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Subscribe to RSSThe Senate will hold a test vote on Friday to move toward final confirmation of former Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., as President Barack Obama's next secretary of defense.
Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said Wednesday that he planned to hold a procedural vote on Friday at a to-be-determined time on Hagel's nomination. The vote isn't final confirmation on the nomination, but it could presage the former senator's chances at winning approval from his former colleagues.
Democrats will need 60 votes to move forward with the nomination, requiring the support of at least a few Republicans. Some conservatives have sought to block the Hagel nomination outright, though other Republicans have said they wouldn't block the nomination from moving forward, even though they intended to vote against Hagel's final confirmation.
Still, Democrats lamented that this instance was the first time in which Republicans had essentially filibustered a defense secretary nominee, because Republicans are demanding that Reid meet the threshold of support needed to end a filibuster.
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Let the games begin...
Block - obstruct - walk out - *stomp feet* if we don't get our waaaay!
Don't think for one second Harry doesn't have the 60 votes needed, he wouldn't of scheduled a vote if he didn't!
So Republican Senators basically filibuster the Hagel nomination - but Donald Rumfeld slid through unchallenged?
Bizzaro world.
Now if we can just get Republicans to hold their breath until they get their way!
That would be PROGRESS!
lmao!
@Feisty,
Do you suppose McCain will actually vote for Hagel after all the wrangling? He did smack Teabagger Ted Cruz down after Cruz suggested that Hagel was somehow chummy with Iran...
This is a simple majority vote, who cares what Republicans do if Democrats are all in line. Hagel is far from the best candidate, but he does appear ideology aligned with Obama and that seems to be the basis for the nomination. This will not be an easy job over the next four years, the entire Middle East is a tinderbox, and once the fuse gets lit utter chaos will follow. Other trouble spots are also in play, so if Obama wants an ideology driven Secretary of Defense it just might prove to be a very poor decision.
Bali Bob,
I don't think so, he tends to hold grudges forever...
How scary is THAT?
McNasty has to reel in the bat @!$%# crazy guy? lol
No Bali, in the end, McCain will vote as he has always voted, he will vote whichever way his AIPAC handlers tell him to vote. McCain's loyalty is to the people who have supported him since the beginning. He likes to think he is some kind of American patriot, but he sold his soul to Israel.
His father Admiral McCain, was the American traitor that wrote the report which supposedly absolved Israel for it's attack on the USS Liberty. Since that report, the Zionists have been supporting the son, Senator McCain and he returns the favors.
Mitch McConnell: "Knock-knock!"
Harry Reid: "Who's there?"
Mitch McConnell: "Phil."
Harry Reid: "Phil who?"
Mitch McConnell: "Phil-ibuster!!! BWAA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!!"
...wouldn't have
I say we let it get lit. As long as we don't have troops there, it isn't our problem. Hagel is disliked by the Senate and a non-interventionist. He's got two things going for him right there.
If for some reason the Republicans block Hagel from getting confirmed, I hope Obama then nominates Dennis Kucinich as Defense Secretary just to make their little pin heads explode.
And the Republicans apparently think we can do just fine without a Defense Secretary.
@Feisty,
McNasty has to reel in the bat @!$#% crazy guy? lol
Yep. GOP done drunk the tea and McCain himself (who helped pour that first pitcher of poison with Palin) is struggling to spit it out.
Let the games begin, indeed!
you're dreaming Dingle...in an ideal world perhaps...reality says we as a Nation have too many interests in the Middle East to just let it burn
Sure - it's not like there are lives at stake, or nuclear weapons around, or we have a vested interest in their natural resources.....
So if the price of a gallon of gas went up as a result of the "tinderbox", who would you blame? President Obama?
Al,
I would like to see President Obama nominate McNasty himself. let him resign his Senate seat and then fire his sorry ass! ☺
Caesar Augustus-
TNSEVOL
Ahhh, the war-hawk right and the war-hawk left agree with each other on something.
Wow, Mr. Reid is actually putting something up for a FLOOR VOTE ?
Is this article a sham ?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nah, Billy Ayers would probably be an idea candidate for Mr. Obama's Defense Secretary.
TNSEVOL
Sounds a lot like you're okay with a war for oil.
