Senate Charade

Reposted as history. Originally posted in May of 2005.

Editorial - 5/25/2005 - The Wall Street Journal (OpinionJournal.com)

A remarkable exercise in political self-protection

"We have kept the Republic," declared Democrat Robert Byrd, with all due modesty. "The Senate won" and "the country won," added Republican John McCain. All (who rigged this "compromise") are apparently destined for Mount Rushmore, as soon as Mr. Byrd can stuff the money for the sculpture into an appropriations bill.

What a charade. This ballyhooed "compromise" is all about saving the Senators themselves, not the Constitution. Its main point is to shield the group of 14 from the consequences of having to cast difficult, public votes in a filibuster showdown.

The 7 democrats are all being lauded by members of their party. The 7 Republicans are being excoriated by members of their party. Forget what the press says. The reaction of the two parties tells you everything you need to know about what this charade means.