Throw the bums out for not doing their job and for holding the government hostage. Now they delivered up Donald Duck Drumpf a power hungry, small minded narcissist who might get his hands on the nuclear codes. Just despicable behavior. I pray it is an absolute landslide and the GOP loses the House & Senate.
68
Thank you Cassandra Butts for being so good and for using that goodness in such worthwhile causes rather than for self aggrandizement. Your life and achievements are an inspiration. Thank you.
Similarly, your story is a cautionary tale --the burning Cross and King Cotton still hold sway among morally bereft Republicans. The Utilitarian philosophy of Bentham and John Stuart Mills is turned on its head...'The greatest good for the fewest number' has now become the Republican screed. And we all pay an unconscionable price....
Similarly, your story is a cautionary tale --the burning Cross and King Cotton still hold sway among morally bereft Republicans. The Utilitarian philosophy of Bentham and John Stuart Mills is turned on its head...'The greatest good for the fewest number' has now become the Republican screed. And we all pay an unconscionable price....
67
Great example of government waste.
Why do we need an ambassador to The Bahamas?
4 1/2 years without one.
So What?
Complete waste of OUR money.
Why do we need an ambassador to The Bahamas?
4 1/2 years without one.
So What?
Complete waste of OUR money.
15
Thank you for this article
It shows washingtons dysfunction in a more personal way
It shows washingtons dysfunction in a more personal way
45
Enough Obama stuff. He's done. Time to move on.
12
I guess Democrats never obstructed Republican picks, right Mr. Bruni?
Whether it's about judges or Ambassadors it's the same game by different parties on a different day and different year.
http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/politics/215957-democratic-hypocrisy
Let's face it. Both parties are doing it. Both are guilty of obstruction. Both are dysfunctional. You are a sympathizer to Democrats and write with that bias.
But the public is tired of the blame game and wants things to get done. This article doesn't help anyone or anything. It just reminds us that "A" didn't do it, so "B" isn't either.
Great. That analysis really helps. What would help is to find a suggestion or solution that would be for the government to conduct business, and as a result, for the people's business to get done.
I don't care anymore who is to "blame." Just figure out how they can get something done. Otherwise, Mr. Bruni, you are part of the problem, too.
Whether it's about judges or Ambassadors it's the same game by different parties on a different day and different year.
http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/politics/215957-democratic-hypocrisy
Let's face it. Both parties are doing it. Both are guilty of obstruction. Both are dysfunctional. You are a sympathizer to Democrats and write with that bias.
But the public is tired of the blame game and wants things to get done. This article doesn't help anyone or anything. It just reminds us that "A" didn't do it, so "B" isn't either.
Great. That analysis really helps. What would help is to find a suggestion or solution that would be for the government to conduct business, and as a result, for the people's business to get done.
I don't care anymore who is to "blame." Just figure out how they can get something done. Otherwise, Mr. Bruni, you are part of the problem, too.
26
Jeepers. It's almost as bad as the judiciary committee under senator Leahy refusing to act on Bush nominees from 2001-2003. How dare the Republicans and like Democrats!
21
Whether Democrat or Republican, our elected officials at ALL levels of our Governments, from our towns to Washington have failed and continue to fail us in performing in our best interests. No is the standard when the "opposition" proposes almost anything, lest they be deemed weak, and suffer the wrath of the extremists on their side. It is a sad state of affairs in OUR Country and I am afraid we will never find our way back to a collegiate and effective governance. I wish someone would have the guts to do what is right and be the better person, but they risk losing their jobs for the above stated reasons. It is a sad state of affairs.
11
Senator Cotton seems despicable enough to qualify as Donald Trump's running mate
42
Yet more Republican shame. You can bet if were a republican president, it would have been done in a second, even if it was the same person.
The Republicans could not oust Obama from office, so they settle for the second best thing: Let's make his life as miserable as possible.
The definition of Republican patriotism.
The Republicans could not oust Obama from office, so they settle for the second best thing: Let's make his life as miserable as possible.
The definition of Republican patriotism.
34
Suffice to say, Cruz, Cotton, McConnell have no moral character, then again, they will cry the loudest when there nominees are not approved....the pay back will come.
26
Time to get rid of the dead and hate filled weight in Washington. Time to move forward. Dems get out there and make your voice heard next time round.
23
Lets not forget where all this duplicity started, Ted Kennedy's unprecedented and vindictive campaign against Robert Bork's SC nomination in 1987. Prior to that "advise and consent" was kept in its proper place by both parties. Also, Senator Cotton evidently had legitimate grievance against the Obama administration over the Secret Service leak. So why wasn't the president able to admit his administration's error and take the corrective action needed, thereby allowing Cotton to lift the hold and proceed with the Butts confirmation? Isn't that the question to ask?
10
The question we should ask,ourselves is the following: does the fierce GOO opposition to anything Obama have anything to do with the fact and Obama is half black and would it have been worse if he were completely black? This is particularly relevant in view of the statements made by the likes of Ryan and Mc Donnel on the racism of Trump, their endorsed racist candidate.
24
Republican playbook: hobble the government, then point at it and say it doesn't work, so it must be destroyed. It's an approach that has worked so far, and the self-interested Rs and their paymasters have no reason to change it.
39
Should we be surprised that members of an all white, mainly Southern party blocked the nomination of a black woman? All you have to do is look at the GOP's nominee for President to realize how racist the party has become.
115
Inflicting pain on people is the Republican tagline though it is getting harder to understand them as McConnell, Gingrich, Ryan, Rubio turn into marble mouths when supporting their nominee Trump.
21
It's alright...the GOP is in the process of tactical-nuking itself...Ms. Butts will be avenged!
7
I felt such anger and frustration reading Ms. Butts sad, sad story. The Republicans are the one and only reason for the dysfunctional Congress we have been saddled with for almost eight years. Not only was Ms. Butts disgracefully unserved, but so were the Bahamas and any American citizens who were visiting or living there. It was a slap in the face to all of them and us, because it reflected on the whole of the United States. The fact that Senator Cotton wanted to inflict special pain on the President despite Ms. Butts stellar qualifications to be our ambassador to the Bahamas is disgusting, and revealing of a pettiness that is immature and symptomatic of the whole Republican Party.
The Republicans now find themselves wondering how Donald Trump got to be their Presidential nominee? This story multiplied many times over is but one of the myriad reasons. Thank you for this poignant and truly revealing column of a Party intent in only serving its own purposes.
The Republicans now find themselves wondering how Donald Trump got to be their Presidential nominee? This story multiplied many times over is but one of the myriad reasons. Thank you for this poignant and truly revealing column of a Party intent in only serving its own purposes.
19
Just reading the NYTimes this morning: Trump’s dealings with judges; Congress holding up nominations for ambassadors and judges; McConnell defending his obstructing of a dully elected president’s agenda; nearly every Republican refusing to condemn their presidential nominee for his comments that are the antithesis of American values - all this and a lot, lot more brings to mind the words of Judge Joseph Welch and the McCarthy hearings: “Have you no sense of decency…” At long last have Republican’s no sense of decency or is hate and fear of an evolving America the only thing that Republicans can cling to.
14
I suppose Senator Cotton should be given some credit for being honest enough to admit that his only purpose in life was to cause President Obama pain. Self-awareness is important; at least Cotton is aware of how low he is as a human being.
It's a shame that Ms. Butts had to spend some of the little time she had left to her in the company of a man so far beneath her and listen to him gloat. Ms. Butts has moved on to a better place, one Mr. Cotton probably won't ever see. The American people are left with Mr. Cotton.
What a shame that America is willing to throw away the contributions a talented woman like Ms. Butts was willing and eager to make while embracing the likes of Cotton and Trump.
It's a shame that Ms. Butts had to spend some of the little time she had left to her in the company of a man so far beneath her and listen to him gloat. Ms. Butts has moved on to a better place, one Mr. Cotton probably won't ever see. The American people are left with Mr. Cotton.
What a shame that America is willing to throw away the contributions a talented woman like Ms. Butts was willing and eager to make while embracing the likes of Cotton and Trump.
25
Isn't it a shame when the elected leaders of the voter play petty games just because they can? Impose a rule that a yea/nay vote must be made within 90 days on all proposed candidates!
16
If I don't do my job, I don't get paid. Why is Congress and the Senate even getting a paycheck? This is horrible and tragic. The record is a new record for obstruction since Pres. Obama took office from day one. This is not just politics, there are roots showing with this behavior.
29
The GOP has become and is the living integrity of Thanatos, the giver of death in Western Philosophy. As Shiva was the giver of death to Oppenheimer.
4
Cruz and Cotton are unprofessional political hacks bent on nothing but obstructionism and retaliation against the democratic party and all it stands for.
20
I think I get it now. Republicans see Donald Trump's thin skinned, vindictive pettiness as a job qualification.
31
This is a very sad, very important story that needed to be told. Thank you, Mr. Bruni. The Republican Senate is an embarrassment and does this country NO credit. They should be ashamed (but then, it is quite clear they do not know what that is).
21
Further proof that John Boehner's description of Ted Cruz should also apply to Tom Cotton, another disgrace to the U.S. Senate.
26
"We should never be resigned to this dysfunctional pettiness, and there’s nothing amusing about it." There's nothing petty about it; it is sociopathic.
11
Miss Butts stands in a long line behind the likes of Lani Gunier and Debo Adegbile fighting against white supremacy while black in America is not a long term positive career strategy. Tom Cotton and the all white half-Cuban natural born citizen of Canada Rafael Edward Cruz are the reigning epitome of privileged white bigotry. Hiding behind clever rhetorical racial dog-whistles in an effort to camouflage their malevolent intent. See "Dog-Whistle Politics: How Coded Racial Appeals Reinvented Racism and Wrecked the Middle Class" Ian Haney Lopez
Rest in peace Cassandra Butts. God's judgment on you Tom Cotton and Rafael Cruz.
Rest in peace Cassandra Butts. God's judgment on you Tom Cotton and Rafael Cruz.
10
The sad truth is there aren't enough senators with the stones to overturn this sort of bad behavior. I sure EVERY senator believes that exercising a personal hold is a necessary means to stop the barbarians at the gate however they choose to define 'barbarians'.
1
When the president refuses to follow the law, the congress feels compelled to use whatever tool they can to influence him.
7
An appropriate strategy for a *loyal opposition* would be to confirm qualified appointees within a reasonable time, and then to hold those people accountable for their performance.
About 800 days ago, the Senate should've said, "Okay, Ms. Butts, you're confirmed. Now get to work for America, because we won't tolerate you thinking this post is a vacation...."
About 800 days ago, the Senate should've said, "Okay, Ms. Butts, you're confirmed. Now get to work for America, because we won't tolerate you thinking this post is a vacation...."
4
The Repulsicans have shown their disdain for the American people in so many ways. It is time for the rest of us who are sane to band together and vote all those who have stonewalled the government for the past seven years. They are despicable and do not deserve to have any say in the operation of this nation.
15
It's very important to get to the root of why someone wants to be in public office. Tom Cotton lusts for power. Ms. Butts lusted to serve humanity. What republicans will not do impede progress. Mr. Cotton and his republican colleagues are petty and mean.
17
Sen. Cotton's Facebook page shows his most recent post in which he is proselytizing about the scourge of "needless" delay caused by Harry Reid apparently. I recommend you all move over here:
https://www.facebook.com/SenatorTomCotton/
...and explain the definition of needless.
https://www.facebook.com/SenatorTomCotton/
...and explain the definition of needless.
11
There are some awfully small minded people supposedly serving us in Washington, DC. Tom Cotton is certainly one of them.
17
The extremism of the GOP is all they have left in their quiver. They destroyed the entire economy started two illegal wars based on known lies failed to protect America on 9/11 and generally have no idea or concept of how to govern. So they take out their hatred on America and they take out their self-loathing on Americans. It speaks volumes that the very first official act of the new Republican Senate majority was to elevate by unanimous vote the dirtiest, slimiest political trickster among them to be the Senate majority leader and to set the GOP's obstructionist agenda against America. Every last one of the Republicans voted in lock step to make the well known extremist their leader. Not one of them had the courage or the good judgment to say NO. Just think if the so-called moderate Republicans had stood up and said no to putting in charge the most extremist among them. Now that they are up for reelection the 'purple state' Republicans are trying to play a little trick where they agree that those other Republicans are unreasonable for the extremism but not one of them stood up and said no when their vote mattered most. A vote for any Republicans Senator is acquiescence of the extremism of the most despised person in Washington DC, Mitch McConnell which by the way puts him in the running for most despised person worldwide.
15
These actions remind me of children refusing to eat their vegetables or standing out in the rain trying to catch a cold as a way to punish their parents. Grow up!!
9
I advocate that the NYT develop a Government section of their newspaper (on and offline) that provides information like this. How many other ambassador posts have gone unfilled, and for how long, and why...how much about our government we don't know.
Isn't it a responsibility of our media to inform us? Just the basics, and just the facts. We as a nation need a shared data-source that is not the innuendo and spin found on TV. - something to support our communication with one another. I am willing to bet we would all be surprised by numbers.
Isn't it a responsibility of our media to inform us? Just the basics, and just the facts. We as a nation need a shared data-source that is not the innuendo and spin found on TV. - something to support our communication with one another. I am willing to bet we would all be surprised by numbers.
18
Not every action in opposition to this administration can be attacked as race based, but the visuals here are too glaring to ignore. A senator from a former confederate state, who has a history of using racial dog whistles to justify his particular brand of cruelty, decides to inflict extra pain on the first African American President by putting a permanent and unjustified hold on an African American ambassadorial nominee. Perhaps there is justice in the next world, but there seems to be a lack of it in this.
21
I have trouble expressing the disgust, contempt, and rage this and similar stories make me feel. Tom Cotton needs to join other Republican politicians -- one thinks of Tom Delay and a certain former house Speaker -- on the rubbish heap of history.
