Robert Byrd Attempts to Re-Write Filibuster History (Novak rips Byrd on hypocrisy)

The National Ledger ^ | April 21, 2005 | Robert Novak

[Coastal]

While re-inventing himself at age 87 in his 47th year as a senator, Robert C. Byrd has denied his clear past use of parliamentary maneuver to force majority rule in the Senate. That fits the broader phenomenon of Democrats reinventing the senatorial filibuster, historically notorious for protecting racial segregation, into a weapon of liberalism.

Byrd's use of a simple majority rule to make Senate rules fit the wishes of dominant Democrats during the 1970s and 1980s was revealed by legal scholars in January. It took Byrd's lawyers until March 20 for him to claim he did not do what he did. In fact, there is no doubt Byrd led the Democrats in championing majority rights when they had a majority.

[Huck]

Talk talk talk talk talk. Until the GOP actually smacks down these liars, it's all just talk. We don't need another column to tell us the liberals are liars. We know that already. We need someone to actually do something about it besides talk.

[TomGuy]

Pretty! Pretty! Pretty! Pretty! Pretty! Pretty! Pretty!

[Coop]

We don't need another column to tell us the liberals are liars.

Well, we also don't need another post blaming this mess on the GOP. But you never hesitate to give us one.

[Slyfox]

He since has taken a rapid trip to the left, with the radical MoveOn.org raising big money for his 2006 re-election.

[TomGuy]

Talk talk talk talk talk. Until the GOP actually smacks down these liars, it's all just talk. We don't need another column to tell us the liberals are liars. We know that already. We need someone to actually do something about it besides talk.

Exactimente!

This Republican majority is turning out to be the weakest, most impotent majority in history. Especially in the Senate, the party seems to be growing more and more dysfunctional. Lugar loses his party members in a committee; Frist can't get committee approved judicial nominees to the floor. And the Dems continue to run roughshod over the 'majority' Republicans. It is shameful [that the majority Republicans don't seem to know how to act like the majority and keep rolling over for the Dems].

[harpu]

Ah yes, Senator Byrd...doing what he does best to keep his constituents back home proud of who they have sent to Washington.

AND, Senator Rockefeller enjoys the same...

All you West Virginians must be so VERY PROUD of your representation in the U.S.Senate!

[Graybeard58]

All you West Virginians must be so VERY PROUD of your representation in the U.S.Senate!

I can't speak for West Virginians as I don't live there. I live in Illinois and I can assure you that I didn't help send Durbin and Obama to the senate.

[Huck]

Well, we also don't need another post blaming this mess on the GOP. But you never hesitate to give us one.

What is that goo between your ears anyway? Shouldn't you be at the end of the driveway waiting for the bus, or are you in PM kindergarten now?

Show me where I blame this mess on the GOP? For anyone with even a second grade reading level, it's obvious what I am saying is that more talk is not helpful; we need action. That's not "blaming" the mess on them. It's saying that words won't get us OUT of the mess. Now go eat a pop tart. Kids should be seen, not heard.

[Huck]

It just seems like it's past $hit or get off the pot time with this issue. How many times and ways can it be analyzed. The battlefield is set. We've all chosen sides. Let's get it on already.

[harpu]

You have my condolences but Durbin and Osama Obama are still your problem to manage with whatever it takes from you or anyone you can influence to do the same.

[Coop]

To: GretchenMM

Laura's so pretty. I like her a lot.

39 posted on 04/20/2005 6:24:44 PM EDT by Huck

---

Hey Huck, if you want, I can pass her a note for you after recess!

[Huck]

I've heard mixed reviews on Lugar. Obviously, this nomination vote has been a disaster.

[Huck]

If that's supposed to embarrass me, it doesn't. She's a lovely, charming woman. I think she makes a fine first lady.

She is pretty. And I do like her a lot. Now, why don't you stop making an @ss of yourself and stop mucking up this thread.

[Coop]

Oh, you know us kids, always picking our noses and mucking things up... and using curse words... and calling people names.

If I'm being too subtle, find an adult and have them explain it to you.

[brothers4thID]

GOP Senators prefer to call the nuclear option the "Byrd option" precisely because of this.

[Huck]

Not to get off topic, but you never answered my question. Where did I blame the GOP for the mess?

[an amused spectator]

Not to get off topic, but you never answered my question. Where did I blame the GOP for the mess?

Next, Huck'll tell you that you can't read... ;-)

[Congressman Billybob]

What we have now is called in the theory of warfare, "preparing the battlefield." On the last Senate, Frist had a false majority. On paper there was a Republican majority, but when push came to shove, squish Republicans would run for the tall grass.

In the new Senate, the squish Republicans are still there. But there may be enough real Republicans to hold the majority. That's step one.

The next step is to get on the floor of the Committee a judicial nominee who is ideologically correct for the President, but hardest of all for the Democrats to sabotage. That lead nominee is Janice Brown, from the Supreme Court of California. That step will take place this very afternoon when Judge Brown is voted out of Committee and onto the Senate floor.

There may be a third step. Frist may propose in the Senate the Lieberman declining-vote filibuster. That plan, put forward more than a decade ago, would drop the votes required for a filibuster in stages, until majority vote applied. The present Senator Lieberman will probably vote against the Lieberman plan, clearly exposing to all the hypocrisy of the Senate Democrats.

Then it will be time to pull the trigger. That time is now about two weeks away. I, too, wish it were done and accomplished yesterday. But the battlefield must be prepared for victory.

Congressman Billybob

Latest column, "A Triple Black Dog Double Dare to Infinity."

[jamaksin]

But ... West "by God" Virginia has some of the very best roads and highways in the country ... a la "jobs programs" via Byrd.

And, imagine, Boston's "leaking" Big Dig ... another "jobs program" a la Tip and Teddy ... (of which 80% Federal funding came from all US taxpayers) ...