One man's "Hawk" is most folks, sane, rational, pragmatic policy.
That any nation with the ability to prevent chaos in any part of the world would shirk its responsibilities for the sake of some isolationist ideologues would mark the beginning of the end of this period of history...
DingleB
I didn't see any suggestion from either of them that we go to war for the oil. Seems to me like the most economical and efficient method of obtaining this oil from the Middle East would be to buy it.
If Caesar Augustus- and TNSEVOL were discussing invading them to take their oil, I'd understand your response in regards to the "Okay with a war for oil" and war hawk righty/lefty arguements (although Caesar tends to be a right leaning independent by my observation but whatever) and might even agree. In fact, TNSEVOL suggests that lives are at stake and that war would be something to be avoided.
But hey, whatever.
dangerfield
Exactly what good has our decades of foreign military intervention achieved? How does a sane, rational pragmatist such as yourself justify continuing a failed foreign policy that has actually created more enemies than allies?
Ido - with every post you show you are more of an idiot than before. When Bill Ayers was active in the Weathermen, Obama was 7. You're such a fool and you show it daily!
Repojam
What do you call it when someone cites "a vested interest in natural resources" as justification for war. Yes, war is being waged even if we don't call it that, don't have troops on the ground, or don't have a declaration or authorization from Congress.
History will be the judge as to whether or not policies have failed, not people posting on a message board.
That there has been no world war or nuclear holocaust is what I would point out to anyone who ever studied history, civics, political science or who ever read John Toland...
But the ABSENCE of war is the result of those "failed" policies you demean.
Enemies today, allies tomorrow...The nations we sought to obliterate in the middle of the last century are among our staunchest allies today. Who are you to say that the same will not be true in the near future?
tisk tisk tisk Dingle, you've gone to the assumption i Hawk for war...on the contrary, I also know how the US is despite D's or R's. Fact o Matter is, we'll be there despite yours or my grievances.
precisely and one can look into their own life time to see that (de)evolutionary process.
Perhaps you would rather have Ted "I pooped my pants and snorted crystal meth to avoid the draft" Nugent as Defense Secretary.
dangerfield
Well then I suppose we'll allow history to determine whether ist was "sane, rational and pragmatic" as well. That the world hasn't exploded in nuclear holocaust yet is hardly a measure of success though.
Caesar Augustus-
My apologies sir. The incessant banter seems to follow party lines around here most of the time.
Why don't you ask when Hairy is going to schedule a vote on a budget? Seems much more critical than Hagel.
Is there currently a budget waiting to be voted on?
More Democrats than Republicans are likely to vote to confirm the Republican nominee...
but it does coincide with Heinlein's thought of an armed society is a polite societly LOL....
probably not considering he sat on them or placed them in the cylindrical file. Interesting when it comes to the economics Reid gets all alheimer
Invisible - yes, Democrats want to do what is right and move the country forward. Republicans only want to obstruct - even their own!
[but it does coincide with Heinlein's thought of an armed society is a polite societly LOL....]
Poor caesar, still thinks he has a relevant opinion. Heinlein was a science fiction writer...you know...fantasy. Maybe try basing your opinions in reality, you will be taken seriously.
But I understand, I guess you're all proud of yourself for having slipped under the "dumbass radar" and made it this far.
Dangerfield - The absence of war? So those 2 , 10+ year conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan were not wars? As for the comment about us arming nations that are now our staunchest allies. Do you forget Iran Contra? The fact we armed Iraq to fight Iran, then turned around and had to invade them twice? Libya was considered our ally, we see how well that has turned out - conservatives want to demonize Obama for policies started under an GOP administration for legitimizing relations with Ghaddafi. And would you really consider Afghanistan an ally? The minute we leave, the Taliban owns the nation again. The Soviets pulled out for a reason, they knew they could not win a war there, no one ever has. The U.S. cannot learn. The John McCain's on the Senate would have us intervening in Iran, Syria, and Mali if we had a GOP president.
MaxxugyBNA - well said and sooooo true!
No, you're right...the Senate never voted on a budget.
www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=112&session=2&vote=00098
Care to try again there, sport?
MaxxguyBNA: You left out the Shah of Iran. Bush was head of the CIA when he was put back in power, which led to the Iranian revolution and the hostage crisis.
