The Surge of Hyprocrisy

Not very long ago, Republicans had complete control of all branches of government. Therefore, Senate Democrats had few real powers to effect Senate actions, but one of those powers was to block, or attempt to block, legislation that they vehemently opposed. Republicans, including the President, declared multiple times that any attempt block votes was unAmerican, obstructionist, partisan, and a great cause for shame.

Now that Democrats have a slim majority in the Senate, the Republican party has embraced the idea of blocking voting, obstructing legislation, and not allowing debate on issues that are contrary to their political agenda. The latest example of this is the non-binding resolution opposing dubya's escalation of the war for oil in Iraq. Most Senate Republicans rallied behind the political marching orders and prevented the issue from even being discussed, much less voted upon. That's right - they are so opposed to open debate and carrying out the will of the people (see last election) that they, without the slightest hesitation, embraced tactics that just months before they decried as unAmerican and shameful.

What is even more telling is that there was one Senator who is running for President, who refused to even vote on this. John McCain has been an outspoken supporter for the war, and expanding the war, so you'd think he'd be first in line to vote against allowing debate on the issue. However, because playing politics and having appearances is more important that doing his job as a Senator, or backing up his own words, or giving his constituents a voice in the senate, McCain did not even bother to vote.

It is truly sad to see someone that once brimmed with such integrity so easily cast aside his conscience and responsibility for a tiny potential political impression. He is sure to be anointed as the GOP's chosen one for '08.