Comments on: Is the U.S. Senate broken?
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- Well, I guess this is the closest any major media organization will address the republican obstructionism. No mention of the NRA scoring voting! No mention of the Republican pledge to Grover Norquist. No use of the term "record" or "unprecedented" when it comes to the filibusters and presidential appointees blocked by the Republicans.
Citizens United v.FEC allowed big money to get the Tea Party elected in 2010, shifting the Republicans to the uncompromising right. Then to admit that you will do whatever is necessary to make the Commander-In-Chief fail in a time of war (treasonous)...the country to default... And where is the compassion from Republicans when the more than 30 million Americans lose the healthcare coverage and medicare prescription doughnut hole coverage of Obama's Health Care Bill? And Republicans won't even close a tax or gun show loophole!
The major media has given Republicans a pass again, just like Bush for all his failures and war criminality. But, look what happened to Tom Dashle after he called Bush the war criminal that he is... or what happened to Shinsheki or the Dixie Chicks, etc... - Reply to this comment
- It's all about leadership...and in this case, failed leadership. I spent 29+ years in the US military and had the honor to serve with many outstanding leaders. And let me be clear on this: neither Senator McConnell, nor Senator Reid, have what it takes to be an effective leader. They, along with the President of the Senate (VP Biden), have failed our nation and have transformed the US Senate from the world's elite governing body into a mockery. They should be fired!
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- IMHO
The Senate is the main reason I would move the Canada now if I could or even Costa Rica later when I can afford it.
The Senate is where big money runs the US. - Reply to this comment
- That is exactly my point, I applaud the Congress people that do exactly what we the people elected them to do, Liberal or Conservative. If as a consequence there is gridlock in Congress so be it. My point is that the debate should be waged in the Public Square with the assistance of a free and fair press, then elect our Representative that will champion our wishes and not do their own wishes once they are in Washington. This of course requires and is predicated on a informed citizenry!
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- After watching the segment with our august senate leaders I have to say that if they were sitting back to back with arms folded across their chests the message they each delivered would have been no more clear. These people have been too long in those positions it is time for them to leave! Had I practiced my profession as they have I would have been fired a long time ago. The audacity of them to sit there and deliver the message they did and not answer the questions was appaling. I have no respect for this congress and as it was said in subsequent interviews the entire assembly of members should be excused from their seats and led out the door and anyone allowed to enter in relief were sworn to oath to work together to resolve this counties dire issues!!!!!!!
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- My point is quite simple; my representative in Congress should listen to his constituents. Liberal or Conservative. The debate should be in the Public Square. That's all.
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- If they can't do the job hired to to then fired they be. If I under perform then I get under paid (fired). Why do we let the politicians tell us what we want, tells us that they deserve a raise for working so hard. I say they owe us that money back. The Sheeple of this country will never do the right thing because it takes work to push out the slakers and the slakers know that the people will not do anything. This is why they do not worry about losing their jobs.
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- In the Senate with the ability to threaten or pronounce a filibuster on each piece of legislation, the rules have standardized failure for that instutution.
It's as bad as the sequestration package. Congress gets down to 7% approval, and what point can should we call it defunct. - Reply to this comment
- Amazing, yet some of the above comments reinforce the viewing population of 60 minutes....white males, no people of color...one or 2 females, who often cover minimal issues, not covering politics...and this, their representation with these stories minimal.
Interesting to note, that during this interview,Mitchell was not asked about the comment he made when Obama was elected..."our job is to make sure he is not re-elected in 2012"...thus, 60 minutes and their white older males, is seemingly representative of Congress. The sad news, is that CBS represents media, and should offer non-partisan journalist opinions in their stories and coverage, to give us a better understanding of today's challenging times. - Reply to this comment
- How about the following proposal to shame the Senate?
100 Ordinary U.S. Citizens Solving the Deficit Dilemma
PROPOSAL
Unfettered by ideology and special interest influence (lobbyists), the average American citizen could solve the deficit dilemma. To prove the strength of citizenship, and to show our elected officials, political parties, and hyper-partisan bloggers how it is possible and necessary to collaborate and cooperate, we need to replicate the United States Senate and bring together two ordinary citizens from every state and request them to pass a bill with a 60% super majority that is a viable solution to the deficit dilemma, and to do so in seven days. Not only should the efforts of 100 ordinary citizens inspire members of Congress, they will affirm the importance of all ordinary citizens becoming more engaged in governance.
CBS and/or 60 Minutes will fund 100 U.S. citizens 18 years of age or older, two from each state and reflective of the demographics of our nation to gather in Georgetown, SC (my home town) for 6 days to study the deficit dilemma and arrive at a solution. The 100 citizens will be identified and selected to represent the following demographics as reflected in the latest census data: BY RACE: White, non-Hispanic 64, Hispanic 16, Black or African-American 12, Asian 5, American Indian or Alaska Native 1, and Two or more races 2; BY AGE 18-24 -13, 25-44 - 35, 45-64 - 35, Over 64 - 17.
The 100 citizens will meet from 8:30 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. with evening sessions from 7:30-9:00 p.m. The participants will receive and review reports from the Simpson-Bowles Commission and other experts in the field representing diverse perspectives. Professional facilitators will guide the process and build esprit de corps among the 100 citizens. The participants will eat meals together and work day and night to pass a bill with a 60% super majority to resolve the deficit dilemma within 6 days. For maximum impact on the 113th Session of Congress which commences after the Inauguration of the President on January 21, 2013, the 100 Ordinary Citizens Solving the Deficit Dilemma will be held the first week of January (January 7-11, 2013).
PRODUCT
1. A comprehensive proposal to the United States Congress for solving the deficit dilemma approved by at least 60% of the participants or, if unsuccessful, a case study on why it is difficult if not impossible to solve large scale national problems.
2. An object lesson for the United States Congress and all who work inside the Beltway that hyper-partisan politics prevents our government from functioning at any level, much less effectively, however, ordinary citizens who pledge to work on behalf of the best interests of our nation and unencumbered by special interest influence can produce the results that the vast majority of our citizens expect.
3. An object lesson and source of inspiration for all citizens of the critical importance of engaging in the governance process, of becoming informed on the issues, and of helping to shape public policy.
4. A study in leadership by ordinary United States citizens to be compiled by CBS and aired as a 60 Minutes segment, a single documentary or a series of television shows in the genre of reality television, except hopefully at a more meaningful and intellectually substantive level.
COST -- Approximately $400,000 -- a modest investment for a television documentary - Reply to this comment