Wrong decade. Operation Ajax was in 1953.
Of course Reid has the votes. That's way all of this BS from the teaholes and republican'ts is a waste of time. They never will learn apparently.
Everyone needs to remember the Obama plan, which he says will cause energy prices to naturally skyrocket. When the fuse is lit in the Middle East, the Obama plan will come to fruition. Here we are with a gallon of gas that has more then doubled since Obama took office, and has remained at or near 4.00 a gallon since. When the Middle East falls into chaos, a gallon of gas will more then double again, which is where Obama feels it needs to be. Liberals want all petroleum products to skyrocket in price so we turn to wind and solar driven cars. Pop in a couple Duracell's and head out on the open road. That situation should do wonders for the US economy.
Appoint Hagel as an UNDERSECRETARY (no confirmation necessary) put him as #2 (a caretaker until a confirmed Secretary is chosen). This has the net effect of doing an END AROUND - LET them FILIBUSTER - it won't MATTER since Hagel will be the DE FACTO SECRETARY.
put a fork in it @ 1.42: Not so. The under secretary can make no major decisions if a secretary has gone bye byes. He (she) wouldn't have that kind of power. If we were without a defense secretary (panetta is still there) any acting secretary will be told to check with somebody before issuing any directive. Wherever did you get the notion that you can appoint a subordinate to skirt an appointment filibister? Best case scenario is to make Hagel a recess appointment. The Senate can overide that too, if they can muster the votes.
I lied, the best case scenario is to niminate someone else.
A test vote? This story is starting to test my patience.
There is no reason to block this nomination. Chuck Hagel is a decent man who speaks his mind and doesn't tow the party line. It's what I like about him.
Yeah. JUST LIKE THIS GUY!
Former FBI agent says John Brennan converted to Islam in Saudi Arabia in the 1990s
That would certainly explain his troublesome friendliness toward Muslim Brotherhood groups. "Barack Obama's choice for CIA chief 'converted to Islam' former FBI agent claims," by Kerry Mcdermott for the Daily Mail, February 12 (thanks to all who sent this in):
Don't hold your breath.
Now all us Americans can sleep safely! We now have a MUSLIM running the CIA and Hagel, a known Hamas Terrorist Supporter running the dam PENTAGON FOR GOD SAKE!
The madness never ends!
Hey Obama, I hear Charles Manson is up for Parole! FIND HIM A JOB TOO!
Shovelface - don't you tire of just looking stupid? When you find a CREDIBLE source for anything - post it! The Daily Mail - REALLY?????? Are you actually THAT stupid? Oh wait, you are.
And, a FORMER FBI - why is he former? Was he released? Did he have to resign? Was he let go because of mental PROBLEMS???? That would be my guess but I'm sure you two are CLOSE!
The Muslim Brotherhood stupidity? Do you really imagine ANYONE of intelligence takes your idiotcy seriously? Get help! You definitely need it!
Oh, can we see your birth certificate please? Also, we'd like to see a doctor's report saying you are sane - and actually human. Yeah, we won't hold our breath! Dummy!
@Shovelface-any no.: Gwaddamn!!!!!!!!
What do we Congress to do again? Play political games or get on with governing? This is ridiculous. Republicans are just running their usual smear game on Hagel. This is getting old.
It's what I liked about Lieberman. I'm inclined to agree that Reid would not bring it to a vote unless he is pretty sure it will go through. Besides, he wont be the least qualified cabinet member Obama has ever selected. It took Bengazi to get her out.
Sane (you've never been) don't you get tired of looking the fool every single day? You're such a lowlife and continue to post so we all know it. How pitiable you are. Must be embarrassing to wake up each day and be you!
Talk about just making @!$%# up as you go along...
Hillary Clinton was eminently more qualified than Condeleeza Rice, and did a far superior job as Secretary of State.
How proud are you of Donald Rumsfeld's performance as Secretary of Defense? It was pathetic. He sent American troops into Iraq that were ill-equipped for the task and in insufficient numbers to achieve the objective.
The Iraq War was the most ill-conceived, mismanaged, FUBAR military action we have taken in modern times.
My personal favorite was the walking talking skull, Michael Chertoff. He was Brownie's boss after all!
