NationStates Jolt Archive

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/12/21/senate.pro.forma/index.html

Wow! You know congressmen are pissed at you when they avoid extended vacations at the taxpayers' expense to keep you from getting your way. :p

Not going home to celebrate Christmas!? Could the Jewish Conspiracy be any more obvious!?

Owned, Son!!

well that IS how that bolton asshole got appointed ambassador to the united nations.

im glad they are responsible enough to make sure that kind of thing wont happen again.

well that IS how that bolton asshole got appointed ambassador to the united nations.

im glad they are responsible enough to make sure that kind of thing wont happen again.

Though it's sad that they have to do it, because Bush keeps abusing the system. Well, we'll see what the Republicans say when president H. Clinton does the same thing. ;)

Though it's sad that they have to do it, because Bush keeps abusing the system. Well, we'll see what the Republicans say when president H. Clinton does the same thing. ;)

Well, I'm sure she'll take the high road and... and... respect the *twitch* political process- BWA HAHAHAHAHAAAA!!

Sorry. I tried. :p

Well, I'm sure she'll take the high road and... and... respect the *twitch* political process- BWA HAHAHAHAHAAAA!!

Sorry. I tried. :p

:D

I was thinking the same myself :p

Though it's sad that they have to do it, because Bush keeps abusing the system. Well, we'll see what the Republicans say when president H. Clinton does the same thing. ;)

You know I was thinking of something similar when I heard that the Republicans pulled something like 60-some odd (I'm thinking 62 it is 62! (http://home.ourfuture.org/media/record-breaking-senate-conservatives.html)) filibusters in the last year. Apparently, that's already a record for a whole senate term reached in the first year.

I guess that could spin both ways, either, "Good thing you didn't get rid of the filibuster, eh?" or "You wanted filibuster, well you got it, bitches!" I know that was over confirmation, but anyway...

Good maybe congress will finally get something done....

Well, let's remain hopeful.

Though it's sad that they have to do it, because Bush keeps abusing the system. Well, we'll see what the Republicans say when president H. Clinton does the same thing. ;)

every time the republicans allow bush another power grab i think of how they are going to squeal when hillary uses that power.

politicians are such assholes.

Not going home to celebrate Christmas!? Could the Jewish Conspiracy be any more obvious!?Christmas isn't in the bible.

Christmas isn't in the bible.

That's because the Jews removed all mention of it. They can do that, you know.

I think they just know they will be paid extra on Christmas ;)

Nice. Just to thwart Bush. I wish I could have done it. ;)

every time the republicans allow bush another power grab i think of how they are going to squeal when hillary uses that power.

politicians are such hypocrites.

While assholes is a good adjective to use to describe politicians, I think a better word given the context would be 'hypocrites'. *nods* And yet it doesn't change the meaning of your post!

well that IS how that bolton asshole got appointed ambassador to the united nations.

im glad they are responsible enough to make sure that kind of thing wont happen again.

Seconded.

Though it's sad that they have to do it, because Bush keeps abusing the system. Well, we'll see what the Republicans say when president H. Clinton does the same thing. ;)

Recess appointments aren't abuse in and of themselves. Using them constantly and/or in order to get objectionable selections passed through without confirmation. I ask the resident NSG US Historians: have any recess appointments ever been confirmed by the Senate at a later date?

While assholes is a good adjective to use to describe politicians, I think a better word given the context would be 'hypocrites'. *nods* And yet it doesn't change the meaning of your post!

youre right.

and we should take note today of the things the democrats demonize george bush over so we can see the 180 flip they do when hillary clinton (or whichever democrat ends up in the whitehouse) starts doing the same thing.

its so much a matter of "when your guy does it its bad, when my guy does it its good" that it makes me sick.

youre right.

and we should take note today of the things the democrats demonize george bush over so we can see the 180 flip they do when hillary clinton (or whichever democrat ends up in the whitehouse) starts doing the same thing.

its so much a matter of "when your guy does it its bad, when my guy does it its good" that it makes me sick.

And for people who like charts...

http://www.weaselhut.net/repvsdemo.JPG

I wonder how much these senators are being paid for these one-minute long sessions that will last each day for weeks since technically, they are not "on vacation."

I wonder how much these senators are being paid for these one-minute long sessions that will last each day for weeks since technically, they are not "on vacation."

I'm pretty sure they're salary employees...

I'm pretty sure they're salary employees...

Indeed they are. *nod*

I'm pretty sure they're salary employees...Then they just want to bugger with Bush?

Then they just want to bugger with Bush?

Don't we all?

I'm pretty sure they're salary employees...

some salary employees get bonuses for working during normal vacation time.

others can get overtime depending on their job and pay description.

Don't we all?Of course, but we're not all "all" so to speak.

Don't we all?

