AS THE POLITICAL WORLD BURNS…
Not much makes sense in the world of politics these days, but one thing that is extremely puzzling is the filibuster rule. For those not familiar with what a filibuster is, it comes from the word “filibustero”, which has Dutch and Spanish origins meaning “robber” or “pirate”. I can’t think of a better word to describe members of the US Congress. Stealing money from the people to accomplish little except investigations of each other.
The filibuster has been in place for 100 years, and allows a Senator to block legislation by speaking against it for as long as the person likes. To get them to stick a sock in it and move to a vote requires 60% of the senators in attendance. Amazing that a Senator can get elected with 50.1% of the vote. A President can get elected with TWO electoral college votes more than their opponent, but it requires 60% to stop someone from droning on and on in the senate. The House of Representatives has no such rule presumably because the people in it are actually interested in representing the people, or because they get bored easily.
The rule (Senate Rule 22) is in place in an effort to maintain checks and balances in our government, so that radical ideas in both directions cannot get passed and also to encourage bi-partisan work in Congress. The problem is that bi-partisan efforts are rare as Senators follow the party line far more often than not, out of fear of being voted out at the next opportunity by the people that voted them in. The rare exceptions are those areas that are decidedly Republican or Democratic but voted for a President from the opposite party.
You might then wonder, how does anything ever get done in our government? The simple answer is that it doesn’t. The last time either party had a filibuster proof senate was in 1977 when Jimmy Carter was in office. The Republicans have had a majority but never a supermajority in the senate. Which brings me to my main question. What is wrong with a simple majority to pass legislation? Democrats fear the “Nuclear Option”–changing the rules to a simple majority to end a filibuster–because of the legislation that could get passed right now with the GOP controlling the Presidency, House and Senate. The Republicans fear what would happen if they lost control of those three. What they are all forgetting is that there is another form of checks and balance. It’s called an election. If one party or the other ramrods through legislation that doesn’t work or isn’t helpful for the majority, they’ll get voted out plain and simply. I’d rather see something get done even if it isn’t perfect, than nothing at all. If it’s nothing, why have such a large and intrusive government? I’m fairly certain the money could be better spent elsewhere. And who knows, when the Senators see the alternative, maybe they will reach across the aisle and work together. One can only hope they are smart enough to see that. Personally, I’m not convinced.
STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES…
Speaking of things that make no sense, what on earth is wrong with the fans at Fenway? Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t fair to broadly paint the entire city of Boston or Red Sox fans as racists based on the idiotic actions of a few, but when I read about the comments being hurled at Baltimore Orioles outfielder, Adam Jones, my reaction was one my wife has heard many times. “What the hell is wrong with people?!” You want to say he stinks, well that would be untrue, but within your rights as an opposing fan. But to call someone out based on the color of their skin or their ethnicity is cowardly, not to mention extremely unimaginative. You can’t think of anything more clever than the most obvious thing that pops into your head? So you’re a clown, a disgusting human being, and an unimaginative one at that. Congratulations, moron. I think what bothers me second most behind what Jones must have felt, is that kids undoubtedly heard these idiots. Kids aren’t racists. They don’t see color. They just want someone to play with. It isn’t until they hear things at home or someone comes into school having heard something at home that they change. Too bad some adults don’t learn from their kids instead of the other way around. And it is for that reason that I’ll always think the world looks like a much nicer place when viewed through the eyes of a 9 year old.
MOVIELAND
In keeping with my tradition of promoting the best movies you’ve probably never heard of, I’ve got a terrific one for you this week. Stealing Home (1988) stars a youngish (compared to his NCIS role) Mark Harmon, Jody Foster, Jonathan Silverman, William McMamara and the late Harold Ramis.
The film is about a washed up 30-something baseball player Billy Wyatt (Mark Harmon) who learns that his childhood sweetheart, Katie (Jodie Foster), has killed herself. The fun-loving but troubled Katie, a few years older than Billy, had a dramatic influence on his life. She indicates in a note, that she wants him to handle her ashes, and so he embarks on a train ride to return to the seaside town where he grew up and hasn’t returned in quite some time. It is a nostalgic look at the joys and pains of his youth as he tries to come to terms with his friend’s death. This movie has a bit of everything. Romance. Friendship. Loyalty. Family. The dialogue is terrific. The acting underrated. And the music score by David Foster memorable. It’s one of those movies that takes you on a bit of a roller coaster ride of emotions but leaves you walking away with a smile and wanting to hug an old friend. It might not be easy to find, but track it down. You’ll be glad you did.
Until next week, may the sun shine wherever you walk and the crap stay out of your cornflakes…peace.