Gotta' watch Rachel on Monday evening: "Hubris: Selling of the Iraq War"
Selling of lies, and anyone who disagreed with Dubya/Cheney was destroyed!
Or murdered. Dr. David Kelly was the UN weapons inspector who called the WMD talk "sexed up". Then he was murdered.
The former Ambassador to Iraq who was slandered and the CIA agent in charge of looking for WMD who was outed got off easy.
The right wing extremist (tea party) nut job Fascist wannabes will do their posturing, grandstanding and try and hold their breaths until they turn blue but it won't work. Harry Reid probably has the votes to get on with this. Stop the nonsense TP and govern.
Cool, Seeking called me names again! Failed to make a point but names are good. And please... Hillary's only qualification was being married to Bill, and taking the post as a consolation prize for having the party turn on her in the democrat primaries. Rice actually had a real resume. Hillary had zero experience related to the job, unless she was good at getting people killed before this.
Sane - you've never made a point to refute. Hillary was an outstanding Secretary of State.
Condi Rice should be tried for treason. She knew and failed to alert the US to the impending attacks the CIA had warned about which of course took place 9/11/2001. She KNEW but lied about the tubes in Iraq being capable of delivering WMD's. She was NOTHING but a Bush lapdog.
Hillary was outstanding and that will help her become President in 2017 - and your little insane head will spin, then explode!
The ignorant comment about people getting killed - did you complain when more than 20 embassy and consultate employees were killed during the Bush Administration? NO, HYPOCRITE and liar!
Sane, unless you have something other than right wing rhetoric, I would suggest you troll someplace else. Look at the bright side after Obama is done we will get eight years of Hillary. Might be the 22nd century before another Republican gets to see the White House as anything other than a visitor. And by then the Republican party will have gone the way of the Whigs into oblivion. Hopefully there will be some sensible conservatives who really want to do what is right for America's citizens and stop this hate parade the tea party followers are on. That my friend is a road to ruin, jump off the tea party bus before it is too late.
Sane, you are not very smart, are you?
seeking -- why don't you send the evidence you have on c. rice to eric holder? if what you say is true he would be derelict in his duty if he failed to charge her?
or are you just making this up as you seem to do?
billybob - it's been released by both the CIA and in the hearings on 9/11. Perhaps you should try to keep up.
Oh, Rice's excuse - they didn't have definite information and didn't want to cause panic. That worked out soooo well, didn't it? She admitted in an interview that they were told we would be attacked using our own airplanes. But, rather than tell the airlines or warn the public, they sat on the information. Now, try again!
This information has been public for at least 2 years. Why are you soooo far behind?
Sane, making insane points...
Invisible - actually "sane" made NO points - just drivel - his usual!
seeking -- then why has holder not done anything? could it be that he is not as much of a fool as those suggesting treason charges?
billybob -no holder is doing what is likely to cause the least problems for the country. Unlike Republicans, he actually CARES about this country. I realize that is a foreign concept to you but try to wrap your little brain around it.
It's all in the CIA and committee findings. You don't keep up much, do you? Oh, that's right - this is a negative against Republicans so you don't give a damn! Forgot!
So letting someone who is guilty of treason to walk around is 'good for the country'?
slodon - actually I'd put Condi Rice, Cheney, and Bush in jail for life but that isn't what is best for the country. Republicans are already trying their best to tear it apart. Frankly the little trio can go to hell for all I care - but they're not worth having more division in this country right now.
Funny thing is - none of them can leave the country or the World Court will have them arrested for War Crimes. That might be the best thing that could happen to those murderers.
SeekingSanity - You are full of crap and only spout the left wing garbage. You say it's all in the CIA and committee findings, well why don't you link us to the supposed information that you know about? There was a 9/11 Commission that put out a full report that says you are out of your mind.
You come on here spouting your left wing BS without any proof. As you know I rarely reply to any of your post because you never have any real facts and you only want to insult people. But I will call you on this one, so put up the CIA, COMMITTEE FINDINGS, or STFU.
There are warrants out on bush/cheney already. That is why he can not travel to Europe, Canada, or other parts of the civilized world.
