence. But they must at least act like they're the majority and accurately and consistently represent the people and their values that put them in office. Otherwise, they betray the bulk of their constituency and, therefore, will be foolish to expect re-election. But fortunately for these 14 Senators, we live in a culture that tends to forget abysmal failures in our elected officials when these failures fade from the headlines after three days. This disappointment will be far out of our corporate consciousness by the election time.
I still, however, will look forward to watching each of the 14 Senators who forced this compromise on the Senate, the President, and the country lose their next bid for re-election, even if those losses mean the Republican party loses its majority status. There is no point in being the majority if that position of strength is not utilized to the benefit of the constituents and the country. But more importantly, maintaining the majority status is certainly not worth the costs of losing the greater battle of leading the country in true God-honoring values and Constitutional government.
Compromise has its place in areas of life, culture, politics, and government, but not where absolutes of right and wrong are at stake. In striving to appear enlightened, we humans increasingly act as if compromise is a value or goal in and of itself. There is no place for compromise when it is used to move this country from right to wrong. When that which is right and true is sacrificed for conciliation and appeasement, we are all left to endure the stench of compromise.
© Sam Bridges
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