by Sam Bridges (VociferousSam)
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." Isnt 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 and VociferousSam.com
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Sam Bridges is the founder and chief editor of VociferousSam.com, a website
dedicated to providing insightful commentary on today’s world and culture from
a God-centered worldview and Biblical perspective. He is happily married to a
beautiful Christian woman and is the father of five magnificent children. He
is a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and webmaster at his church.
In addition to the VociferousSam.com website, Sam is a regular columnist for
RenewAmerica.us and TheConservativeVoice.com. His commentaries have also been
published on BushCountry.org, and OpinionEditorials.com. For more information
and commentary, visit http://www.VociferousSam.com.