SeekingSanity - You just don't know when to keep your friggin mouth shut. You stated above: "Funny thing is - none of them can leave the country or the World Court will have them arrested for War Crimes. That might be the best thing that could happen to those murderers."
You know that's a DAMN LIE but you and a few other left wing nuts keep posting. To call any President, VP, or SOS murders is just a stupid asinine statement with nothing to back you up, so again STFU with your left wing BS.
miklkit - You are just a stupid as SeekingSanity when you spout that BS. Produce the warrants, so me proof and show me where the World Court or any other court has jurisdiction over any former or current American politician.
SS, looks like you struck a nerve. Poor "sarge" still hasn't washed that sand from his vagina from the last election. What a tool. Now crawl back into that bottle of scotch, you angry drunk.
sfcret - you're not capable of looking things up? That would be your problem - not mine. It is all in the commission's report. Plus Condi Rice admitted, in a media interview that yes, they had been warned we would be attacked by our own planes but they didn't know when or if it was true so they chose NOT to warn the airlines or beef up security because they might cause a panic. The CIA has confirmed on many occasions that the warnings were made and ignored by the Bush Administration.
Also, the CIA confirmed that they told Condi -prior to the war in Iraq - that the metal tubings they were focused on COULD NOT deliver WMD's.
Must be intolerable to be so dumb you haven't found this out before. It was discussed on MANY occasions.
I understand Googling is difficult for a low information voter like you but try hard.
And, the World Court having warrants out for Bush, Cheney and Rumsfield is common knowledge.
You're such a sad little unintelligent Republican. Now, whine some more!
Mickey, NY - Yes, SS did strike a nerve, read her stupid posts sometime and you will see why. BTW, have you figured out why Obama is still unable to lead or are you still blaming the fact that he doesn't have a "super majority."
Hey "sarge"...STFU... :)))
SeekingSanity - You are making the accusations so it is up to you to put up or shut up. You and other lefties are always asking for links and proof, so now it is on you to produce, give me the direct page(s) from the Commission Report.
Further, The United States does not recognize the World Court. If there are warrants, they are meaningless and unenforceable.
Mickey - Did I strike a nerve, run and tell your mother the bad Republican is picking on you..:)))
sfcret- it's public knowledge and has been discussed on this site before. Disprove any of it! You can't because it's all true!
Just a typical Republican who can't face the facts and won't even try to dispute them because they're all true!
Oh, and idiot, President Obama can and does lead which is why Republicans can't stand them. They/you know you have no one of value or leadership in the GOP who comes even close to being as good a man or President as Obama. Go whine some more!
sfcret#7.17: He ain't no gwaddamn Goat herder. He leads people. Why don't you find yourself a dry match?
I am Intrigued as to why you keep referring to a " Specialist First Class " as a Sergeant .What did it get up graded 2 ranks by posting on FR ? Has it told you a SFC is now a Sergeant ? This is dis-respectful to the men in my and my wife's family that actually are .
carpenter7 - You have never been in the Army have you, or do you have sh!t for brains? Might want to look up the rank and pay grade structure in the Army, especially during 1960 - 1980. But then I guess you have never heard of "Sergeant First Class". Learn something before you comment, or are you one of the left wing nuts that don't know what you are talking about but likes to comment anyway.
SeekingSanity - Everyone with any sense knows you are nothing but a BS artist that spouts the left wing lies. It was you that made the accusation about Bush, Rice and Cheney being murderers, so now tell me who did the kill? If it's public knowledge, then you should be able to post it.
E 5,6,7,8,9 ? Please do tell . Having read your Republican crap . I assume you will tell me E-9 Sergeant Major of The USA . BTW type fast son , You have been on ignore for months . i hafta go read your page and come back to reply .
did You get the Big Bump ?
I knew it He's an E 52 Sergeant Major of the USA , USAF USCG and The USN .
I'll bet He is a Seal on the side . BTW There is ONLY 1 S/M of The USA at a time . Care to Wager Spec 2 retired is not him ?
carpenter7- Just keep me on ignore because it's apparent you have nothing to offer as far as a legitimate conversation. BTW, where did you get this "Specialist First Class", apparently from your rear end. You are right there is only 1 Sergeant Major of the Army at a time, and you sure was never it. I will bet you never served in the Army.