9
A scandal we can't fire these bums or at least withhold their paychecks, as would happen with anyone else who refused to do his job!
7
You really have to wonder if the systemic republican obstruction is racially motivated. This is another sad commentary of our age and one can only hope that the electorate will remove the odious redneck republican rabble in our Congress.
6
This is obscene and we are all the lesser for it. At some point we are going to have to admit that:
We, the People, are lesser for this type of action (or inaction).
This isn’t liberal or conservative; this is human. This is not “do unto to others as you would have them do unto you.” This is in inconsistent with the laws of decency. This is not submission to doing things which right and orderly and decent. This is incompetence by virtue of hatred and vitriol. I defy anyone who delayed her nomination to explain to anyone how this is consistent with the Constitution.
We, the People, are lesser for this type of action (or inaction).
This isn’t liberal or conservative; this is human. This is not “do unto to others as you would have them do unto you.” This is in inconsistent with the laws of decency. This is not submission to doing things which right and orderly and decent. This is incompetence by virtue of hatred and vitriol. I defy anyone who delayed her nomination to explain to anyone how this is consistent with the Constitution.
9
This "dysfunctional pettiness" is standard practice for how the republican party
shows their supporters that they oppose the President's "policies." While nominating Trump still could spell disaster for the nation, it might also clarify for the country that today's republican party in Washington stands for bigotry, greed, ignorance, intolerance and the rest of the seven deadly sins.
shows their supporters that they oppose the President's "policies." While nominating Trump still could spell disaster for the nation, it might also clarify for the country that today's republican party in Washington stands for bigotry, greed, ignorance, intolerance and the rest of the seven deadly sins.
9
Tom Cotton and Ted Cruz both horrify me, as politicians and as people. This article illustrates one of the many reasons why.
13
Political actions have consequences, sometimes predictable, sometimes unintended. Our disdain should be directed at Obama, for autocratic rule,
Shame for this woman.
Shame for this woman.
4
As if more evidence is needed, this article spells out yet another reason to vote Dem all the way down ticket. We'll be mired in this pettiness until Congress changes majorities and gets us moving again.
13
May Cassandra Butts rest in peace. And shame on these petty, mean elected officials who are not worthy of the offices they hold. The one wanted to use Ms Butts to inflict special pain on the President? Shame on him.
15
Thank you for this highly revealing story, highlighting one of the many lesser known victims of the cruelty and national sabotage by the political class on the right.
It is also an insult to our allies to impose our domestic political whims on them.
I hope there will be a chance to provide for a posthumous "Honorary Ambassadorship" of some form for Ms. Butts.
It is also an insult to our allies to impose our domestic political whims on them.
I hope there will be a chance to provide for a posthumous "Honorary Ambassadorship" of some form for Ms. Butts.
20
They are still punishing the country, for having elected President Obama, twice. Petty and vindictive.
17
These are the same clowns who sign some pledge to a guy named Grover Norquist. The world is always evolving, oh thats right they don't believe in evolution.
17
Once again, this comment I submitted last night at 6:43 PM remains in never-never land. Redux: We have an entire Republican Congress overtly guilty of sedition - these Senators should be censured and kicked out of office. It is reprehensible, racist, deliberately nihilist, and incomprehensible that public servants such as the late Cassandra Betts should be willfully obstructed in a petulant, disgraceful effort to nullify President Obama. If any Democrat attempted this sort of gutting of our government's functions, the GOP would be screaming to high heavens - but no Democrat has stooped to such lows. We have a racist, xenophobic, ignorant sociopathic vulgarian as the GOP's POTUS candidate; and we have Senators and Congressmen whose failure to do their jobs should result in forfeiture of their salaries and perks. It is time to put an end to such chicanery - kick these nihilists to the curb - and get our government working again. We should all mourn Ms. Betts' passing, and inability to serve the country due to the GOP's juvenile thuggery. That party is an abomination.
20
Our news media should report weekly updates of all the people nominated and put on indefinite hold by a dysfunctional Congress. Reports should include information about these exceptional people and the Congress people with their petty, irrelevant reasons for holding up their nominations
11
The Republican hatred for our African-American president is so shameful. They cannot stand the thought that a white man isn't occupying the White House. And now, they will visit that same hatred on a woman if Hillary wins.
13
Certainly the behavior of the Senate in this case is shameful, but Mr Bruni might have selected a stronger example from the many before him.
Had Ms Butts received a timely approval, she would have been able to serve only about two years in the post (perhaps considerably less), and the Senate would have had another chance to disgrace itself.
Could it be that Mr Bruni's particular focus is yet another race-based one?
And I don't know that we need commentary on foreign affairs from a writer who casually tosses the Bahamas, Norway and Sweden into a common basket as not "pivotal to us".
Had Ms Butts received a timely approval, she would have been able to serve only about two years in the post (perhaps considerably less), and the Senate would have had another chance to disgrace itself.
Could it be that Mr Bruni's particular focus is yet another race-based one?
And I don't know that we need commentary on foreign affairs from a writer who casually tosses the Bahamas, Norway and Sweden into a common basket as not "pivotal to us".
John Oliver had a segment "People who somehow got elected to office." Sounds like that could be a regular shame column for the NYT. Things won't get better until a light is shined on these behaviors.
7
White men behaving badly. And I'm white.
7
American politics at it's most despicable.
11
I suggest that the salaries of those who refuse to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities (to advise and consent) should be put on hold.
14
This all started with Gingrich, who showed Congress how to fight dirty.
8
These are our heroes today--and, except for writers like Frank Bruni and the chance circumstances in his life--we would never know they exist. WHY is this kind of information not screamed from from the mountaintops of the general media which assaults us daily with banalities and ignores the near treasonous obstruction effected daily by the Republicans.
18
We deserve the government we vote for....
Because of the low voter turnout over many cycles....this is what our country has come to...pettyiness, anger, revenge, racism and partisanship....meanwhile, our infrastructure is reverting to the 3rd world, our schools are in disrepair, our economy is at half its productive capacity and we have widening of the income gap.....
We really have lost our way....Rome is burning...but no one is smelling it or ignoring it.
Because of the low voter turnout over many cycles....this is what our country has come to...pettyiness, anger, revenge, racism and partisanship....meanwhile, our infrastructure is reverting to the 3rd world, our schools are in disrepair, our economy is at half its productive capacity and we have widening of the income gap.....
We really have lost our way....Rome is burning...but no one is smelling it or ignoring it.
4
So very wrong. Feels like a story from the Kremlin not the high and mighty USA. But it is us. Sadly. The racism in this particular hostage taking is clear but it is done day in and out with both parties for political clout. Petty and low and dysfunctional behavior is our rule of our behavior.
8
This story casts a lot of light on Republican endorsements of Donald Trump.
9
The sheer venality of Sen. Cotton cannot be understate
they don't give a damn about governing
they don't give a damn about governing
12
This makes me wonder what ever happened to the power of the executive branch? Is making war the only leverage a president has? It seems in the days of Lynden Johnson that a senator who held up a nominee would soon discover that a highway project funded for his district would get held up in some obscure but perfectly legal administrative process.
Is it Obama's reluctance to get down and dirty or has congress completely taken the reins of of Washington? Sometimes you only have to use that power a few times for the others to get the message. Let's make a deal is better than lets have a fight. But at some point you have to be ready to fight.
Is it Obama's reluctance to get down and dirty or has congress completely taken the reins of of Washington? Sometimes you only have to use that power a few times for the others to get the message. Let's make a deal is better than lets have a fight. But at some point you have to be ready to fight.
5
"To error is human, to forgive is Divine", which she surely must be.
As for our obstructionist Congress, their intransigence is despicable, and forgiveness is not likely to be forthcoming from any Divine source.
As for our obstructionist Congress, their intransigence is despicable, and forgiveness is not likely to be forthcoming from any Divine source.
6
She sounds like an amazing person - as opposed to Tom Cotton and Ted Cruz, who are definitely not. Their big egos that wanted so desperately to hurt President Obama and further their own agendas - and they had no problem hurting both her and the US because they were angry - show us who they really are. Such despicable men, both of them.
To her family, my condolences for your very sad loss.
To her family, my condolences for your very sad loss.
11
The vestiges of racism are passed on from one generation of racists to another. That's why we have people like Donald Trump calling out Muslims.
Trump is a cave-man in a world calling for simple Justice. HIs followers listen to Rush Limbaugh, and I suspect Donald Trump does too. That's why he is so popular. They see eye to eye on a view that is not different from old Germany.
Trump is a cave-man in a world calling for simple Justice. HIs followers listen to Rush Limbaugh, and I suspect Donald Trump does too. That's why he is so popular. They see eye to eye on a view that is not different from old Germany.
8
Using the logic of obstructionist Congressmen, the people of the Greater Washington DC area should stop all services to them until they do their jobs properly. No restaurant service, no medical care, no nursing care, no emergency fire or police service, no retail sales, no lawn care, no plumbing service, no repair or maintenance service of any kind, etc. Let them see what it is like when other people don't do their jobs either.
Notice that if workers take over ownership, management, and governance, the society and business would function perfectly well, but if owners, legislators, and managers took over work, nothing would be done. Prestige, money, and power are too often inversely proportional to actual work and contribution to the needs and benefits of society. if Congress won't serve the people, the people should not serve Congress. See who really needs whom more. Not serving obstructionist Congressmen should still leave businesses plenty of other customers to serve and to earn a living from.
If Congressmen won't work, they don't need to eat, and their money alone should not be any good anywhere. They should not be served in any capacity.
Notice that if workers take over ownership, management, and governance, the society and business would function perfectly well, but if owners, legislators, and managers took over work, nothing would be done. Prestige, money, and power are too often inversely proportional to actual work and contribution to the needs and benefits of society. if Congress won't serve the people, the people should not serve Congress. See who really needs whom more. Not serving obstructionist Congressmen should still leave businesses plenty of other customers to serve and to earn a living from.
If Congressmen won't work, they don't need to eat, and their money alone should not be any good anywhere. They should not be served in any capacity.
8
There is nothing in the constitution that gives complete dictatorial powers to any Senator who wishes to behave as an utter jerk--for spite or bigotry or any other reason--foul or fair.
Holds may sometimes serve democracy--there is reason to sometimes conduct further review. However, they should be limited to something like 30 days with an automatic vote after the hold. Holds from multiple Senators in sequence should not be allowed.
Separation of powers should never permit one Senator to completely prevent a duly elected President from doing his constitutional duty. Especially if one of the political parties is determined to prove that government does not work. Lucky for Cotton that Obama did not reciprocate, putting every federal benefit to Arkansas "on hold" "just because".
Holds may sometimes serve democracy--there is reason to sometimes conduct further review. However, they should be limited to something like 30 days with an automatic vote after the hold. Holds from multiple Senators in sequence should not be allowed.
Separation of powers should never permit one Senator to completely prevent a duly elected President from doing his constitutional duty. Especially if one of the political parties is determined to prove that government does not work. Lucky for Cotton that Obama did not reciprocate, putting every federal benefit to Arkansas "on hold" "just because".
16
This makes me angry. I also can not help but think that Ms. Butts' race was a factor in the Senate Republicans behavior. Republicans office holders as a whole have shown a deep disrepect for our first African American president. The animus seems at times to be inexplicable except in the light of race. I once was a moderate, willing to consider a Republican candidate if they seemed more reasonable and a better candidate than the Democrat. But after these last 8 years, no more. Their actions at holding up Obama's nominees such as Ms. Butts for vindictive and petty reason, and their lining up behind Trump even though he passes no conservative litmus test and at the same time flirts with racism and authoritarianism tells me they have no real philosophical core. They only care about winning, and hurting Obama, and by extension, African Americans. The Republican base could not accept a black man as president and has done everything possible in their power to deligitimize him. I do hope one day the Democrats will be able to payback the Republicans for these last 8 years. I am not in a generous mood.
13
Ted Cruz will still have the option of holding a nomination even after the Democrats win the Senate. The problem is not the party, but the body. Bad enough that California and Montana both get two votes, but that one senator, representing a few thousand people, can stop the progress of the nation.
The fix is 60 senators. Vote.
The fix is 60 senators. Vote.
8
Many comments rightly blame the Republicans for these holds, since they have become increasingly frivolous. But Democrats have questionable holds in the past The real problem is the system of rules in the Senate which allow individual Senators to hold up nominations. Even if you think that a Senator should have some influence on nominations in his own state that certainly does not apply to ambassadors.
6
This is the real problem. People like Sen. Cotton think that praise is enough to remove the harm that blocking her to get at the President makes the harm go away. It should not be surprising though, because he is part of a group that professes love for our nation but hates the government. What sense does that make? Still, no one in the press calls them out on it. If our government where to collapse, what would replace it? Would the new government protect our rights and build our roads? Most likely not. Replacement governments tend to be despotic. Does Sen Cotton and the Republicans in congress really want that? Seems so. Maybe Sen Cotton is looking to reestablish the CSA? It makes no sense what Cotton, Cruz, McConnell and others are doing unless their end goal is the end of the USA.
7
I am represented by Tom Cotton in Arkansas. In his short tenure as a senator he has been an embarrassment to our state and this nation. From his one man fight against the Iran peace agreement to his out right disdain of the Obama administration. He fancies himself a one man wrecking crew. Out state has had great representation in the senate until recently. How far we've fallen.
154
Arkansas elected him. They knew he was Tparty.
1
And than they wonder why they have Donald Trump as the standard bearer.....
7
This spiteful pettiness really has to go. We need to vote in a thoughtful congress that really care about this country instead of mean spirited, nasty little minds that care only for revenge and covering their own rear ends. Disgusting!
4
Lincoln, TR, and Eisenhower would weep at the spectacle of reason, responsibility and dignity crushed by fear, ignorance and hate. Not only war on America but on humanity itself.
