http://samfrescoeproject.blogspot.com/
#SamFrescoe #shutdown
Here we go again, right on schedule, it’s the earth-shattering,
sky-falling, world-is-ending government shutdown (version 2018).[1],[2],[3],[4],[5]
On 20 Jan 2018, the Senate failed to pass a one-month
spending bill triggering a government shutdown. In turn, a partisan blame-game
began over who is responsible, singularly and collectively. The bill taken up
by the Senate, H.R. 195,
failed to pass the Senate by a 50-49 vote. Because the vote was short of the 60
vote requirement, the spending authority of the Executive branch ended. In
turn, the “government shutdown” message was delivered.
“So What?”
In American politics, there is nothing new under the sun. Today’s
spectacle is no different than many before (for example, the 2013 shutdown…same
words, different parrots). Because the purpose of such an effort is to influence
the beliefs of others, it’s in the interest of each citizen to see through the
subterfuge.
The “spectacle” makes
much of life ceremony and ritual; and
what is seen more important than what is known; and
what can be written more important than what can be proven. [6]
– John Adams –
what is seen more important than what is known; and
what can be written more important than what can be proven. [6]
– John Adams –
Getting Started – The Senate (The Circus)
When the Legislative Circus comes to town my mind wonders to
a darker, childlike place. Perhaps yours does as well. Imagine, if you will, a
highly appointed gentleman, with a tall hat and bright coat with tails, enters the
crossed beams of brilliant light. He steps with light foot and gleeful
expression from the floor to atop a parapet. As he lands, he turns around for
all to see, hat in hand, arms outstretched, and with a great voice begins to herald…
Ladies and Gentlemen! Creatures of the
taxation herd. People of the mob. You, the sheepeople!
Step right up and cast your eyes to
the center ring. No, good lady… No, fine gentleman… Do not look there, or
there, or there. For, in the grand ring, there is a message waiting to be
thrust upon one and all. For the means and methods witnessed here today are
more than mere words; but a dazzling spectacle of bruising, innuendo, and egomania.
For we, tonight, wish to sweeten the “shithole” aroma of emotional, party turf
battle.
Yes, this is our grand ceremony. And,
yes, this is our ultimate retreat. As of now, this tabernacle of party politics
shall become a tangled labyrinth of disconnected worlds and dimensions.
So, come ye, all feeling and
unfeeling, all thinking and unthinking, all those with their heads stuffed in a
dark place, and from all corners and crevices. Come and enter here, and
experience the mysteries of “vote for me” promises and “I care about you” caricatures.
Yes, my welcome friends, let…the…show…begin!
Blame Theory #1: The Democrats are at Fault
While it is true that the bill was blocked in a 50-49 procedural
vote, well short of the 60 votes needed for passage. It is not true that the
Democrats are solely responsible for its failure to pass. Regardless of the
messaging, it is a fact that five Democrats votes FOR the bill; whereas five
Republicans voted AGAINST the bill. However, it is equally true the Democrats did
mandate the inclusion of terms already deemed objectionable by Republicans and
the POTUS. – Therefore, this theory may be valid.
“Most of the stuff we agree on. One
reason we ended up here, the shoehorning of illegal immigration into this
debate,” said McConnell.
“Democrats are far more concerned
with Illegal Immigrants than they are with our great Military or Safety at our
dangerous Southern Border. They could have easily made a deal but decided to
play Shutdown politics instead.” – Trump
Blame Theory #2: Republicans are at Fault
For this measure, or any measure, to pass a 60 vote hurdle,
both parties must agree to bridge the vote gap. While the Republican Party has
the majority of seats, neither party has the super-majority of 60 votes. – Therefore,
this theory is not valid.
Democrats: Even though Republicans
control both chambers of Congress, as well as the White House, they cannot lead.
Reality: The Senate is fully seated
with 100 Senators (51-R’s, 47-D’s, 2-I’s caucusing with D’s). This means that a
straight party-line vote produces a 51-49 decision. While the majority is
clearly to the R’s, the R’s in of themselves cannot meet the 60 vote
requirement. The D’s must get onboard. Still, even if all R’s and five D’s
voted together, the final tally remains short of the 60 vote requirement (56-Yea
and 44-Nay).
Blame Theory #3: Embarrassing Trump is Critically
Important
The Democratic Party intentionally acted to cause a failure
of the legislative process in order to create a situation in which President
Trump could be blamed; thus, presenting the Democratic Party as the reasonable
faction. – In my view, this is exactly what happened.
For American politics, aggravating secondary effects is more
profitable than reducing primary concerns. In this case, the secondary effect
is a demonstration of Democratic Party power against the POTUS by causing a
legislative failure that supports Party messaging: the Democratic Party is good
and reasonable, because the President is bad and problematic. Whereas, the primary
effect is the willful failure of the Legislative Branch to resource the Executive
Branch.
Republican: “What we have just
witnessed on the floor was a cynical decision by Senate Democrats to shove
aside millions of Americans for the sake of irresponsible political games,”
said Mr. McConnell.
Democrat: “The dynamic of the past
few weeks, during which the congressional Republicans looked to the president
for guidance and the president provided none, prevailed again today,
unfortunately,” Mr. Schumer said. – Do
you smell that?
President: “This is the One Year
Anniversary of my Presidency and the Democrats wanted to give me a nice present,”
Trump tweeted. – The partial government shutdown coincides with the first
anniversary of President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Your View
Your thoughts and perspectives are important. I invite you
to tell me what you believe with the comment section.
© 2018 – SamFrescoeProject.Blogspot.com
– All Rights Reserved
Related Posts
[2] https_www.cnbc.com_2018_01_19_government-shutdown-bill-fails- (180120)
[4] http_www.foxnews.com_politics_2018_01_20_dems-deserve-blame-f (180120)
[5] https_nypost.com_2018_01_20_trump-jokes-government-shutdown-I
(180120)
[6]
John Patrick Diggins, “John Adams”, Times Books, 2003, ISBN: 0-8050-6937-3
(paraphrased)
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