Now I've had enough of you silly games, so have your mother tuck you in and get some sleep.
LAST reply This ain't the 80's never did hear your pay grade . IE E 4 , 5 ,6,7,8,9 .
My father in law is an e6 RETIRED . Guess what , Thats from Korea . My brother in law is a E7 and thats from iraq . Please Stop .
Ohh And by the way "sarge " we all live in a little town in kansas .
carpenter7 - You really are stupid, and I know you never served. BTW, my rank and pay grade is SFC E-7, I gave you my dates of service earlier, but since you are dense I will repeat Jan 1960 to Aug 1980. Further I did tours in Vietnam, so just STFU. Now little boy give me your dates of service and quit trying to hide behind Daddy's service. What does Kansas have to do with anything?
So you please stop with your bull sh!t.
gad folks - SFC always was an E7 to me
As to the "highest EM ranks" - there is a SMA (Army) E9, a CMSAF (Air Force) E9, MCPON (Navy) E9, MCPOCG (Coast Guard) E9, and SgtMajMC (Marine) E9 (and, yes, the pay is higher than "ordinary E9, too)
want to see them ALL- look here
_www.defense.gov/about/insignias/enlisted.aspx (remove the underline to make the link work)
So much for Harry Reid's deal with McConnell to stop the filibusters. Why Harry are you so gullible?
Reid is thinking ahead to the possibility his party may some day be in the minority.
Senator Reid is naive. If the Democrats ever lose the Senate the very first things the Republicans will do is to eliminate the filibuster. And then laugh at Harry Reid for believing otherwise.
Wow!!!!! Reid is doing something. He can't be in Washington!!!! Aren't they Stepford People there! Do Nothing Important, Say Nothing Important! Yet we pay them a huge salary to make decisions for us. What a joke!
This is BS. The law says confirmation by simple majority. When is the GOP going to start OBEYING THE LAW?
how about when reid and obama stop breaking the law!
billybob - WHAT law has the President or Reid broken?
how about obama ordering the murder of a US citizen? how about reid failing to pass a budget?
come on, take your blinders off
you are just too much fun. one day your mind will open up and you will realize all of the garbage you have spit out over the years of drinking the kool aid.
have a nice evening
billybob - one day you'll realize you have no mind to open up. You are so filled with right wing ignorance and hatred. Everything Bush did that you had no complaints about you now want Obama blamed for. You truly are a digusting piece of right wing filth who cares nothing for the country - as long as the GOP tells you something is going on your hatred leads you. You're a sad excuse for an American!
Never liked koolaid - plus that stupidity is all the far right has - it's old and stupid - apparently all you have to hold onto.
Keep the koolaid - it appears to be your drink!
So seeking is that your rebuttal? Name calling? REALLY? Where are your facts that prove billybob wrong?
slodon - billybob has given me nothing to prove is wrong. The President has done NOTHING Bush didn't do and has been charged with NOTHING.
Why don't you stop stalking me and find something useful to do you raging maniac! You're useless and clearly billybob's backup! You poor little boys - always having to have someone to watch your lies!
Billybob: Precisely what law requires a budget?
Why you all so testy? She got people killed! That is the reality. The administration concocted lies about the events. The investigation makes it clear that warnings were ignored and those who should have acted failed or could not be reached. And you all know her post was a political payoff for acting like they supported Obama after the primaries.
Never been sane - Hillary got no one killed. Terrorists killed the 4 in Benghazi. Again, where were you when over 20 died at our embassies and consulates when Bush was President? Did you scream and yell your lies then too?
You know nothing and no one has placed blame anywhere except where it belongs - on the killers. You are a hate filled ignorant lying piece of filth. You'd use your mother to get what you want - lowlife scum!
I am a registered Republican. I have generally voted a straight party line for the last 49 years. I am also a U.S. veteran, having been a USMC parachutist and distant reconnaissance operative. I state the latter because it has direct bearing on my credibility with respect to the nomination of Chuch Hagel. Accusations have been made by Senator Cruz that have impuned the honor, dignity, and patriotism of this nominee for Secretary of the Department of Defense. Once again, as in the 'Swift Boating' of Presidential candidate, Senator Kerry, the accuser is a person(s) of very little merit, or pre-existing comparable service to our nation. Yet, the LOW get to defame those who so honorably served.