8
This is the party of Trump, McConnell and Ryan why would anyone be surprised by Senators Cotton's behavior? This has become the core philosophy of the Republican party - overt racism. Americans voted overwhelmingly for the first African American President and the Republicans became so deranged they have been punishing the President and Americans ever since. Senator Cotton is an elected official inflicting damage on the President at a most personal level and Ms. Butts is just "collateral damage" because she was a college friend. Bravo Senators Cotton, you showed the President and Ms. Butts but the lost the respect of everyone. Keep up the good work Senator Cotton, keep taking the low road you have a bright future of being the next Senator Cruz the most hated person in the Senate and Ms. Butt's nomination will be a legacy you will carry forever.
10
Grand Obstructionist Party...what a waste of space.
8
The Republicans really are a bunch of remorseless, rabid jerks. I had to think about the proper word to get past the NY Times censors. The idea that a single Senator can put a "hold" on nominees for no reason is ridiculous and needs to be abolished. The days of Senatorial collegiality are long gone, courtesy of the mindless partisanship of the Republicans.
7
This is a true indicator of how far we have fallen as a functioning government.
The "shining city on a hill".
The "shining city on a hill".
6
:( May she rest in peace.
9
Oh the sad, pathetic, petty people that "serve" the Republican Party in Congress. And oh the the sad, pathetic, petty people that keep voting them back in.
11
I can’t for the life of me figure out how Cruz and and Cotton - and their constituents, can call themselves Christian.
www.InquiryAbraham.com
www.InquiryAbraham.com
15
Setting politics aside, on moral grounds, Tom Cotton is an embarrassment to the state of Arkansas.
13
We taxpayers are owed a refund of the salaries and staffing costs, including disqualification for pensions, for those obstructing senators. They have essentially quit their jobs and violated their oaths of office.
I seem to recall a little matter of $24B caused by GOP members of the House as well when they shut down the government last time. We want repayment of that, too. It's $80 for each man, woman, and child in this increasingly banana republic.
I seem to recall a little matter of $24B caused by GOP members of the House as well when they shut down the government last time. We want repayment of that, too. It's $80 for each man, woman, and child in this increasingly banana republic.
5
Tom Cotton. All I needed to know, really.
1
We desperately need another Muhammed Ali.
4
I am ashamed of my country. We are not a land of vacillating ethics; we are the land of no ethics. My condolences to Cassandra's family. My only regret is that you didn't tell us this was going on earlier, Frank. Had you. I would have gathered up my octogenarian friends, who like me, are sick and tired of petty nonsense. I keep hearing Hannah Arndt's phrase in my mind. "The banality of evil." Cruz and Cotton were evil and banal!
4
This is politics today not an honorable profession but an abuse of elected positions to satisfy personal animosity.
5
Mr. Bruni asks: "how do we attract the best people to government if they’re subject to the crazy crosswinds that Butts found herself in". The answer is: WE DON'T... and by doing so we create a self-fulfilling prophesy where government fails. And why does it fail? Because it is woefully understaffed and because only people who have "political connections"-- which usually have something to do with money and not competence--- can get appointments.
2
Think what other great contributions she could have made during and after serving this post! The loss, the loss.
if that ambassadorship to th bahamas is still open, im available
1
This is tragic, and thank you for putting a face to this problem.
When the Democrats take over the Senate next year, I would very much like to see them enact rules (or even laws) to stop these petty holds and ensure due process for all nominations. The Senate should be forced to take up or down votes on nominees in a set amount of time. If they don't feel they can say 'yes,' then they should vote 'no.' That's fine. But keeping qualified people in perpetual limbo is wrong.
The irony, of course, is that Republicans are always complaining about how government isn't working. They are greatly to blame for that.
When the Democrats take over the Senate next year, I would very much like to see them enact rules (or even laws) to stop these petty holds and ensure due process for all nominations. The Senate should be forced to take up or down votes on nominees in a set amount of time. If they don't feel they can say 'yes,' then they should vote 'no.' That's fine. But keeping qualified people in perpetual limbo is wrong.
The irony, of course, is that Republicans are always complaining about how government isn't working. They are greatly to blame for that.
7
This what happens when you have small-minded egomaniacs in positions of power. It's a disgrace when people can straight out refuse to do their jobs and suffer no consequence. Ms. Butts' story is doubly sad because sucha talented person passed away at such a relatively young age. I'd like to thik Cotton would be haunted by her memory, but that would be giving him too much credit.
4
As appalled by this article that I was, the thought creeped in saying, "if all those ambassadors posts went I filled for so long, how did the foreign embassies function?" Could it be that these posts are more political rewards than anything else?
The short of it is that the majority of us want normal government operations. These southern clowns just want to wreck everything. They are just the worst possible types of losers; really.
8
If you frame each and every issue as a critical battleground for the soul of the nation, paint the opposition as illegitimate usurpers determined to destroy the Republic and add a healthy dose of racism, this is what you get.
4
Leave it to Mr. BRUNI to politicize a tragedy and blame it on the usual suspects, the GOP.Am reminded of Rahm Emmanuel's realpolitik: "Never let a crisis go to waste." Having lost my sister to cancer a decade ago, I can only imagine what Ms. Butts must have gone through,and the emotional toll it took on her familyBut what prevented our c-in-c, puffed up with a sense of his importance, from reaching out to the loyal opposition, inviting them for dinner at the WH, and making a pesonal entreaty to the lawmakers. Recall one exchange between O and John McCain in which the President told the Senator that he, not McCain had won the election, and McCain's reply was "I know that Mr. President. You remind me of that every day." O suffers from vainglory. Reason he did not intervene on Ms. Butts's behalf is the same reason he has not deigned to visit the Hood and give hope to residents under siege by gangs who exert a tyranny on the innocent. O lacks humility, altruism with regard to his fellow African Americans, not only those within the inner sanctum of the elite like Ms. Butts, but also his brothers and sisters who live in more modest circumstances. All of this seems to escape the attention of the editor of this piece. Mr. Bruni, "il vous faut mettre de l'eau dans votre vin." Frequent those who are not only at the summit of the mountain,but also those who r at the bottom of the hill.You will be a better man for it.
4
The republican party needs to be dismantled and gotten rid of!! This country do not need a party of obstructionists!!! After what bush and the republican party did to our country, there shouldn't be a republican in the White House for the next fifty years!!
2
For some types of submissions made to the FDA, the FDA has a limited period of time to comment. If they don't get back to the sponsor with requested changes within that timeframe, the sponsor can proceed with its plan.
We need something like that system for appointments. The Senate would have some period of time in which it could exercise its right to advise and consent. If a vote doesn't take place within the specified time, the nominee, judge, etc. would be appointed.
We need something like that system for appointments. The Senate would have some period of time in which it could exercise its right to advise and consent. If a vote doesn't take place within the specified time, the nominee, judge, etc. would be appointed.
2
Condolences to her family. We in the Bahamas notice that no one has been appointed since Nicole Avant left. The rest of the world takes notice of the US and its not a pretty picture. Lord help if Trump becomes the President.
100
"Dysfunctional pettiness" is the Republican Party's middle name.
2
Same result for a Georgia nominee- Dax Lopez who failed the Trump litmus test. Lopez a Jewish Hispanic judge in the local Superior Court was a Republican appointee for his position. As a compromise after a failed prior nominee, Obama chose him. The rabidly right wing tea party Senator from Georgia Perdue,failed to recommend him for a confirmation due to membership in La Raza. Perdue still backs Trump . Both obviously do not understand the rule of law.
3
What a terrible loss!
Here’s a beautiful, intelligent woman who WANTED to do public service! Who would have done SO much to show the world our “best and brightest!”
She would have advanced our standing among our allies and raised our station in the world.
In a world where Americans are seemingly only seen in body armor, combat gear, and carrying a SAW (The M249 light machine gun [LMG], formerly designated the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon.) or a sniper rifle
or
Drones sending death and destruction from the sky--why couldn’t we have balance our optics with this wonderful woman who never even signaled “anger and disgust!” I would have been SCREAMING!
How could she sit demurely while junior senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) who said he had “tremendous respect” for her STILL not act!? What a tool. Look at the damage this fool has done--blocking nominations--tossing off poorly written letters going AROUND our POTUS to the mullahs of Iran?! We can undo EVERYTHING Obama accomplished with Secretary Kerry for a peaceful resolution to an Iranian nuclear device.
What a putz! Did he even shed a tear for this warm, wonderful human being? Obstruction--nice job Republicans.
Even as an MD, this might not make much sense--but her death is on these despicable legislators. I KNOW that stress is one more important environmental factor that causes cancer to be triggered into an invading force that chokes off her healthy stem cells and young newly emerging blood cells.
Damn, DAMN this congress!
Here’s a beautiful, intelligent woman who WANTED to do public service! Who would have done SO much to show the world our “best and brightest!”
She would have advanced our standing among our allies and raised our station in the world.
In a world where Americans are seemingly only seen in body armor, combat gear, and carrying a SAW (The M249 light machine gun [LMG], formerly designated the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon.) or a sniper rifle
or
Drones sending death and destruction from the sky--why couldn’t we have balance our optics with this wonderful woman who never even signaled “anger and disgust!” I would have been SCREAMING!
How could she sit demurely while junior senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) who said he had “tremendous respect” for her STILL not act!? What a tool. Look at the damage this fool has done--blocking nominations--tossing off poorly written letters going AROUND our POTUS to the mullahs of Iran?! We can undo EVERYTHING Obama accomplished with Secretary Kerry for a peaceful resolution to an Iranian nuclear device.
What a putz! Did he even shed a tear for this warm, wonderful human being? Obstruction--nice job Republicans.
Even as an MD, this might not make much sense--but her death is on these despicable legislators. I KNOW that stress is one more important environmental factor that causes cancer to be triggered into an invading force that chokes off her healthy stem cells and young newly emerging blood cells.
Damn, DAMN this congress!
3
Among the recent ambassadors to the Bahamas are am executive of A & M records and a series of career bureaucrats. It is unclear whether any of these folks could find the Bahamas on a map before becoming ambassador.. The most notable action by any of these ambassadors was speaking out about the baby of Anna Nicole Smith, who was born in the Bahamas. Other than that, it appears that the ambassador spends most of his or her time at the beach spreading good will while drinking a Bahama Mama.
The Senate has not successfully transitioned to the 21st century. The most telling aspect of the Senate Rules is that once they are changed, it is impossible to contemplate their re-imposition. An anti-democratic institution that has failed to adapt... like a postal carrier who refuses to deliver mail she doesn't like
4
How can anyone wonder where Trump has come from. He is the natural outcome of the hateful, racist Republican party.
3
Stories like this prove ... again ... that there is not a Washington problem, there is not a government problem, there is not a Congress problem...there is a Republican problem. It's long past time for the real truth about DC dysfunction to be told, the dysfunction is 100% caused by and the acts of Republicans. They should be removed from office, if not at the ballot box, then via the courthouse for sedition.
4
If Ted Cruz and Tom Cotton thought Cassandra Butts is not qualified they should have voted against her nomination. At least it would give the appearance that they were doing their job. Their actions don't hurt the president as much as the hurt the country. They don't seem to care, and because of that shame on them. This juvenile behavior tells us something about the two men. Sadly this is what happens to us the people when small minds occupy high office.
4
Politicians have morphed into runaway trains - beyond our control, beholden to no one. It sickens me.
So just what is in the drinking water among this flotilla of usual comments suspects? The sudden and unexpected death of a young person in full career is tragic. The playing of politics is not. Your whine has turned dear readers. It's a wonder some of you are able to walk a straight line amid all the sturm und drang.
1
This is a very sad story for Cassandra Butts and the American people. The GOP has such hate for President Obama they will do anything they can to obstruct his policy, regardless of how it affects America.
2
No doubt Senator Cotton's admission that he blocked an incredibly qualified and hard working women who had devoted her entire life to public service simply to punish the President will be used in his reelection campaign to burnish his conservative and Tea Party credentials. NO doubt his supporters and people like Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity will laud him as a man of high morale character who refused to compromise his ethics or standards , a " true conservative". This is the same Tom Cotton who foolishly authored the letter signed by many members of the Senate seeking to embarrass and undermine the President over the Iran nuclear arms negotiations. There is nothing courageous or morale in Senator Cotton's petty obfuscation and humiliation of Ms. Butts or the President. It is petty partisan politics at its worst and for this country to move forward and to govern and legislate by and for the people it must come to an end.
4
Such emotional outpouring in the comment section. Hope this moves beyond the pages of the NYT, to the public and voters everywhere. And that more people step to the podium and demand better service and conduct from elected officials. Washington is not a playground, it's our government.
3
Once again, Republicans prove that they are constitutionally incapable of governing.
2
Obama should posthumously appoint her as ambassador. He doesn't need Senate approval for that, so if Cotton and other spiteful Republicans object, they can go jump in the lake. At least her family will get some measure of justice by knowing that she will be recorded for posterity as the American Ambassador to the Bahamas
"She worked for various Democratic office holders on Capitol Hill, for the N.A.A.C.P.’s Legal Defense and Educational Fund, for the Center for American Progress and for Obama, including as deputy White House counsel."
Yep, after a lifetime of plush lawyering jobs with Democratic politicians and interest groups, she DESERVED this post.
I mean, after a (fairly short) career working 9-5 for Democrats and their propaganda arm (Podesta's C.A.P), who wouldn't want a lifetime-sinecure pension-generating job as Ambassador to The Bahamas? She EARNED it!
The sense of entitlement here is somewhat nauseating...
Yep, after a lifetime of plush lawyering jobs with Democratic politicians and interest groups, she DESERVED this post.
I mean, after a (fairly short) career working 9-5 for Democrats and their propaganda arm (Podesta's C.A.P), who wouldn't want a lifetime-sinecure pension-generating job as Ambassador to The Bahamas? She EARNED it!
The sense of entitlement here is somewhat nauseating...
