What Did You Say?

Funny enough, the same Democrats that today “broke the rules, to change the  rules,” once fought tooth and nail to stop Republicans from doing the very same.  In 2005 the Republicans threatened the nuclear option because of Democrats  filibustering President George W. Bush’s judicial appointments. The key word  there is threatened. In the end, a bipartisan group of Senators brokered an  agreement and the nuclear option was left untouched.

Do you remember some of the things the Democrats said during that nuclear  option debate? How about just what Senate  Majority Leader Harry Reid said? (Check out this great  video of Reid on the nuclear option from 2005)

“My Republican colleagues claim that nominees are entitled to an up-down  vote. That claim ignores history, including recent history.”

“Some in this chamber want to throw out 214 years of Senate history in the  quest for absolute power … They think they’re wiser than our founding fathers. I  doubt that that’s true.”

The nuclear option, “simply put, would be the end of the United States  Senate.”

What is Reid saying now?

“These nominees deserve at least an up-or-down vote. But Republican  filibusters deny them a fair vote and deny the president his team.”

To remain relevant and effective as an institution, the Senate must evolve  to meet the challenges of a modern era.”

“It’s time to change the Senate before this institution becomes  obsolete.”

How about what another Senate expert thinks about the nuclear option? What do  you think, Vice President Biden? (Circa 2005)

“I pray God, when the Democrats take back control, we don’t make the  kind of naked power grab you are doing.” – then Senator Joe  Biden

The Senate Democrats betrayed the American people yet again when they voted  for the nuclear option. Our system is designed to give the minority more power  than its numbers would ordinarily give it. Why? Because our founding fathers  knew the corrupting influence of power. They knew that the majority could not be  trusted with its “full share” of power – they would persecute and ignore the  minority’s beliefs and desires.

Senate Democrats chose to value themselves more  than they values our nation, and they should be punished for that. It’s my  sincerest hope that this, along with the many other failings, shortcomings and  scandals that the Democrats have been a part of, be seared into the brains of  voters for years to come.

Again, I think John McCain’s reaction to the day’s events are just about  perfect.

“This changes everything, this changes everything… (This) puts on a chill  on the entire United States Senate.”

“I have reached to them. I spent an hour in Harry Reid’s office. Come on.  I reached out until my arms ache… They are governed by these hard over, newer  members of Democratic senators who have never been a minority, who are primarily  driving this issue and they succeeded and  they will pay a very, very heavy price for it.“

I hope so Senator McCain, I sincerely do.

About the author: Onan Coca

Onan is a graduate of Liberty University (2003) and earned his M.Ed. at  Western Governors University in 2012. Onan lives in the Atlanta area with his  wife, Leah. They have three children and enjoy the hectic pace of life in a  young family. Onan and Leah are members of the Journey Church in Hiram, GA.

Website: http://www.eaglerising.com

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