Showdown At the O.K. Corral?
That’s a definite possibility if you’re basing it on Robert Byrd’s statements today. Here’s how Reuters is reporting the exchange between Byrd and Bill Frist:
“If the senator wants a fight, let him try. I’m 88 years old but I can still fight and fight I will for freedom of speech,” Byrd said. Byrd said he did not expect a filibuster against Alito, but complained, “I’m tired of hearing this threat thrown in our faces if we decide we want to filibuster.”
Funny how the Senator’s memory works. It seems that Sen. Byrd used Senate rules a couple times to change the rules on filibusters when he was majority leader. This is all within the rules but it would be nice if he were somewhat consistent on the issue.
It’s laughable when the Senator starts talking about fighting for free speech since the filibuster is currently used to stop debate, not enhance debate.
“My principle is an up or down vote…that’s all I’m arguing for, is an up or down vote,” Frist told Byrd. Byrd shot back, “That’s never been the rule here. Senators have the right to talk, the right to filibuster.” If Frist tries to limit that right, “He’s going to see a real filibuster,” Byrd warned.
This is a fight that I’d relish. It’s about time we got to this fight. If McCain and Warner hadn’t initiated the ‘Gang of Fourteen’ process, we would’ve exorcised the Constitutional Option and judges would be able to be filibustered.
Cross-posted at LetFreedomRing
December 13th, 2005 at 5:08 pm
Frist warns against stalling
WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, a Tennessee Republican, threatened Sunday to s
December 13th, 2005 at 8:44 pm
Yeah Bobby–
Just plain ole BS you Southern racist jackass! It was you who said that membership in the Ku Klux Klan was just another career move. Hey Bobby, tell that to the Nazi SS types who ended getting hanged at Nuremburg! You’re next in line!