1
Thanks Bruni for this write-up. It is disgusting and disturbing what Congress and the Government beauracracy have become. To use or abuse highly qualified good people, who are willing to give their talent for public service, instead of corporate work where they'd be earning well, this way is horrible. We will get to a point where no one but the most corrupt, nepotistic cronies and/or unqualified mediocre people will apply or get through. It is like Third world countries. Of course I get the juvenile techno Repub or Repup constantly playing with my server to insert his or her opinion indirectly by editing what I write to make it sound differently, or to make me appear incorrect. In stead of wasting their time this petty way why don't they fix the system or themselves. They will not, because to do that it would take effort, talent and less arrogance. Better to let things ride or play dirty politics for these guys. Very unfortunate indeed.
The GOP agenda during the Obama Presidency has been obstruction and doing everything in their power to demean this President. It began with the leadership vowing to make Obama a one term president by blocking every initiative, at a time when the economy teetered on the brink of a depression. It continued with the mild rebuke to the GOP Congressman who shouted "you lie" during the State of the Union address, while he was undoubtedly getting patted on the back when no one was looking.
Things only deteriorated further after the 2010 midterms. With majorities in the House and Senate, nothing worthwhile made it out of committee. Judgeships go unfilled, even though the nominees are acceptable to both sides. Instead, Republicans spent their time voting to repeal the ACA time after time and using the levers of power to shut down the government, threaten default and damage Hillary Clinton. They have essentially admitted to the latter. Sen. Cotton drafted the letter to the Iranian government urging them to reject a deal on nuclear weapons. That pushed the GOP over the line from obstruction to treason.
So this tragic episode involving Ms. Butt is another in a long line of GOP outrages. As Mr. Bruni says, this is not normal political gamesmanship. There is not an ounce of goodwill left in the GOP.
Things only deteriorated further after the 2010 midterms. With majorities in the House and Senate, nothing worthwhile made it out of committee. Judgeships go unfilled, even though the nominees are acceptable to both sides. Instead, Republicans spent their time voting to repeal the ACA time after time and using the levers of power to shut down the government, threaten default and damage Hillary Clinton. They have essentially admitted to the latter. Sen. Cotton drafted the letter to the Iranian government urging them to reject a deal on nuclear weapons. That pushed the GOP over the line from obstruction to treason.
So this tragic episode involving Ms. Butt is another in a long line of GOP outrages. As Mr. Bruni says, this is not normal political gamesmanship. There is not an ounce of goodwill left in the GOP.
7
As has been said, it is outrageous that a senator would put a hold on a nomination for such despicable reasons. However, it is also outrageous - and completely anti-democratic - that it is possible for one senator to do this. That Presidential appointments are blocked in committee is problematic enough, but that just one senator can do it boggles the mind
6
Aside from the extreme injustice visited upon Cassandra Butts for no other purpose than scoring vindictive political points against an unjustly-hated President, himself the butt of gratuitously ginned-up personal hatred by his political opponents, Senator Cotton's behavior is reminiscent of today's nation-destroying partisan dysfunction in Brazil.
Jon Stewart put it well when he declared that only one political party in the USA is dedicated exclusively to the sandbagging of all government function (the gist of Stewart's message) in the service of poking the President in the eye. As voters, we should act to end the rule of personal bile over the critical affairs of state.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
Jon Stewart put it well when he declared that only one political party in the USA is dedicated exclusively to the sandbagging of all government function (the gist of Stewart's message) in the service of poking the President in the eye. As voters, we should act to end the rule of personal bile over the critical affairs of state.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
4
We openly disgrace our country and show gross disrespect to other nations when we leave ambassadorships to those country unfilled.
One of the grotesque tragedies of the GOTP has been their loud constant yelping of chest beating patriotism... masking the most unpatriotic, treasonous, nation damaging behavior since the Civil War.
The modern Right: driven almost exclusively by false Christians and false Patriots...
One of the grotesque tragedies of the GOTP has been their loud constant yelping of chest beating patriotism... masking the most unpatriotic, treasonous, nation damaging behavior since the Civil War.
The modern Right: driven almost exclusively by false Christians and false Patriots...
4
"Cotton eventually released the two other holds, but not the one on Butts...he explained that he knew that she was a close friend of Obama’s... and that blocking her was a way to inflict special pain on the president." When will the press and voters fully realize that these people are sadists? They get pleasure out of inflicting pain on others. That's their power trip, and we keep giving them votes. Women of America, it is time to realize that these men pose a special threat to us, to our daughters, our sisters, our mothers. We need to withhold our votes from these men and put responsible leaders in offices throughout the land who want to take care of the country, our fellow citizens, ourselves, not inflict pain.
3
Tom Cotton has national amibitions (Trump's VP?). Please remember how he conducted himself in this case, it will be more of the same but on a larger scale as he moves up. He does not have the character needed to be in political power.
4
Congratulations to Frank Bruni who has taken a truly disgusting story about wickedness and managed to write a beautiful tribute to a beautiful human being. In her life Cassandra Butts transcended the pettiness of those who attempted to squash her spirit.
She is inspirational!
She is inspirational!
7
Washington is politics 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Can the whole nation succeed from Washington DC and start over ?
Can the whole nation succeed from Washington DC and start over ?
1
You are either forgetting, or ignorant of, the fact that Washington, D.C., has no representation in the Senate, and no voting representation in the House. The Katzenjammer Kidz style of government is 100% the product of people who do not come from D.C., but rather, people who are sent to D.C. You, out in Idaho, have infinitely more say in what goes on in D.C. that any citizen of D.C.
1
It was a shame for her to be subjected to such treatment but it is a great shame for our country. Azita Raji was finally confirmed after more than a year wait and showed up in Sweden in March this year - with less than a year to work at maintaining the very important US - Sweden relationship. Sweden is a crucial country near the frontier with an aggressive Russia, considering NATO membership, a high tech powerhouse and the 10th largest investor in the U.S. Tom Cotton harmed our relationship with Sweden because of a petty personal dispute. What arrogance.
7
"Holds" should be eliminated. A good column, Mr. Bruni, on a sad subject. A small reminder to you apropos your comment that "Maybe the Bahamas, Norway and Sweden aren’t pivotal to us. But we have relations with each ": Norway is a member of NATO and has a border with Russia.
4
Frankly, I am enjoying the absolute washout of the pathetic Republican Party, for if there was any case of the chickens' coming home to roost, the implosion of this set of worthless politicians takes the cake.
Hugh W Buckingham
Edmond, OK 73013
Hugh W Buckingham
Edmond, OK 73013
5
"How do we look on the world stage?"
We look ridiculous, thanks to bratty. intransigent Republicans.
The presumptive Republican Presidential nominee further reflects that condition.
We look ridiculous, thanks to bratty. intransigent Republicans.
The presumptive Republican Presidential nominee further reflects that condition.
7
Senator Cotton probably has not heard about karma. He will pay for his actions in exact measure. Too bad the rest of us as well as Ms Butts may not be able to witness and take pleasure in it.
3
If I remember the story correctly, Teddy Roosevelt's father met a similar fate -- a nomination to be commissioner of the Port of New York left in limbo nearly forever because of a urinating contest between two senators that had nothing to do with Roosevelt Sr. TR's deeply disappointed father wrote his son a letter advising him that America was so rotten with corruption that a young man like Teddy could never make his mark so he may as well leave and find another, more decent country. Thank God for America that Teddy ignored his father's advice.
As an oncologist I know that the negative reviews from her peers may have not allowed her to acknowledge nor differentiate the effects of her disease from "stress", and to get therapy that would have saved her life. I am horrified to think that politics played a role in ending this extraordinary woman's life and potential. My sincere condolences are with her loved ones, and that the loss is perhaps greater for humanity.
6
Mr Bruni conveniently ignores the fact Harry Reid and the Democrats controlled the Senate for the first 330 days in question here.
Further, none other than the NY Times itself on 7/15/14 reported:
"The difficulty for Mr. Kerry and the Obama administration has its roots in the rule changes Senate Democrats pushed through last year in response to Republican filibusters over many of the administration’s nominees. As a result of those rule changes, it is harder for the minority party to block a nomination through the threat of a filibuster, but the cooperation needed to rapidly confirm several nominees at once is much harder to come by."
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/16/us/politics/senate-conflict-creates-lo...
Further, none other than the NY Times itself on 7/15/14 reported:
"The difficulty for Mr. Kerry and the Obama administration has its roots in the rule changes Senate Democrats pushed through last year in response to Republican filibusters over many of the administration’s nominees. As a result of those rule changes, it is harder for the minority party to block a nomination through the threat of a filibuster, but the cooperation needed to rapidly confirm several nominees at once is much harder to come by."
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/16/us/politics/senate-conflict-creates-lo...
this is a disgrace. another example that Mr. Bruni, bless him, has brought to light. we all owe her family an apology. i don't care about her politics, or even her record; what i care about is that she waited so long for the process that could have confirmed - or rejected- her. shame on all of us
3
Tom Cotton wants to cause "special pain"for Barak Obama, he petulantly holds up the Cassandra Butts nomination, and in a "Harvard Crimson"book review infers that Spike Lee is a vitriolic demagogue, and calls Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson "race hustling charlatans". Senator Cotton( what an ironic name) clearly appears to have problem with race. Has Arkansas in 2014, elected a racist to the U.S. Senate? When you examine his positions on public issues, singling out the Butts nomination to inflict "special pain" on Obama, and writings in the " Harvard Crimson", it certainly is a legitimate question for Americans and the people of Arkansas to ask.
6
Did Arkansas elect a racist to congress? Answer, yes, as did Texas, Tennessee, and several other states.
Simply despicable and disgusting. Shame on Cotton and Cruz and the rest of the GOP political rat pack. May they reap what they have sown.
4
Another sad, long story of revenge politics. But, WAIT. Where are are the litmus tests pushed by Democrats upon George Bush's nominees? Oh yeah, WE FORGOT about those. Those don't count. We have amnesia. Isn't it terrible that this poor woman got stabbed in the back by those nasty Republicans? Oh WE FORGOT. The Dems did that many, many times themselves in the past but WE FORGOT.
Even Valerie Jarett FORGOT to remember how the Democrats did the same thing many many times be WE FORGOT that, too. Didn't we?
Even Valerie Jarett FORGOT to remember how the Democrats did the same thing many many times be WE FORGOT that, too. Didn't we?
1
Specifics, please.
1
Is beyond my understanding how vile, how unreasonably hateful, some GOP have been to President Obama. Many of them making a career impulsed by dislike of the man.
3
Politics aside, Cassandra Butts's life sounds genuinely inspiring and affirming. I hope this thoughtful column provides some consolation to Cassandra Butts's loved ones and also her admirers, of whom I'm now one.
115
This is not a country for the people. That has come and gone.
2
This is not mere pettiness, Mr. Bruni. I am so very sorry for Ms. Butts' dreams and life cut far too short. But the saddest part of this racist vendetta (and there is no doubt that this and so many other acts of pique are racist in origin and intent no matter how their perpetrators may claim otherwise) is that too few Americans will learn of these reprehensible acts, that fewer will care, and that too many will celebrate it. If these are the rules of the game, THESE are the rules that need changing.
My heartfelt condolences to Ms. Butts' family from a fellow Tar Heel (Class of 1977).
My heartfelt condolences to Ms. Butts' family from a fellow Tar Heel (Class of 1977).
The Republican Party was teetering on the edge to lunacy since the days of Newt Gingrich. The election of a black man to the presidency was the tipping point. Republicans are lunatics.
Look no further for proof than THEIR nominee for president. A person so unfit for office that SNL couldn't have written a script so ridiculous. But Trump's bigotry, coupled with his irrational behavior, is the Republican ideal, 2016. Republican = lunatic
Look no further for proof than THEIR nominee for president. A person so unfit for office that SNL couldn't have written a script so ridiculous. But Trump's bigotry, coupled with his irrational behavior, is the Republican ideal, 2016. Republican = lunatic
1
"That's Washington for you."
No, that is NOT Washington. That is Cotton and the Republican party for you.
May Cotton have guilt the rest of his life for being so selfish. He is a disgrace to America.
No, that is NOT Washington. That is Cotton and the Republican party for you.
May Cotton have guilt the rest of his life for being so selfish. He is a disgrace to America.
3
Every now and then you hear of something truly heart-wrenching and evil and you wonder how and why it happens. I am not really religious but I believe, due my background, in karma. The people responsible for this may not burn in hell, but if they read this, it must cause them pain and guilt. If it does not, then they must have have such barren souls that they are being punished in not having the joy in life that normal, kind people have.
Harry Reid filled two vacancies to the DC court of appeals that were vacated under George Bush, along with that were vacated under Obama; using the nuclear option.
The cruelty of Reid doesn't count? Only in the NYT.
The cruelty of Reid doesn't count? Only in the NYT.
Disgust, Again and again and again. But to what avail?
It just seems to get worse and the politic just seems to get thicker skin, it has become business as usual with overt signs of moral depravity, ugliness, the return of "the Ugly American" starring Donald Trump.
Perhaps the most depressing aspect of today's and sadly tomorrow's political landscape is that there is no apparent path back to sanity and decency, this is a battle for dominance of the masses by the monied, democracy is a negligible victim.
It just seems to get worse and the politic just seems to get thicker skin, it has become business as usual with overt signs of moral depravity, ugliness, the return of "the Ugly American" starring Donald Trump.
Perhaps the most depressing aspect of today's and sadly tomorrow's political landscape is that there is no apparent path back to sanity and decency, this is a battle for dominance of the masses by the monied, democracy is a negligible victim.
1
when you say Washington is dysfunctional it sounds like both parties are equally at fault,...Give me a break Frank,...why not just say the Republican house and senate have destroyed any semblance of working for the greater good. They are captives of the Tea party, and their hatred of this president and all he represents to them and so like spoiled angry children they stomp their feet and hold their breath, and pray for a Trump presidency so they can make their America great again.