The present Republican party is regretably exemplified by these recent, dawdry, AND cowardly comments from Senator Cruz, R/NM, with regard to Chuck Hagel's patriotism. I can only find possible explanation in the fact that Senator Cruz should not be held accountable in recalling events in Chuch Hagel's life that very likely occured before the Senator was born, or reached the age of reason. It would also appear that Senator Cruz's behavioral development has yet to attain that level of accountability.
While I am not a resident of the Senator's state, I have little doubt that it's senior voting citizens DO recall the exemplary service to our nation that Chuck Hagel has so valiantly performed as a volunteer enlisted man. I am also certain that Mr. Cruz's Republican colleagues should convince this apalling novice of his ineptitude and lack of respect that is rightlfully due such American veterans. Until I read of the censure of Mr. Cruz by his party, for his defamation of Chuck Hagel, and learn of a 100%, DIRECT, apology to Chuck Hagel from this offensive and capricious dilittante, I will cease to even consider any support of the Republican Party, in any capacity.
Additionally, isn't it time we Americans use our buying power, via boycott, of regions that put forth Congressional representatives of such low and poor quality? Regretably, we must presume that such a pusillanimous representative is just that, a representative from whense he came. Certainly, there ARE American states and regions who are more mindful of whom they choose to send to OUR Congress. Let's bring such disrespectful individuals to the bar of social accountability through the almighty dollar.
Together, WE can accomplish this simply by spending our money in states where mature, responsible, politicians represent a fair and considerate electorate. How many more of these so- called representatives, 'bedbugs', do we have to endure?
T.P. - first, thank you for your service to our country. Second, well said and I bow to you and your post!
T.P.---I also thank you for your service to our country.
I don't understand why the GOP allows these situations to go on. If I hadn't already left the party over its treatment of women, this would do it for me. I will say that I found a welcoming home in the Democratic party. C'mon over!!
@T.P. McCarthy#13: I salute you! Your post is the epitome of rightful honor. Best regards
To be clear, T.P., Senator Cruz is from Texas.
oh gee... why do the RETHUGs allow this to happen?
Quite simple really - since they were unable to make Obama a "one term president", they intend to be as obstructionist as possible (even if it kills their party)
The tea party folks seem to think they have a legalized third party in this country. They are such insulting, revolting, ignorant, disrespectful people who found their way into our congress. Congressional republicans need to shut them up. Those newbees are terrible. I hope the next election, the voters get them out of congress. I doubt if the people knew just who they were voting for!
If a filibuster takes place on Hagel we can all thank Reid for taking McConnells side when it came to revamping the filibuster rules. Reid never should have agreed to do the 60 votes. He stated previously the republicans filibustered over 386 times since Obama was in office and became abusive of the rules. Why Reid and the Senate agreed and voted to all but 9 senators who opposed, they stabbed our President and Americans in the back. Nothing will get done, inspite the President's address on Tuesday night.
Hagel is a two time Purple Heart receipient and honorable person, who Cruz, (a newbee) said some awful stuff slaming Hagel. Other senators, including McCain and Nelson of Florida denounced Cruz for his actions during the hearing for nomination
Senator Collins is a republican, which the actions of those tea babbers reflect on her career as senator from Maine. She needs to do something to clean-up those degenerates who cause serious problems when it comes to getting people nominated and stop the obstructionism that reflects on all republicans in congress.
Joanie: My understanding is that Reid and McConnell reached a kind of handshake agreement that neither party would use the filibuster except for extremely important, major issues. The idea was to put the filibuster back on the shelf to be used as a only last resort, as it was until Obama was elected.
The Senate GOP are now violating that agreement by demanding 60 votes of approval, but they are insisting that it not be called "a filibuster."
I can understand Collins' position though. If you're the only sane person in a nut house it behooves you to act like a nut once in a while if you want to get along.
I say, let the ignorant haters of the Republican Party rant at will in the national media. They will hasten the inevitable demise of the Republican Party, hopefully by 2014.
Democrats should not advise Republicans on winning elections. Rather mock Republican foolery and berate Republican knavery at every opportunity.