With a fucking devil's club. *nods*
http://www.nawwal.org/~mrgoff/photojournal/2004/winspr/pictures/03-20devilsclubclose.jpg

Kudos to Harry Reid and his small cadre of Democratic senators who'll brave the cold to simply walk into the House, bang a gavel, speak a few words, and bang it again to close session, just to make sure Bush doesn't abuse the mechanics of government.

It's so laughable. It's ridiculous how US politicians exploit these loopholes that are easily countermanded by tedious actions.

Just gives me further reason to hate america. Like I needed more.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/12/21/senate.pro.forma/index.html

Wow! You know congressmen are pissed at you when they avoid extended vacations at the taxpayers' expense to keep you from getting your way. :p

That sounds like a case of cutting one's nose off to spite one's face. They're preventing Bush from making these appointments, but in the process, they screw themselves by not being able to attend family holiday functions.

Though it's sad that they have to do it, because Bush keeps abusing the system. Well, we'll see what the Republicans say when president H. Clinton does the same thing. ;)

You're assuming that she'll get elected. There's still what, just under 11 months until the election. Hopefully by then, one of the parties will find a palatable candidate.

You're assuming that she'll get elected. There's still what, just under 11 months until the election. Hopefully by then, one of the parties will find a palatable candidate.

Actually, I'm not. I'm just using her as an example since so many republicans seem to fear a new Clinton administration, to illustrate that you can't complain when the other side later abuses the system in the same way as your side did.

The republicans will reap what they sow, as a democratic president will be elected again at some point in time. Though it will be sad if a democratic president continues to abuse the political process, if/when it happens I will be among the first to point and laugh at the republicans who are quiet today.

That sounds like a case of cutting one's nose off to spite one's face. They're preventing Bush from making these appointments, but in the process, they screw themselves by not being able to attend family holiday functions.

Since when does attending congress for a minute or two deny you the chance to be with your family? Especially if you live nearby. Heck, even if you live a few hours away (I'm thinking car, train or airplane).

I feel a song...

Ladies and gentlemen, to the tune of the Beatles' "Maxwell's Silver Hammer"...

Jim Webb's Wooden Hammer!

Bush was whimsical; tried to push his nominees
while the guys went home.
Congress rights be fucked with a dildo,
Oh, oh, oh, oh.
Jimmy Henry Webb, part of the majority,
won't let this go on.
He'll not take it laying down and then,
Moa, oa, oa, oan!
So as Bush's getting ready to cheat,
Jim Webb comes on the floor.
Bang! Bang! Jim Webb's wooden hammer
Came down upon the desk.
Bang Bang Jim Webb's wooden hammer
took Bush to the task.
No session again, Dubya plays the fool again.
Jim Webb gets annoyed.
Wishing to avoid an unpleasant
thi, i, i, ing,
He tells Bush he'll stay when senate has gone away,
So he waits behind
going fifty times to the senate
flo, o, o, or...
So when Bush turned his back on the man,
and tried to push them through.
Bang! Bang! Jim Webb's wooden hammer
Came down upon the desk.
Bang Bang Jim Webb's wooden hammer
took Bush to the task.
Since Bolton's push con really was a dirty one.
Jim Webb stands alone
Presiding one-minute long sessions.
Oh, oh, oh, oh.
Bush and Dick Cheney, screaming from the gallery
Say they must be free
(Dubya must be free)
To pick their nominee and he tells them
no, o, o, o.
So as Dubya is turning to go,
A noise comes from behind.
Bang! Bang! Jim Webb's wooden hammer
Came down upon the desk.
Bang Bang Jim Webb's wooden hammer
took Bush to the task.
Whoa, oh, oh wooden hammer, yeah

From those unfamiliar with the song...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-S29Wxd0JY&feature=related

That sounds like a case of cutting one's nose off to spite one's face. They're preventing Bush from making these appointments, but in the process, they screw themselves by not being able to attend family holiday functions.

I dunknow. I think at least a few of these guys would be itching for any excuse to avoid having to attend family holiday functions.

That sounds like a case of cutting one's nose off to spite one's face. They're preventing Bush from making these appointments, but in the process, they screw themselves by not being able to attend family holiday functions.

Not at all. That expression means, in essence, the expression refers to one who would get rid of something beneficial to them just to prove a point. They're not simply "proving a point". They're exercising a political tactic to prevent someone from acting in a way they feel is contrary to the interests of this nation, and making a personal sacrifice to do it. And, I think it's remarkably telling that you consider someone willing to make personal sacrifices for their beliefs to be "cutting off their nose"

Since when does attending congress for a minute or two deny you the chance to be with your family? Especially if you live nearby. Heck, even if you live a few hours away (I'm thinking car, train or airplane).

"Webb won't be the only senator tasked with presiding over the shortened sessions. Other Democrats -- including Sens. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts, Byron Dorgan of North Dakota, Jack Reed of Rhode Island, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, Ben Cardin of Maryland and Chuck Schumer of New York -- will share the duty."