1
The other comments have poignantly expressed their disgust and dismay with the Senators' treatment of this exceptional woman.
I want to add one thing, something I've noticed over the past 30 years regarding the evolution of the Republican party and the right wing.
It can always get worse. You thought Reagan was bad? W. Bush was way worse. Reagan actually dealt with Democrats on occasion. But then we elected Obama; by this time the Republican party was really just a collective ID screaming NO! NOT A BLACK MAN! NO EVERYTHING! Then you get to Trump, which is really the bottom of the barrel.
And you'd think, no, it can't get worse than Trump. A couple of terrorist attacks and it can. There needs to be a firewall, and that's rebuilding the Democratic party from the ground up.
I want to add one thing, something I've noticed over the past 30 years regarding the evolution of the Republican party and the right wing.
It can always get worse. You thought Reagan was bad? W. Bush was way worse. Reagan actually dealt with Democrats on occasion. But then we elected Obama; by this time the Republican party was really just a collective ID screaming NO! NOT A BLACK MAN! NO EVERYTHING! Then you get to Trump, which is really the bottom of the barrel.
And you'd think, no, it can't get worse than Trump. A couple of terrorist attacks and it can. There needs to be a firewall, and that's rebuilding the Democratic party from the ground up.
2
I hope Cotton and Cruz read this comment.
Every night before you go to sleep,"gentlemen," I pray that just as you are starting to drift away, you remember that Cassandra died disappointed and sad, and that YOU made that happen.
I hope her story haunts you every day for the rest of your angry, hateful lives.
Any Senator who would destroy a person's life so e can "inflict pain" on the president is a truly vengeful and sick person. Senator Cotton, there is no atonement for you, so don't even try. Just wait until something similar, or worse,happens to you, because what goes around will, for people of your ilk, come around.
Every night before you go to sleep,"gentlemen," I pray that just as you are starting to drift away, you remember that Cassandra died disappointed and sad, and that YOU made that happen.
I hope her story haunts you every day for the rest of your angry, hateful lives.
Any Senator who would destroy a person's life so e can "inflict pain" on the president is a truly vengeful and sick person. Senator Cotton, there is no atonement for you, so don't even try. Just wait until something similar, or worse,happens to you, because what goes around will, for people of your ilk, come around.
2
RACISM lives happily in the US congress, probably on both sides but most surely on the cadre of southern R's. Had Cassandra Butts been white she might have experienced delay but she would have been confirmed.
Such a policy as a 'hold' is demeaning, childish, and reflects the character of the individual bringing it about. It also reflects a pettiness within the whole congress, but then we have seen that aplenty.
Such a policy as a 'hold' is demeaning, childish, and reflects the character of the individual bringing it about. It also reflects a pettiness within the whole congress, but then we have seen that aplenty.
2
Racism towards the president underlies these vicious political moves.
No wonder Donald Trumps pettiness, and thin skinned spitefulness, doesn't shock Republicans.
1
Cassandra Butts has shown us how to look down on the pettiness of certain reprehensible politicians.
A memorial service will be held for her in Washington on Tuesday, June 7 at 6:30pm at Metropolitan AME Church, 1518 M Street NW, according to her death notice in the Washington Post. Let's honor her memory.
A memorial service will be held for her in Washington on Tuesday, June 7 at 6:30pm at Metropolitan AME Church, 1518 M Street NW, according to her death notice in the Washington Post. Let's honor her memory.
3
An absolute disgrace. The lust for control and power by the fanatics who are the Republican Party these day is appalling. No honor is left in the Party of Lincoln.
3
Not "Washington," Mr. Bruni. Republicans.
The most idiotic practice of political correctness -- by far and away -- is the "both sides do it" nonsense. Stop it already!
The most idiotic practice of political correctness -- by far and away -- is the "both sides do it" nonsense. Stop it already!
2
Senator McCain is the best example. This is a man that spent 5 years experiencing the chaotic diffusion of evil as a prisoner of war.
One exposed to this, aIl I am stating that he developed a clear line of demarcation of right and wrong. Decisions and actions carried out that can only speed the eradication of life, his life, and thus, in all aspects of his return to American Culture, a clear dividing line of what is right and wrong in all aspects of life as he viewed this in his every day movements and engagements with life in America.
This well deserved human, that has suffered and endured, deserves the respect of all people.
In order to have this legacy endure, he has made two mistakes that will end this for him.
The first was to appoint Palin as his VP. Clearly not in the role of endorsing the right over the wrong.
The second and the ending of his patriotic legacy was his endorsement of Trump, no matter how tepid.
To protect his own integrity and have the continuation of a life all life in support of what is right for America, he needs to resign or withdraw from the election he is now involved with and state clearly there is no way he could ever endorse Trump and remain a loyal American Citizen. Or he needs to state this and continue in the election process.
He did not do this. And he has strayed so far from what is right and what is wrong. He has destroyed his own legacy.
One exposed to this, aIl I am stating that he developed a clear line of demarcation of right and wrong. Decisions and actions carried out that can only speed the eradication of life, his life, and thus, in all aspects of his return to American Culture, a clear dividing line of what is right and wrong in all aspects of life as he viewed this in his every day movements and engagements with life in America.
This well deserved human, that has suffered and endured, deserves the respect of all people.
In order to have this legacy endure, he has made two mistakes that will end this for him.
The first was to appoint Palin as his VP. Clearly not in the role of endorsing the right over the wrong.
The second and the ending of his patriotic legacy was his endorsement of Trump, no matter how tepid.
To protect his own integrity and have the continuation of a life all life in support of what is right for America, he needs to resign or withdraw from the election he is now involved with and state clearly there is no way he could ever endorse Trump and remain a loyal American Citizen. Or he needs to state this and continue in the election process.
He did not do this. And he has strayed so far from what is right and what is wrong. He has destroyed his own legacy.
Here's my promise: whoever runs against Sen Cotton in the next election will get a generous contribution from my husband and me. It's the only power we have over such petty, pathetic actions. My sincere condolences to The nominee' s family.
6
Both major parties have abused Senatorial holds, but the Republicans have been a lot worse lately. Is the Senate willing to give up that rule, which is even more of an invitation for bad behavior than the 40-member filibuster threshold?
24
The pettiness of the GOP senators and their out-and-out negligence of the needs of the United States have begun to approach treasonous levels.
1
I share the outrage of the others commenting. I want to add my appreciation (yet again) to Mr. Bruni for his low-key yet acutely sensitive writing. His calm eloquence provides even further testimony of what a fine, qualified nominee this was. Sadly, I take this episode as one more warning sign that something is slowly and inexorably rotting at the core of our government and, I fear, in the soul of our country.
1
Senator Cotton is the embodiment of much that's wrong with the Republicans: petty, arrogant, dogmatic, self-righteous and bristling with a sense of entitlement.
And, of course, incompetent.
And, of course, incompetent.
2
What a shame.
Why isn't Tom Cotton ashamed of his behavior?
Why isn't Tom Cotton ashamed of his behavior?
Marco Rubio, as usual behaving like the petulant, destructive child that he is, held up the confirmation of Roberta Jacobson for U.S. ambassador to Mexico. For 9 months! And why? Because he objected to her role in the rapprochement with Cuba.
Why do individual members of congress have this power granted to them to throw monkey wrenches into government business just so that they can vent their petty tantrums? Is it so that they don't go home and beat their wives, or kick the cat? These guys are lunatics, and they get paid for this from our tax dollars!
Why do individual members of congress have this power granted to them to throw monkey wrenches into government business just so that they can vent their petty tantrums? Is it so that they don't go home and beat their wives, or kick the cat? These guys are lunatics, and they get paid for this from our tax dollars!
1
I can't wait for President Obama to write his memoir.
Please sir. And don't hold back!!!!!
Please sir. And don't hold back!!!!!
1
"Government doesn't work, because Senator Tom Cotton's spite is enough to stop it from working."
And we know that there'll be no fallout for the senator. Indeed, he's being feted by the right as a potential presidential candidate and was probably on the shortlist of Ted Cruz's VP candidates. Why should talented, capable people go into public service if they're treated like flies by the wanton boys in the Senate?
And we know that there'll be no fallout for the senator. Indeed, he's being feted by the right as a potential presidential candidate and was probably on the shortlist of Ted Cruz's VP candidates. Why should talented, capable people go into public service if they're treated like flies by the wanton boys in the Senate?
We shouldn't be surprised by the dysfunctional Republicans. The do-nothing Republican Congress continues to do nothing.
They don't give an expletive about their country...not in the least patriotic.
We can only hope these scoundrels get voted out of office.
They don't give an expletive about their country...not in the least patriotic.
We can only hope these scoundrels get voted out of office.
1
Hope has nothing to do with it.
We, the voters, have the opportunity this November to completely replace the entire House of Representative, as well as a third of the Senate.
All we need is for every voter who deplores our current state of Legislative affairs to vote this November.
Problem solved.
We, the voters, have the opportunity this November to completely replace the entire House of Representative, as well as a third of the Senate.
All we need is for every voter who deplores our current state of Legislative affairs to vote this November.
Problem solved.
1
These Republicans are not despicable people. They are simply cowards, scared the raging media hatred they created will turn on them as it has so many others. As public servants, they are crippled and fear-beset and must go.
1
We won't need ambassadors to places like the Bahamas when we have a wall. Maybe a new cabinet position will be created Secretary of the Wall. And since bright eyes has done such a wonderful job of obstruction I hope he gets the nod. Darn it. He has to have a committee hearing and vote. In a perfect world ...
What happened to Cassandra Butts was done with the same malice Congressman Joe Wilson exhibited when he yelled, "You lie," as our President spoke during a joint session of Congress almost eight years ago. It's in their DNA, and you can bet, as despicable as this will sound, I wouldn't be surprised if there was plenty of backslapping at news of Cassandra Butts' death just like there was when Wilson got congratulated by his Republican Buddies when they met with him off camera.
Day in and day out, the Republican Party puts it to those who can least afford any more bad luck. Like I said, it's in their DNA. They are a mean spirited bunch.I'm just so tired of the Mitch McConnells, Darrel Issa's, and the Paul Ryan's and the rest of 'em and all they stand for.
And I hope Trump keeps it up, showing what a fool he is and what we can expect if he gets elected President. I want Hillary to have coattails wide enough to win back the House and Senate and get this country back on track. President Obama did amazingly well, considering what that log of a President Bush left for him. Hillary will hit the ground running and never look back. She's been waiting for this moment and it's her time to shine, to show all those who have tried to take her down for the past twenty five years. So, please don't let us down, Madam President. It's show time.
Day in and day out, the Republican Party puts it to those who can least afford any more bad luck. Like I said, it's in their DNA. They are a mean spirited bunch.I'm just so tired of the Mitch McConnells, Darrel Issa's, and the Paul Ryan's and the rest of 'em and all they stand for.
And I hope Trump keeps it up, showing what a fool he is and what we can expect if he gets elected President. I want Hillary to have coattails wide enough to win back the House and Senate and get this country back on track. President Obama did amazingly well, considering what that log of a President Bush left for him. Hillary will hit the ground running and never look back. She's been waiting for this moment and it's her time to shine, to show all those who have tried to take her down for the past twenty five years. So, please don't let us down, Madam President. It's show time.
6
Yes, this is a scandal --but President Obama cannot really get out of it and claim complete innocence. When your opponent plays hardball, if you want to win it for your team, you need to play hardball too. The President should have told Congress that, unless all of his appointments received a yes or no vote, he would simply refuse to pass any bills, to highlight the Senate's irresponsibility.
1
"What's it all about Alfie"
What's it all about Cotton and the governing horde?
It's about distended egos and puerile antics. It's about an incurable disease called congress. At best we can keep the inflammation down. An election here, an election there. Change the bandage. A damp cloth on the forehead.
It ain't about doin the best for the good ole USA. That's for sure!
What's it all about Cotton and the governing horde?
It's about distended egos and puerile antics. It's about an incurable disease called congress. At best we can keep the inflammation down. An election here, an election there. Change the bandage. A damp cloth on the forehead.
It ain't about doin the best for the good ole USA. That's for sure!
2
This is really kinda funny if you ask me.
She got into Harvard because of the special privilege of "diversity programs".
Because she happened to wait in line for student aid, which based upon her skin color was more available to her, and made friends with Obama, she got cushy government jobs.
She leveraged her friendship into an appointment to an ambassadorship, and finally gets a taste of the open partisanship going against her, and you people cry foul and worry about our image abroad.
What do the countries abroad think about our crony politics that our President practices?
She got into Harvard because of the special privilege of "diversity programs".
Because she happened to wait in line for student aid, which based upon her skin color was more available to her, and made friends with Obama, she got cushy government jobs.
She leveraged her friendship into an appointment to an ambassadorship, and finally gets a taste of the open partisanship going against her, and you people cry foul and worry about our image abroad.
What do the countries abroad think about our crony politics that our President practices?
Please as quickly as you can, will you go to the hell-o you deserve.
1
Waiting more than two years to be confirmed? Outrageous.
How can a single Senator place such a hold on Ambassadorships?
Where are the moderate, sensible Republicans in the United States Senate?
Lyndon Johnson must be weeping to see what has become of the United States Senate.
How can a single Senator place such a hold on Ambassadorships?
Where are the moderate, sensible Republicans in the United States Senate?
Lyndon Johnson must be weeping to see what has become of the United States Senate.
2
One needs to be careful of what one states about LBJ. In 2029 when the evidence not given to the public is to be released, if there is anything in the box, will expose LBJ for what he really had become and why he decided not to run for a second term.