"Stand You Ground!" The Republicans must advertize and publicize all the lies that the Democratic Propaganda Machine if feeding the USA! Why is it, that our esteemed news media folks, do not report the fact that the President has violated his oath of office - you know, "To support and defend the US Constitution against ALL ENEMIES, foreign and domestic!" {:-(}
Gary - the President HAS NOT violated his oath of office - just the contrary. He has stuck to his oath of office. Now, liar - post more nonsense. That and more lies are all you have! Stupid Republican!
The New Texas Teabagging Senator, Mexigrease Cruz, questioning Chuck Hagels Bronze Star and Patriotism needs to be addressed. Any idea if this clown served anywhere but up the Koch Brothers asses?
Wow, the race card in reverse... oh yeah that's called racism... The left... party of the tolerant... sigh
how about... well. she's from TEXAS, she's a RETHUG, and she's also a Teabagger - that's 3 strikes - she's out?
So it's come to the point that the republicans are set to filibuster the appointment of one of their own.. A decorated combat vet no less....
Simply because it was Obama that nominated him...
They've devolved into a small, angry, pathetic party... Not worthy of representing real Americans...
K1 - see my comment below...
Right Wing scumbags, guess what - America is going to filibuster the GOP-Tea Party-Right Wing Cartel. You are going to disappear in 2014 and 2016! Pick out your burial plots now while prices are low - because as more of you rush to buy your headstones and plots - free market forces of supply and demand are going to drive prices up! Just like ordinary real estate, cemetery ground is going to cost more.....!!
The GOP appears to be going around the bend. Hagel is qualified by any measure to be Secretary of Defense. Cabinet posts have always been the prerogative of the president. It's never been necessary for the Congress to approve or disapprove of them. In the history of the United States, no cabinet post has ever been filibustered.
Reasons given by the GOP are ludicrous. He would negotiate with our adversaries before going to war with them. He would treat military action as a last resort. (Who could possibly disagree and still be considered normal?)
More than a decade ago, he clumsily used "Jewish" instead of "Israeli." And in the hearings, he didn't perform like a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Possibly because he was rattled by demands about Benghazi, which he had nothing to do with. Nothing has changed on the right since the election. It's theater of the absurd.
Who gives a flying f&ck what Pencil Neck Harry Reid has to say... Isn't he like 90? The dude can barely negotiate his shoelaces and he's still hanging around collecting his massive wage while driving Nevada down the drain... Ever wonder why maggots like Reid and Pelosi don't retire when they're close to death?... It's because their gig is so frickin' easy and the pay and bennies are through the roof. How many of us would walk out on our gigs tomorrow if we had the kind of coin these a$$holes have...
AMERICAN NIGHTMARE, I see, but when Republicans hang around for an eternity like "pencil neck" Mitch McConnell, it's perfectly OK with you, is that it???
Nope, get rid of him too...
"Conservatives" want to block Hagel's nomination. How ironic, when Hagel is the true "conservative" in wanting to cut the biggest contributor to the federal deficit and debt--out of control and ridiculous military spending. Just proves again that the only opponents to Hagel's nomination are war profiteers, the industrial-military complex, neocons and warmongers in general.
Those junkyard dog Republicans snarl, slaver, bark and threaten to maul one of their own who has left the pack.
These Republicans again demonstrate their lack of intellect and lack of integrity by opposing with canine pack viciousness the appointment of a well qualified man because he doesn't pass their narrow-minded, neo-con litmus test.
I have done what I wanted tonight , CYA , tomorrow .
I am all for military spending. But I would like to see it spent on the payroll. Military pay is way lower than what our troops are worth. We could start by not wasting it on shovel ready green energy like Solyndra. As for Hagel confirm him, he may suck but I can't see where them Dems will offer a less offensive loser for the post. I think that is why they chose a GOP weakest link to nominate.
Apparently the tea holes and republican'ts learned nothing from the last election. The President should be allowed to have whomever he chooses to serve under him. If these clowns spent half as much time trying to solve our financial problems, as they do voting down EVERYTHING they can. Then perhaps something would get done in our country. Until then, expect more of the same. I'm willing to bet most people never heard of Chuck Hagel prior to this. Now all of a sudden, he's satan...Really?