Let's see. A senator from Virginia (close), a senator from Massachusetts (not close, between 400-500 miles one way, approximately), a senator from North Dakota (not close, between 1400-1600 miles one way, approximately), a senator from Rhode Island (not close, between 350-450 miles one way, approximately), a senator from Louisiana (not close, between 1000-1200 miles one way, approximately), a senator from Maryland (close), and a senator from New York (not close, between 200-400 miles one way, approximately).*

So 2 senators could reasonably make a daily commute to DC to sit in Congress for mere minutes. The rest would be doing nothing but wasting time away from their families and causing pollutants to be released into the air, due to travel.







*Distances were measured through Google Earth, by typing in Washington DC as the starting point, and the senators resident state in the destination field (not very accurate due to measurements being at the closest borders, hence the approximations I listed).

Not at all. That expression means, in essence, the expression refers to one who would get rid of something beneficial to them just to prove a point. They're not simply "proving a point". They're exercising a political tactic to prevent someone from acting in a way they feel is contrary to the interests of this nation, and making a personal sacrifice to do it. And, I think it's remarkably telling that you consider someone willing to make personal sacrifices for their beliefs to be "cutting off their nose"

I know what the expression means, and I disagree. They offered Bush a deal that would allow him to use the recess appointments, if he didn't appoint a controversial figure for a permanent post. They're doing this to prove that they can stop Bush if they so choose.

Since permanent appointments have to be confirmed, they could have just blocked Steven Bradbury for the permanent position if they didn't like him, and gone home for the holidays.

Ah, fucking Bush over the holidays. How festive :)

Christmas isn't in the bible.

Neither is Congress, it's all part of the Masonic-Illuminati-Zionist-Right-Wing Conspiracy.

Since permanent appointments have to be confirmed, they could have just blocked Steven Bradbury for the permanent position if they didn't like him, and gone home for the holidays.

Oh, they could have blocked him. They'd have to do it about a year or so after he was appointed, but they could do it.

Since permanent appointments have to be confirmed, they could have just blocked Steven Bradbury for the permanent position if they didn't like him, and gone home for the holidays.

With elections coming in less than a year, Steven Bradbury doesn't HAVE to be there permanently. A year is more than enough if his intention is to twist things in favor of Bush.

If you don't want him to touch things at all though, you don't let him even near the post.

That sounds like a case of cutting one's nose off to spite one's face. They're preventing Bush from making these appointments, but in the process, they screw themselves by not being able to attend family holiday functions.
In other words, they are performing a beneficial service for their families as well as for the nation.

I love it when we reach these little spots along the political road when right-wingers have no real points to bitch about, so they start clucking and tutting about how Bush's opponents are just hurting themselves by some minor, personal inconvenience due to their stubbornness, the poor dears. Your concern for the emotional well-being of the Congress is touching, but I think they'll survive having one Christmas slightly interfered with.

With elections coming in less than a year, Steven Bradbury doesn't HAVE to be there permanently. A year is more than enough if his intention is to twist things in favor of Bush.

If you don't want him to touch things at all though, you don't let him even near the post.

I believe he was referring to the fact that all Congress would have to do is merely call the nomination to vote, cast a 47 yes, 53 fuck you, and go home.

they screw themselves by not being able to attend family holiday functions.Meh, i'm pretty sure the homefolk have already come to an understanding of the sacrifice involved with being a "public servant".

I love me some Kennedy.

Mmm..

Then they just want to bugger with Bush?
Who wouldn't?

I love me some Kennedy.

Mmm..

You mean that crafty lil' minx they had on MTV for a while?

You mean that crafty lil' minx they had on MTV for a while?

If by "MTV" you mean "CSPAN", then yes.

If by "MTV" you mean "CSPAN", then yes.
o.0
Did you used-tah cruise the college bio labs for cadavers?

o.0
Did you used-tah cruise the college bio labs for cadavers?

Who told you?!

Tense talks had just broken down with the White House on a deal that would have allowed the president to make dozens of those appointments if he agreed not to appoint one controversial official, Steven Bradbury, to be the permanent head of the influential Office of Legal Counsel at the Justice Department.

Permanent? As in for a lifetime? :confused:

Who told you?!

My supply dwindled.
Simple matter of "deduction"

Permanent? As in for a lifetime? :confused:

With that administration, it's "for an undeadtime".

With that administration, it's "for an undeadtime".

Nice move! :D

Christmas isn't in the bible.

Neither is George Bush. Your point? Besides being this forum's humorless constant bitch with an axe to grind, of course?

I admire your subtlety, Andaluciae. :p

I admire your subtlety, Andaluciae. :p

Subtle as a sledgehammer :)

Lol, points for the American system. :)