This is a horrible, sad, and devastating story. The pettiness, the meanness, the stupidity of people like Cotton and Cruz, and their ringmaster, McConnell. That he would tell her to her face that he was using her personally, her career, her history (forget the disrespect to the Bahamanian government) to inflict pain on the president is mind-boggling. This guy's arrogance is so great that, like Trump, his other leader, he doesn't care what he says or does or how it might hurt someone, so long as his petty hatred is fed. It is shameful and disgusting, as others have noted. Tell me at this point what was obvious to most of us in 2009: hacks like Cotton, elected by racists and extremists, are themselves racist. How clever of him to find an accomplished and patriotic black woman, who made the mistake of being a friend of the President of the United States, on whom to inject his venomous hatred.
1
Wasn't Ted Cruz at one point voted the most clueless Senator in the country? I suspect that he and his staff aren't really as principled in their obstructionism as they would have us believe. They don't approve nominees because they don't know how. Simple procedures bewilder them.
1
This is, of course, a sad and heinous disgrace.
Yet somehow, I don't think any Republican in Washington, D.C. gives a damn.
Especially not Tom Cotton.
I can't decide which is worse: their callous disregard for a functioning government or their disconnection from reality.
Yet somehow, I don't think any Republican in Washington, D.C. gives a damn.
Especially not Tom Cotton.
I can't decide which is worse: their callous disregard for a functioning government or their disconnection from reality.
As far as "their callous disregard for a functioning government or their disconnection from reality" the true answer comes to this: The two are inseparable and the cause of this is a callousness and deprivation from the Soul of life and their own private soul that is supposedly connected with the capital S soul. There is no longer a connection. Everything is 'solely' (souley) connected to their personal advancement that they feel they have gained on a dusty road in rural Mississippi with a mirage playing the fiddle with a red dress on.
lately politics is much worse than Max Weber's "slow boring of hard boards"...
and I know some about how Butts felt... sad.
and I know some about how Butts felt... sad.
1
Really? Sen. Cotton only wanted to "hurt" the President and so he chose a (basically) defenseless person to punish? Ok, so sometimes in academia faculty "punish" one another by making it hard for their rivals' graduate students. It's petty, it's morally bankrupt, and as a former, grad school administrator I've had to call such people out for this kind of behavior. Where is the outrage from other Senators? Is this what we've come to? yikes. Do these people go home at night and beat their children too?
I came of age when newspapers were the major source of political news. The three TV networks and local radio stations also added political news to the public but it was usually limited to basic news without much opinions. Then came cable TV and the internet which open up the world of opinions. Is it any wonder that the people have become politically divided when hearing so many conflicting opinions from the left, the right and the religious institutions? Unfortunately, people will probably never see an end to our present political and religious divide since cable and the internet will only get bigger not lesser.
Tragic for many reasons, but primarily that an intelligent woman worthy of the nomination to serve as an ambassador by President Obama was denied this due to the machinations of the GOP who denied her this until she helped them out by dying, thus leaving the post still unfilled. Eight-hundred twenty days of waiting as a result of the do-nothing Congress, not just the do-nothing Congress, but the childish, bitter play from some of the usual suspects: Cruz, Cotton, et al. The hypocrisy shown by Cotton for example over pointing out to the nominee his "enormous respect for her and her career." Pour some more pain on it, Tom. What strange times we find ourselves -- wandering through a murky dark time looking for some light.
4
An article by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell recently appeared in the Wall Street Journal in which McConnell expounded on the merits of good government and his own "contributions." Personally, I thought I might have stumbled on the April Fools edition of the WSJ, but I found it particularly amusing to read about good government by the author and chief protagonist of obstructionism in Congress. The tragic and enfuriating case of Ms. Butts, the lack of US representation in a nation located so close to our shores, and the role of yet another architect of obstruction (Sen. Cotton) is sad reading.
But the truth is, Republicans take what they've "accomplished" in Congress as "good government" - nothwithstanding the fact that the outcome of this obstructionism is blind anger on the part of conservative voters, which has fueled the rise of their despicable nominee, Donald Trump. I view Sen. McConnell as being personally and directly responsible for the anger and frustration of voters fed up with Congress and the federal government in general, and personally liable for the bigotry, racism, hatred and xenophobia of his party's presumptive nominee, and the appeal of his message to the Republican electorate.
The wages of obstructionism are not what Republican leaders imagine them to be. They see obstructionism as a positive force, but this is untrue. The apathy, anger, and frustration sown by the GOP's refusal to legislate and govern are clearly in evidence in Mr. Frump.
But the truth is, Republicans take what they've "accomplished" in Congress as "good government" - nothwithstanding the fact that the outcome of this obstructionism is blind anger on the part of conservative voters, which has fueled the rise of their despicable nominee, Donald Trump. I view Sen. McConnell as being personally and directly responsible for the anger and frustration of voters fed up with Congress and the federal government in general, and personally liable for the bigotry, racism, hatred and xenophobia of his party's presumptive nominee, and the appeal of his message to the Republican electorate.
The wages of obstructionism are not what Republican leaders imagine them to be. They see obstructionism as a positive force, but this is untrue. The apathy, anger, and frustration sown by the GOP's refusal to legislate and govern are clearly in evidence in Mr. Frump.
9
There's a long list of key Ambassador appointments that waited for years to be confirmed during this Administration by these Republican hold-outs. Add Romania, a key country geographically for the U.S., an ally, and one that has 3 U.S. military installations. It took 2+ years for career State Department employee Hans Klemm to be confirmed. These confirmation holds are not only disgusting but dangerous to our foreign policy and security.
7
Republican voters have a choice: condone such tactics, reject their candidates that employ such tactics, or leave the party.
As long as Republican voters condone such tactics, such tactics will continue.
The Senate would be wise to change their rules by bi-partisan agreement that nominees are deemed consented to after 90 days of inaction.
Unilateral disarmament is the only way back, because at this point Democrats would be foolish to reward Republican inaction by allowing a Republican president to successfully appoint judges and justices to seats held open from a Democratic president's appointment.
As long as Republican voters condone such tactics, such tactics will continue.
The Senate would be wise to change their rules by bi-partisan agreement that nominees are deemed consented to after 90 days of inaction.
Unilateral disarmament is the only way back, because at this point Democrats would be foolish to reward Republican inaction by allowing a Republican president to successfully appoint judges and justices to seats held open from a Democratic president's appointment.
8
After reading something like this and pondering Republican obstruction for the past seven years, it simply becomes impossible to assign their actions to "political differences." Honest Republicans (I know, we need Diogenes right now) need to admit that their opposition has to do with trying to thwart a President because of his "uppity Blackness," and not caring whose nose they slice in their attempt to spite the President's face. Cassandra Butts, Merrick Garland, and nameless, talented others are sentenced to professional limbo while Republicans congratulate themselves on their obstinacy and make excuses for supporting Donald Trump. Heaven help us.
15
It is disappointing that the press does not do more to expose these secret holds. Sen. Cruz is a major abuser, yet not once in any of the debates was he ever asked about his abuse of this practice. Why wasn't he asked about the hold he had placed on legislation for Flint, MI? Each candidate for the senate should be asked if they intend to use secret holds and for what. This pathetic practice is more powerful than a President's veto.
7
So sad! Classic case of power abuse. Those in power who can't provide public service block those who are ready to serve in the name of public service. Such a nasty behavior from Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas. And saddest is that would be how I will remember Senator Tom Cotton as his best legacy and life time achievement.
5
A wonderful symbol of what is wrong with American politics.
Party is more important than country.
Philosophy is more important than country.
Making a point is more important than doing the people's business.
All those people who are so adamant about Clinton or Sanders or Trump are missing the truly important point: it doesn't matter who the president is when the government can be held hostage one extremist.
Party is more important than country.
Philosophy is more important than country.
Making a point is more important than doing the people's business.
All those people who are so adamant about Clinton or Sanders or Trump are missing the truly important point: it doesn't matter who the president is when the government can be held hostage one extremist.
8
And then media and government leaders wonder at the frustration and anger that is showing itself this election cycle.
Reading this article makes me mad. Mad that good people are wasting their time, mad that work is not getting done, mad that politicians abuse their power, mad that they waste our money to play their games.
Our political system has seriously gone off the wrong exit because the sense of entitlement that representatives like Cotton and Cruz have is corrupting the whole society. They respect no one and nothing and have infected the whole system with such arrogance. Instead of seeing that their job is to help all levels of society, they believe their job is to protect the privileged from the masses who they imagine are the takers.
Well, the barbarians are at the gate now.
Reading this article makes me mad. Mad that good people are wasting their time, mad that work is not getting done, mad that politicians abuse their power, mad that they waste our money to play their games.
Our political system has seriously gone off the wrong exit because the sense of entitlement that representatives like Cotton and Cruz have is corrupting the whole society. They respect no one and nothing and have infected the whole system with such arrogance. Instead of seeing that their job is to help all levels of society, they believe their job is to protect the privileged from the masses who they imagine are the takers.
Well, the barbarians are at the gate now.
8
... or is it the inmates are running the asylum??
1
Simply put, any elected official who publicly, or privately, states that his or her sole intention once elected is to do everything in her/her power to make sure that the president fails, as his/her only concern, is unfit for office and should be booted out. That our Congress has been reduced to this and these people are allowed to continue is a stain on our democracy.
9
Railing against poor government by creating poor government will not fool all of the people all of the time. The tea partiers in Congress have no candidate in the race for the presidency who shares their goals. Maintaining their intractable resistance to all legislation and all personnel proposed by a disagreeable administration eventually will leave eliminating them as the only path to effective government.
69
I don't think I will ever understand how one Senator or Representative can have as much power as they seem to. And it isn't just blocking Ambassador appointments, just one can block legislation from even being considered. And then there is the story of "Charlie Wilson's War." These same people call President Obama a dictator for trying to finally do something about the countries problems when the Congress refuses to do their job and pass any kind of legislation. How many times have they tried to overturn the ACA? If they actually ever really honestly discussed a plan for something better, they could possibly replace it. But have they ever tried to do so? Not! Then they complain about the illegals in this country but don't appropriate the necessary funds to deport them at a faster rate than is actually occurring. Seems to me to make sense to deport the criminal element first. But Republicans would rather complain than actually make things happen for the better.
3
Ms Butts' story is a magnified version of what happens to the rest of us all the time. In the past 10 years I have been the filler interview for jobs that I am very well qualified for. ALL I want to do is serve too. I don't have the alternative of making it in the private sector. I just carry on looking for the positive wherever I can find it.
Chances are Ms Butts would have been appointed eventually. Despite the torture of waiting
It is disgusting the level of interference that has been used against President Obama. Make no bones about it this country is sinking fast the parasites are overwhelming their host.
Chances are Ms Butts would have been appointed eventually. Despite the torture of waiting
It is disgusting the level of interference that has been used against President Obama. Make no bones about it this country is sinking fast the parasites are overwhelming their host.
5
Just another example of who is really destroying this country: the tea party. The very folk who say the country is being ruined and needs to be saved, are the ones who are running us into the ground. By sticking to their hard right 'principles,' refusing to find compromise, flocking after conspiracy theories and refusing to recognize science, and constantly using any means at hand to attack our President. These people who would 'save America,' are in some kind of self absorbed psychosis, unwilling to listen to any viewpoint at odds with their perverted worldview. And what does it all boil down to: Donald takes over their party, and introduces a whole new level of division and dysfunction. We can only hope that Hillary and the Democratic leadership can keep us from going over the cliff.
12
Excuse me, but I think some pundits and commenters alike tend to look at the details of the wrong that is being done and fail to see the whole drama for what it is.
The individuals who funnel millions of secret dollars to politicians are the pipers that call the tunes and the politicians who have their hands out will dance the way they are told to. Indentured servants or slaves if will, who may or may not believe what they are saying.
There is an old saying in Mexico.
"If you have money, you dance the dog.
No money, and you dance like a dog."
Whether or not Sen. Cotton really believes what he is saying is irrelevant.
Him and his kindred spirits in political office have a stated mission to drown democracy in a bathtub.
My heartfelt and sincere condolences to Cassandra Butts' family and friends.
America is the lesser because of the contribution she could have made, but was denied, out of hatred for democracy and racial equality.
The individuals who funnel millions of secret dollars to politicians are the pipers that call the tunes and the politicians who have their hands out will dance the way they are told to. Indentured servants or slaves if will, who may or may not believe what they are saying.
There is an old saying in Mexico.
"If you have money, you dance the dog.
No money, and you dance like a dog."
Whether or not Sen. Cotton really believes what he is saying is irrelevant.
Him and his kindred spirits in political office have a stated mission to drown democracy in a bathtub.
My heartfelt and sincere condolences to Cassandra Butts' family and friends.
America is the lesser because of the contribution she could have made, but was denied, out of hatred for democracy and racial equality.
9
As Americans get to know Tom Cotton -- and they most assuredly will -- they'll realize there's a national politician even more profoundly obnoxious than Ted Cruz.
But the real questions are: What kind of ideology becomes so dominant in one's life that it motivates you to cause "special pain" for its own sake? And what kind of person gravitates to such ideology?
We've seen Stalinists, Jacobins, Khmer Rouge: people so fanatical that the actual human beings in front of them no longer matter. Cotton is looking like such an individual, and he has found an ideology to match.
But the real questions are: What kind of ideology becomes so dominant in one's life that it motivates you to cause "special pain" for its own sake? And what kind of person gravitates to such ideology?
We've seen Stalinists, Jacobins, Khmer Rouge: people so fanatical that the actual human beings in front of them no longer matter. Cotton is looking like such an individual, and he has found an ideology to match.
7
I used to think I would maybe like to be a Republican: limit government over reach, be fiscally prudent, stay out of people's private lives. Seemed a likable political philosophy. The actions of the Republican Party as constituted over the last couple of decades unburdened me of that thought process. It's been nothing but one shallow transparent racist self serving move after another for so long I can't see how anyone can look themselves in the mirror if they support that party.
