[Pukin Dog]

Whether I am welcome back here or not, the post is not about me, and I hope everyone will read it. If you don't like the author, that's fine. I am not the issue.

[cmsgop]

Good Rant!

[Kimmers]

Wow interesting followup's (personal attacks).....I do not know what is going on with that, however you made some valid points.....The more people speak out against her the more I am in favor of her....I agree with you regarding the weak republican senate..

[Cold Heat]

Well said Dog....

Pretty good summation of the Senate reality at present.

I might add that it will get worse as we near 2008. Looks to me like many Senators will be looking at a presidential run and the republicans will position against Bush and the admin's prosecution of the war to generate more democrat support. they automatically write off some of the right wing to do this and have hopes of picking up the Buchannonites and Libertarians to make up the difference....

This is the same strategy used on many a lame duck and it sometimes works.

As to Meirs, I might add that ideologue candidates have let us down a dozen times. Their very nature causes them to use something called personal beliefs to make decisions and personal beliefs change. They change a lot.

This is why Bush kept emphasizing how solid she is and that she will not let us down.

I for one believe him. He has always made good judgment calls on things that I care about.

Putting that aside, I fully expect her future judicial temperament to be displayed at the the hearings, along with a knowledge of the constitution and the courts.

If for some reason I don't see this, and I can't imagine why that would be, I will share those concerns, if they occur.

To sum up, you are right Dog....These are perilous times and it is our fault that these republican Senators do this crap and can get away with it.

Our coalition is just as scattered brained as they are, pulling in different directions, acting like children. It is therefore not surprising that they can ignore a chunk of it and still get relelected or even run for higher office.

Our coalition has no core any longer and is not even trustworthy to balance a budget or reform social security, immigration, or anything else at present. It certainly cannot protect States rights.

It allows petty issues to divide it while the democrats just watch and encourage it from time to time.

Never gonna win battle that way....and that's why we have not won and will not win anymore battles during this remaining term.

We will be lucky if Congress does not yank funding for Iraq.

They are already threatening to do just that and those are republicans making the threats.

Glad to see you are back in harness!

[F.J. Mitchell]

You sound very arogantly cotrite, upchucking mutt-have you had your rabies shot updated?

And just what the hell is that you just deposited on the carpet???????

[Nam Vet]

Woof, woof, Mr Dog. I've read your full posting with great interest and attention. As you and many others might have noticed, I have yet to make one statement regarding the President's selection on any thread. To be quite honest, I haven't made up my mind one way or the other.

I must admit that my very first reaction was disappointment. In fact, I was downright p*ssed off that we didn't have an avowed originalist to challenge the libs to a showdown. I was also sorry we didn't have someone (sure Conservative) closer to 50 than 60 in order to have a more lasting effect.

When I couple this nominee with my extreme ire at the President's lack of border protection and enforcement of immigration law I've been at my wit's end. I cant give up almost 45 years of constant battle for Conservative politicians and ideals but sure have felt like it for the last couple of weeks. Needless to say, Dubya has, for whatever reason, delivered a stomach punch to Conservatives.

Personally, I'm not sure if Dubya is a Texas type Republican (rebel) or belongs more with the country club, East Coast elitist part of our party I so deeply resent.
Time will tell, but I will consider your arguments well. Actually, these are some of the same thoughts I've tossed around in my mind these last days.

Nam Vet

[el_texicano]

Welcome back. I have to agree with every bit of your post here. Sad, but true.

[painter]

and I hope everyone will read it.

I did, and you are right. I watched everything that happened in the Senate this past summer and knew what Bush was up against. A bunch of cowardly weasels in HIS own party.

[MHT]

Regardless of the typical FR criticism of the writer instead of what is written, I find your points valid and insightful. I think the internals of the Republican Senate situation are the crux of the matter and I believe that Miers is going to pleasantly surprise those who are skeptical now.

Besides, as much as anyone wants to complain, "Bush" (not Limbaugh, Kristol, or Krauthammer) was on the ballot and W's the one who won the election. It's his choice and he's spoken. It's time to shut-up and be a team player or give the opposition ammo for the next fight.