Sinema must go
The filibuster is the strangest thing in U.S. politics, a rule set up by the Senate first in 1806 and enacted not until 1837.
It requires a 60% vote for major laws to pass, something which is nearly impossible under current circumstances. As we have witnessed over the last two decades or so, democracy works well that way, neither in the elections nor in the Legislature. Needed change does not come easily, and certainly not with a near consensus rule. The filibuster is a stranglehold that should not be in place, irrespective of the political party in the majority.
Arizona Democrat Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s speech on the Senate floor on Jan. 13 was a direct attack against the Democratic Party and a devious full-blown defense of the Republican position regarding the reform of election laws, which hinges on the Senate vote where the Democrats might never have the necessary 60 votes.
Those laws have been changed all over the country to the manifest disadvantage of minority voters and people of color, and gerrymandering has caused enormous damage to the fair election process in a democratic country. That is divisive, tribal and demonizing (Sinema’s own words) for selfish white interests, but not because the Democrats try to make voting easier for everyone entitled to it.
By contrast, making sure on a federal level that neo-Jim Crow laws cannot be instituted on a state level, that is inclusive, patriotic and fair for all. The Republicans, with whom Sinema apparently wants to chummy up, have used the filibuster in a blatantly hateful manner undermining our democracy and stalemating the entire political process once again.
Sinema is appealing to the Senate to “expand opportunity for all our citizens,” which should mean to support the election reform bills, which she allegedly supports: “… it (is) more and more difficult to find lasting, broadly supported solution.”
But why is that so? Why have all those new state laws been issued right after the last election in which former President Trump lost by a wide margin, irrespective of the “big lie” theory spewed forth by him and his many minions already long before the last election and ever since?
Sen. Sinema knows that the Republicans will not cooperate or compromise with the Democrats, and thus do not want to promote the well-being of our country. Accusing the broad spectrum of legislators of being tribal and divisive is an outrightly one-sided charge of a sinister kind directly out of the textbook of racist Republican ideologues.
So, arguing against the dismantling of the filibuster, she hands over easy victory to the Republicans fighting against voting reform, contributing to the very divisiveness which she laments about. It is time to find a Democrat replacement for Sen. Sinema!
Albrecht Classen
Hilo
Dog safety
Dog owners, if you love your pet that much, please do not operate your vehicle with your dog on your lap.
The dangers are many. For one, it can be an obstruction and distraction as you are driving. And, most critically, if you are ever involved in a vehicle collision in which your airbag deploys, the speed of the airbag will send your pet colliding into your chest and face, which could result in very serious injuries or death to the both of you.
Would you allow a child to sit upon your lap while you drive?
Rick LaMontagne
Hilo