13
How very sad. For Ms. Butts herself to discover an illness, suddenly fatal, and for us, the loss of a potentially influential, well-intentioned person, to get a job done for her/our country. Caught in the Congressional quagmire, designed by the do-nothing GOP, to waste time and stall the business of confirming seats, and passing bills, now we have a fatality that is the essence of what stalling can do. Very sad.
89
It is important to point out that this is not a case of "both sides do it". It is the Republicans who have abandoned traditional notions of restrain and imposed extreme gridlock on the country's governing institutions. This is a point too often ignored by commentators in the popular media, thus leading to general disillusionment with government as a whole, when folks should just be disillusioned with the current Republican officeholders!
11
The crowning irony is that over the years presidents (of both parties) have handed out ambassadorial posts like party favours to party hacks and cronies, regardless of qualifications. Some have been so egregiously unfit that the nations upon which they were inflicted - often nations with which we had sensitive, important dealings - regarded them as some kind of eye-rolling joke. Yet here is a woman who was clearly qualified for an embassy post, and she - and the nation she would have served - were reduced to a football for a Congressman to kick. Were I a Bahamian, I would be outraged that Cotton thought so little of my country.
8
Political payback is expected. It is part of the give and take of the horse trading that goes on in Washington. People make deals and punish this who don't go slong.
But lately the dynamic in Washington has been to not only punish other politicians, but punish the country as well. Judicial appointments, administrative appointments, diomatic appointments have been delayed to the detriment of the nation.
We need our representatives in Washington to start to remember that they work for us., serve us, all of us. They need to do their jobs.
But lately the dynamic in Washington has been to not only punish other politicians, but punish the country as well. Judicial appointments, administrative appointments, diomatic appointments have been delayed to the detriment of the nation.
We need our representatives in Washington to start to remember that they work for us., serve us, all of us. They need to do their jobs.
7
The Republican Party is a full-blown conspiracy to drive competent people out of even thinking of accepting a nomination to an appointed office. It is a rotten political party rotting a whole nation, a propagator of mental illness and despair with no redeeming value evident to me.
5
Ms.Butts is not the only one whose hopes were crushed by this president.
First off he's smart. He's also loquacious. He cares about his constituencies.
What he's not is a political leader who can get it done. Virtually all of the political promises he made and hopes he engendered have been dashed. He puts the blame on everyone but himself.
What a loss to us all. But nothing like the one coming next term. She has virtually no political or leadership talents. It will bring us all an Executive Office dysfunction this nation has never seen.
First off he's smart. He's also loquacious. He cares about his constituencies.
What he's not is a political leader who can get it done. Virtually all of the political promises he made and hopes he engendered have been dashed. He puts the blame on everyone but himself.
What a loss to us all. But nothing like the one coming next term. She has virtually no political or leadership talents. It will bring us all an Executive Office dysfunction this nation has never seen.
2
To steal the metaphor from Alvin Toffler, members of Congress are like beavers; they get in the middle of the stream of progress and dam it up.
Until we get us some electoral dynamite to detonate Citizens United and some outlandish rules like interminable Senate holds, we may need to settle for changing a few Post Office names, expressing "outrage" at one thing or another with sense-of-the-Senate resolutions but not really doing anything.
Anyone who fails to vote in November is choosing to support a broken government.
Until we get us some electoral dynamite to detonate Citizens United and some outlandish rules like interminable Senate holds, we may need to settle for changing a few Post Office names, expressing "outrage" at one thing or another with sense-of-the-Senate resolutions but not really doing anything.
Anyone who fails to vote in November is choosing to support a broken government.
3
A better question to ask might be why ambassadorships have become political spoils handed out as rewards to political supporters. That is why these nominees become political pawns in Washington power struggles – because the job is so meaningless and unimportant.
As our country’s national debt soars past the $20 trillion mark, the State Department should consolidate some of these boondoggle embassies. A single embassy unit covering all Caribbean nations would likely suffice. The ambassador would have to spend less time at the beach and more time working.
As our country’s national debt soars past the $20 trillion mark, the State Department should consolidate some of these boondoggle embassies. A single embassy unit covering all Caribbean nations would likely suffice. The ambassador would have to spend less time at the beach and more time working.
1
All due respect for Ms. Butts and sympathy to her family, but we should be appointing professional diplomats as ambassadors and not cronies or political fund raisers. Occasional exceptions for the kind of genuine distinguished ambassadors were used to send to Japan and India. Congress should set up adequate representation funding so we do not need to rely on rich people to front for us.
If we want to have the strongest possible diplomatic corps, we need to have positions at the top -- embassies -- open to all the talents we can recruit. This is an obvious concomitant of our democra
If we want to have the strongest possible diplomatic corps, we need to have positions at the top -- embassies -- open to all the talents we can recruit. This is an obvious concomitant of our democra
1
The appointment of ambassadors has always been a political spoils system and both parties play it to the hilt. Caroline Kennedy is only the most recent example. Had this woman been given the position, they would have had to start the process all over again. Without personal connections she wouldn't have made it to this stage regardless of competence. When the president resorts to petty tactics and encouraged the likes of Harry Reid to do the same, what do Democrats expect?
12
The thing is, President Obama with his grace and dignity is now enjoying an approval ratng of some 51 percent. The Republicans? Not so much. Step by step, obstruction by obstruction, they have only set the stage for the meanest of them all, Donald Trump, to be their party's flag-bearer. They may have caused our president some pain (what a mission!) and prevented a good woman from further serving her country, but in the process they appear to have destroyed themselves.
6
If memory serves me, Tom Cotton ran for the U. S. Senate proudly featuring his disrespect for Pres. Obama as a selling point. Their are majorities in many states that have been programmed for years by their media sources, email threads and local insular belief systems to cheer hatred, racism (denied vociferously), oppose compromise, rally around torture, militarism, and support figurative or actual carpet bombing of their many enemies. Tom Cotton and Ted Cruz are the most prominent of their heroes. How do rational ideas penetrate such determined, programmed (brain washed) populations? I have no clue, but surely Donald is the natural outcome of the right wing hate machine. The ironic aspect is that Donald is not an evangelical Christian, not any kind of Christian really, his ravings are anti immigrant, tough talk gibberish which proves to me that it's all about the hate, hate from day one towards Pres. Obama mainly because he is a black man and unforgivingly, smarter than they are, hate towards non whites, hate towards too many groups to mention. So enjoy your baby G.O.P., you have birthed a presidential candidate who appears unstable and mentally ill. Maybe Sen. Cotton will be his V.P. choice. Best wishes Republicana Party.
124
Like Trump and terrorists, the GOP and its supporters cannot be reasoned with.
The experience of Cassandra Butts also highlights a case of a practice that was created for one set of circumstances that no longer exists, but which lives on and is used for entirely different purposes today. The "hold" by a single Senator was established in the early days of the country, when senators couldn't just fly in to Washington at any time; a senator could request a hold be put on a nomination so he would have time to get back to Washington to consider it. The need for such an accommodation has clearly long since vanished, and now instead it gives every senator the power to mess with the nominations process or just exact petty revenge.
2
We should amend the Constitution so that the Senate has 6 months to act on Presidential appointments, and if they fail to act within that time frame the appointment is automatically confirmed. This would have the dual virtues of putting to end of some of the most egregious malfeasance of the current Senate, and preventing the Democrats from behaving the same way in the future when the tables may be reversed.
1
This is how the insiders behave now and believe Trump is not presidential?
As disgusting as this is, is anyone really surprised. Compared to Scalia's seat left empty and the controlling party refusing to even meet the candidate this story is relatively small except it exposes the more insidious "death by a thousand papercuts" effect of the ways, large and small elected officials create the obstruction that is bringing this country to a standstill.
This story is the federal level where there is a bit more sanitizing "sunshine.
It pales in comparison to hat these same individuals wreak on the local level. Repeatedly when looking into why things are in my area, the answer is always the same, political power gamesmanship combined with petty spite. The result are things like finally putting up the first new streetlight in one of the -/=+10th largest cities in the country in 30 years.
You can't make this stuff up as ridiculous and destructive as reality has become.
At least for Congress. All must be made public. Some holds aren't even with a name on them, anonymous. All holds must be made public with who and why explained for all to see. Limits on open seats must be treated similarly. A non-partisan body must judge when either are not warranted with the powerto remove them.
As for Scalia's seat, a time limit for the seat to be filled is now required.
Our country cannot become rules by factions as tenacious and vindictive as those found in the Middle East.
As disgusting as this is, is anyone really surprised. Compared to Scalia's seat left empty and the controlling party refusing to even meet the candidate this story is relatively small except it exposes the more insidious "death by a thousand papercuts" effect of the ways, large and small elected officials create the obstruction that is bringing this country to a standstill.
This story is the federal level where there is a bit more sanitizing "sunshine.
It pales in comparison to hat these same individuals wreak on the local level. Repeatedly when looking into why things are in my area, the answer is always the same, political power gamesmanship combined with petty spite. The result are things like finally putting up the first new streetlight in one of the -/=+10th largest cities in the country in 30 years.
You can't make this stuff up as ridiculous and destructive as reality has become.
At least for Congress. All must be made public. Some holds aren't even with a name on them, anonymous. All holds must be made public with who and why explained for all to see. Limits on open seats must be treated similarly. A non-partisan body must judge when either are not warranted with the powerto remove them.
As for Scalia's seat, a time limit for the seat to be filled is now required.
Our country cannot become rules by factions as tenacious and vindictive as those found in the Middle East.
3
In the congressional branch of government, founded on the principle of checks and balances, we now, instead, have the political equivalent of blank checks buying only obstructionism, accompanied by a zero balance of good intent in the accounts of self-serving demagogues who refuse to do the work of the people.
Until we start voting every single congressional incumbent out of office, every two years, over and over again, regardless of party, we will continue to be faced with narrow-minded public servants who cater only to their private political interests, rather than the public interest. Loss of office is the only message that these abusers of power will understand, and We the People are the only ones who can deliver that message. Shame on us if we don't.
Until we start voting every single congressional incumbent out of office, every two years, over and over again, regardless of party, we will continue to be faced with narrow-minded public servants who cater only to their private political interests, rather than the public interest. Loss of office is the only message that these abusers of power will understand, and We the People are the only ones who can deliver that message. Shame on us if we don't.
2
This incredibly sad story is merely another example of the seemingly limitless cynicism and irresponsibility of the Republican party. Ms. Butts sounds like both an impeccably qualified nominee, and a lovely human being. Her death from leukemia is tragic. What the Republicans are doing to the nation, however, is despicable.
Yet Washington is not the problem -- we are. An article in the new issue of the New York Review of Books reveals that, not only did Donald Trump have enough support to be the GOP nominee back in January, when the GOP was still making noises about defeating him, but his views on Mexican immigrants, Muslims and blowing up the families of terrorists are shared, not merely by his followers, but by the majority of voting Republicans. This tells us something important: that what happened to Ms. Butts is due, not to a dysfunction in Washington, but rather to a dysfunction in our electorate. We get the government we deserve. It's a substantial portion of the voters choice to put into office, people Tom Cotton, whose name is an ironic reminder of the sectional divisions and great evil- racism- that have blighted our nation since its inception.
Jefferson a slaveholder, wrote "I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever." The wages of our original sin are the Republican Congress and Donald Trump.
We did this. It has nothing to do with Washington, Frank. It's us.
Yet Washington is not the problem -- we are. An article in the new issue of the New York Review of Books reveals that, not only did Donald Trump have enough support to be the GOP nominee back in January, when the GOP was still making noises about defeating him, but his views on Mexican immigrants, Muslims and blowing up the families of terrorists are shared, not merely by his followers, but by the majority of voting Republicans. This tells us something important: that what happened to Ms. Butts is due, not to a dysfunction in Washington, but rather to a dysfunction in our electorate. We get the government we deserve. It's a substantial portion of the voters choice to put into office, people Tom Cotton, whose name is an ironic reminder of the sectional divisions and great evil- racism- that have blighted our nation since its inception.
Jefferson a slaveholder, wrote "I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever." The wages of our original sin are the Republican Congress and Donald Trump.
We did this. It has nothing to do with Washington, Frank. It's us.
3
There has to be a better way for Congress to conduct its business.
I am sure that the Founding Fathers, who had all the right intentions when they designed a system of checks and balances, would agree that the nations business is extremely complex and to allow nominations to wither on the vine serves no legitimate purpose.
One suggestion would be to put into effect a rule that would mandate that all nominees be given and up or down vote within a specific period of time, say 6 months, after which, if no vote was taken, confirmation would be automatic.
The intersection of politics and government has always been messy but when partisan politics calcifies the machinery of government we need to improve the system. We are not 13 colonies.
I am sure that the Founding Fathers, who had all the right intentions when they designed a system of checks and balances, would agree that the nations business is extremely complex and to allow nominations to wither on the vine serves no legitimate purpose.
One suggestion would be to put into effect a rule that would mandate that all nominees be given and up or down vote within a specific period of time, say 6 months, after which, if no vote was taken, confirmation would be automatic.
The intersection of politics and government has always been messy but when partisan politics calcifies the machinery of government we need to improve the system. We are not 13 colonies.
3
It is time to amend the Constitution to end this nonsense, and to do a few other things.
1. Nominees to the Federal bench, for ambassadorships, and for cabinet and subcabinet positions are confirmed after 90 calendar days in the absence of Senate floor action on their nominations.
2. District lines for seats in the Congress and in the various state legislatures shall be determined by independent commissions in the states, within 1 year of completion of the decennial census.
3. The 2nd amendment should be amended to provide universal background checks and registration, restrictions on time manner and place, and restrictions on access for felons, mentally ill, and those subject to specific court order.
1. Nominees to the Federal bench, for ambassadorships, and for cabinet and subcabinet positions are confirmed after 90 calendar days in the absence of Senate floor action on their nominations.
2. District lines for seats in the Congress and in the various state legislatures shall be determined by independent commissions in the states, within 1 year of completion of the decennial census.
