01-19-2022, 10:02 PM
Some of you may recall that after the GA runoffs I stated that I hoped Senator Manchin had a spine, or the country was going to be in for a rough time. At the time I certainly could not have predicted that Sinema would join him in the fight to preserve the unique role that the Senate plays in our government. I can honestly state that Manchin has exceeded my hopes by a large margin. Despite constant haranguing from their own colleagues and harassment from protestors both have stood their ground, recognizing how disastrous eliminating the filibuster would be, both now and in the future.
I understand that some of you disagree with this characterization, or the filibuster, sometimes vehemently. But I wanted to point this out; John McCain was widely praised by both sides for his willingness to do what he thought was right, not what his party wanted. Both Manchin and Sinema have received the exact opposite response, despite displaying the same qualities, for the same reasons, as John McCain. Much like the flip from defending the filibuster just a few short years ago to labeling it a "relic of segregation and slavery" and "a grave risk to our democracy" the willingness to stand for one's principles rather than the party line has now become a reason for scorn and derision, for hostility and rancor. I have said before that the most insidious part of Trump's presidency wasn't his actions, speeches or even his tweets, it was his ability to bring out the worst in other people in response to those things. This is merely the latest example.
I wanted to share this speech, if you care to watch it, and I encourage you to do so, you will see an honest man standing on principle with a sound and logical argument for doing so. You may disagree with his conclusion, but I can't imagine disagreeing with his reason for coming to it. Much like McCain in 2000, I would happily vote for Manchin for POTUS if he ever chose to run. Food for thought, in any event.
I understand that some of you disagree with this characterization, or the filibuster, sometimes vehemently. But I wanted to point this out; John McCain was widely praised by both sides for his willingness to do what he thought was right, not what his party wanted. Both Manchin and Sinema have received the exact opposite response, despite displaying the same qualities, for the same reasons, as John McCain. Much like the flip from defending the filibuster just a few short years ago to labeling it a "relic of segregation and slavery" and "a grave risk to our democracy" the willingness to stand for one's principles rather than the party line has now become a reason for scorn and derision, for hostility and rancor. I have said before that the most insidious part of Trump's presidency wasn't his actions, speeches or even his tweets, it was his ability to bring out the worst in other people in response to those things. This is merely the latest example.
I wanted to share this speech, if you care to watch it, and I encourage you to do so, you will see an honest man standing on principle with a sound and logical argument for doing so. You may disagree with his conclusion, but I can't imagine disagreeing with his reason for coming to it. Much like McCain in 2000, I would happily vote for Manchin for POTUS if he ever chose to run. Food for thought, in any event.