3. The 2nd amendment should be amended to provide universal background checks and registration, restrictions on time manner and place, and restrictions on access for felons, mentally ill, and those subject to specific court order.
7
The Senate was conceived by those who wrote the Constitution as the stronghold of American aristocracy -- akin to Britain's once powerful House of Lords. Senators have not hesitated to retaliate against President Obama by blocking his nominees, as Senate Majority Leader McConnell is doing right now with the president's Supreme Court nominee. When the Senate was under filibuster-proof Democratic control at the start of the Obama administration, these practices could and should have been changed. That they were not demonstrates the affinity that senators of both parties have to continued aristocratic power.
3
The U.S. Senate is akin to a very privileged boy's prep school where everyone is just so special and narcissistic that their every whim and hurt must be massaged and indulged. The public be damned.
Let's get some transparency and sunshine into those musty halls. Let's examine the rules by which they play, the retirement benefits and health care they all enjoy for their lifetimes, and the lobbyists that support them.
This is the stuff we need an independent, investigative press for.
Senators think they've earned the privileges they enjoy (Representatives are no different) including dining halls, haircuts, and Ryan's favorite, work out rooms. In fact, they have just awarded themselves these privileges because they could.
Time to remind them they serve us . And there is probably no better way to do it then to throw the bums out. Then impose term limits.
I know, I'm dreaming . But none of this or a lot of what Sanders campaigns for is impossible. It just takes conviction, commitment, hard work., and a whole lot of transparency. KA
Let's get some transparency and sunshine into those musty halls. Let's examine the rules by which they play, the retirement benefits and health care they all enjoy for their lifetimes, and the lobbyists that support them.
This is the stuff we need an independent, investigative press for.
Senators think they've earned the privileges they enjoy (Representatives are no different) including dining halls, haircuts, and Ryan's favorite, work out rooms. In fact, they have just awarded themselves these privileges because they could.
Time to remind them they serve us . And there is probably no better way to do it then to throw the bums out. Then impose term limits.
I know, I'm dreaming . But none of this or a lot of what Sanders campaigns for is impossible. It just takes conviction, commitment, hard work., and a whole lot of transparency. KA
3
Secession is complete. The gerrymandered South is the neo-confederacy of today, except that now they engage in political war by paralyzing government through total obstruction. Better that their constituents starve than reap the rewards of a united government and country. That would mean acknowledging that their planation culture of racism, misogyny, religious intolerance and classism is a morally and economically bankrupt system that should have died in 1865.
6
Maybe we should just let the South go. It would solve a lot of problems. Of course then we would have a lot of "illegal immigrants" flowing out of the South.
1
Two bigots with their petty grievances are politicians that carry an agenda masquerading as public service. They have no shame uisng their narrow minded political privileges to impact the business of the country or it's Relationship with its neighbors to further their agenda.
For self confessed conservatives who profess limited government they certainly practice the policy of extending a government reach when it suits them. The hypocrisy of their stance and double speak when it is demonstrated so blatantly is in full bloom here for anyone that wants to see it as such.
For self confessed conservatives who profess limited government they certainly practice the policy of extending a government reach when it suits them. The hypocrisy of their stance and double speak when it is demonstrated so blatantly is in full bloom here for anyone that wants to see it as such.
4
Every person who draws a check paid for by taxpayer money, from a kid with a work-study part-time job in a library to Senators and members of the House of Representatives must swear:
“I, AB, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.
"... true faith and allegiance ... without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion ... 'So help me God.'"
Out of the millions of Americans with positions in government, it is only Republicans in Congress who have collectively decided to perjure themselves almost on a daily basis. before God and man.
“I, AB, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.
"... true faith and allegiance ... without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion ... 'So help me God.'"
Out of the millions of Americans with positions in government, it is only Republicans in Congress who have collectively decided to perjure themselves almost on a daily basis. before God and man.
7
I appreciate your sharing this story of Cassandra Butts, I think. Yes, I'm conflicted because I simply don't know how to respond to such a crass, mean spirited attitude. Incensed, disturbed, disheartened, angry - yes. These men (Cruz, Cotton, McDonnell, etc) seem callous. So, I don't know that a letter expressing outrage or displeasure or ...would bother anyone of them. And I don't know how concerned those who voted for these senators would care or make it a reason for not electing them. There is not enough decency and respect and so many know how they have been treated in the work place. It is worrisome how management is treating/abusing far too many. It is disconcerting when those serving our country exude the same behavior giving an example that derides people like Cassandra who only wanted to serve her country. How dare these senators deny the gifts/talents an individual offers to our nation. It is disconcerting, but I don't know how to improve our government with a Supreme Court allowing far too much involvement of money and senators using people except to keep voting D.
1
If diplomatic relationships with other nations are important then ambassadors should be career civil servants who are qualified to represent the US and have expert knowledge of the nations to which they are dispatched in that capacity.
The most prestigious ambassadorial postings include the UK, France, Germany, Japan and too often the main qualification is how much a prospective ambassador has contributed to a presidential candidate or political party. It's a corrupt political opportunity not a diplomatic assignment. Otherwise why not put ambassadorships up for public auction with the winning bids going to the US Treasury instead of political parties or politicians? This would at least allow recovery of some portion of the great cost of maintaining wealthy, amateur ambassadors in the lap of luxury, and these days, the impregnable security of fortress embassies and diplomatic residences.
A more meaningful reform would be to require the Senate to approve or reject a nominee within a 30 or 60 day period with a statement of disqualification if rejected that specifies the basis of a decision along with the signatures of Senators who take responsibility. That any Senator has in effect an absolute veto over an ambassadorial appointment by issuing a "hold" without being fully accountable is cynical abuse of Constitutional authority.
If we truly are sick and tired of the politics of privilege it's time to remove American diplomacy from the list of rewards for rich donors.
The most prestigious ambassadorial postings include the UK, France, Germany, Japan and too often the main qualification is how much a prospective ambassador has contributed to a presidential candidate or political party. It's a corrupt political opportunity not a diplomatic assignment. Otherwise why not put ambassadorships up for public auction with the winning bids going to the US Treasury instead of political parties or politicians? This would at least allow recovery of some portion of the great cost of maintaining wealthy, amateur ambassadors in the lap of luxury, and these days, the impregnable security of fortress embassies and diplomatic residences.
A more meaningful reform would be to require the Senate to approve or reject a nominee within a 30 or 60 day period with a statement of disqualification if rejected that specifies the basis of a decision along with the signatures of Senators who take responsibility. That any Senator has in effect an absolute veto over an ambassadorial appointment by issuing a "hold" without being fully accountable is cynical abuse of Constitutional authority.
If we truly are sick and tired of the politics of privilege it's time to remove American diplomacy from the list of rewards for rich donors.
1
Why blame "Washington" or even the federal government in general? The problem is with Congress and with the Republicans in Congress in particular. The media should point out that when people say they don't like government, they are generally referring to the Congress and to a lesser extent the President. Most are positive about many functions of the government, including the National Park and Forest services, the Social Security Administration and Medicare, etc..
2
The United States Senate is a place where dysfunction and malicious mischief and soaring egos make a dangerous, highly intoxicating cocktail for its members. Great harm is done regularly to any citizen unlucky enough to have business before the Senate.
We have seen for the past seven years how, under the leadership of Mitch McConnell, the Republican majority in the Senate has been anxious and willing to damage the economic well-being of average Americans, just to inflict political injury on the nation’s first black president.
A generation ago, Democratic prima donnas in the Senate were also recklessly vengeful, though not quite as regularly oblivious in their cruelty to the pressing needs of the nation, as today’s Republican Torquemadas.
The tragic story of Cassandra Butts is a moving, cautionary tale of what can happen when a talented American, dedicated to public service, finds herself in the crosshairs of some nasty Senate conservatives who don’t like her politics, her former boss or the color of her skin.
We have seen for the past seven years how, under the leadership of Mitch McConnell, the Republican majority in the Senate has been anxious and willing to damage the economic well-being of average Americans, just to inflict political injury on the nation’s first black president.
A generation ago, Democratic prima donnas in the Senate were also recklessly vengeful, though not quite as regularly oblivious in their cruelty to the pressing needs of the nation, as today’s Republican Torquemadas.
The tragic story of Cassandra Butts is a moving, cautionary tale of what can happen when a talented American, dedicated to public service, finds herself in the crosshairs of some nasty Senate conservatives who don’t like her politics, her former boss or the color of her skin.
2
Our federal government will never work properly until we elect people to Congress for the purpose of governing, not obstructing its function. This is just one example of how the right wing of the Republican Party prioritizes defeating Democratic governance above the good of the American people and the country.
I find their behavior despicable and yet they are reelected time and time again. I despair for the future of our country unless more reasonable people replace these extreme ideologues. I am also deeply disappointed that our press choses to report on a gridlocked Congress when in truth the fault lies squarely with obstructionist Republicans who will not do their Constitutional duty despite their theoretical devotion to that document.
I find their behavior despicable and yet they are reelected time and time again. I despair for the future of our country unless more reasonable people replace these extreme ideologues. I am also deeply disappointed that our press choses to report on a gridlocked Congress when in truth the fault lies squarely with obstructionist Republicans who will not do their Constitutional duty despite their theoretical devotion to that document.
109
I have been contrasting the Confederacy of the Civil War with the behavior of the GOP since Nixon, that's 48 years.
Now well into their dire plot, well planned, but now running off the cliff, is the same need of the Confederacy to destroy the Union for purposes of high immorality and the deep abyss of greed.
They have been the main cause of the destruction of the middle class begun by Reagan by deregulation, cutting funds to staff many agencies to regulate different aspects of our economy and culture.
They are constantly eroding environmental standards,
No proper funding for infrastructure. I guess the GOP doesn't believe there is any value to it. This in the end carried to the end game will destroy American life and economy.
They continually erode women's right to privacy for abortion. Two states have only one center. How can not this be construed as being an added burden to the women of these states?
Will not ratify or deny nominees.
Are blatant racists.
Are as non-inclusive as can be to the American people without passing laws that are discriminating.
Removing equal treatment under the law.
Inventing crimes in their minds to suppress voting.
And as is now a commonly known phrase in America : The GOP cares about life until the child is born.
As they destroy democracy as intended by an ever evolving Constitution, they seem to miss the point that they, the GOP, will go down with America as well.
Disease in their minds and souls. No climate change?
Now well into their dire plot, well planned, but now running off the cliff, is the same need of the Confederacy to destroy the Union for purposes of high immorality and the deep abyss of greed.
They have been the main cause of the destruction of the middle class begun by Reagan by deregulation, cutting funds to staff many agencies to regulate different aspects of our economy and culture.
They are constantly eroding environmental standards,
No proper funding for infrastructure. I guess the GOP doesn't believe there is any value to it. This in the end carried to the end game will destroy American life and economy.
They continually erode women's right to privacy for abortion. Two states have only one center. How can not this be construed as being an added burden to the women of these states?
Will not ratify or deny nominees.
Are blatant racists.
Are as non-inclusive as can be to the American people without passing laws that are discriminating.
Removing equal treatment under the law.
Inventing crimes in their minds to suppress voting.
And as is now a commonly known phrase in America : The GOP cares about life until the child is born.
As they destroy democracy as intended by an ever evolving Constitution, they seem to miss the point that they, the GOP, will go down with America as well.
Disease in their minds and souls. No climate change?
9
It is reasonable to have sympathy for Cassandra Butts in this situation. However, we need to also consider that the Constitution provided the Senate the authority to make their own rules for conducting their legislative function as well as their joint confirmation function with the Executive Branch. The often used expression "levers of government" includes such an activity used by Senator Cruz. It has been used by those on both sides of the aisle for a long time. Each time such "pressure" is applied there will always be those that cheer it on and those that will detest its application. To repeat, each political party has found such activity to be useful.
As for gerrymandering, it seems to be like a game of Monopoly for each party. The Constitution is silent on the practice. The Founding Fathers probably never considered such geographical manipulations for voters. Universal Suffrage was not on their agenda.
As for gerrymandering, it seems to be like a game of Monopoly for each party. The Constitution is silent on the practice. The Founding Fathers probably never considered such geographical manipulations for voters. Universal Suffrage was not on their agenda.
It doesn't come close to being "equal opportunity". Republicans are even blocking nominations from their more moderate colleagues.
Here's more:
"The GOP-controlled Senate is on track this year to confirm the fewest judges since 1969, a dramatic escalation of the long-running partisan feud over the ideological makeup of federal courts.
"The standoff, if it continues through the 2016 elections as expected, could diminish the stamp that President Barack Obama leaves on the judiciary — a less conspicuous but critical part of his legacy. Practically, the makeup of lower-level courts could directly affect a number of Obama’s policies expected to face legal challenges from conservatives.
"Republicans appear willing to absorb criticism that they’re interfering with the prerogative of a president to pick his nominees in the hope that the GOP can get its own judges installed in 2017, with one of their own in the White House. In the meantime, federal courts could be left with dozens of unfilled vacancies. More than two dozen federal courts have declared “ judicial emergencies” because of excessive caseloads caused by vacancies. "
There are a range of articles; this one was Politico's: https://www.google.com/search?q=judicial+blocking+by+republicans
Wikipedia names names:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama_judicial_appointment_controve...
Here's more:
"The GOP-controlled Senate is on track this year to confirm the fewest judges since 1969, a dramatic escalation of the long-running partisan feud over the ideological makeup of federal courts.
"The standoff, if it continues through the 2016 elections as expected, could diminish the stamp that President Barack Obama leaves on the judiciary — a less conspicuous but critical part of his legacy. Practically, the makeup of lower-level courts could directly affect a number of Obama’s policies expected to face legal challenges from conservatives.
"Republicans appear willing to absorb criticism that they’re interfering with the prerogative of a president to pick his nominees in the hope that the GOP can get its own judges installed in 2017, with one of their own in the White House. In the meantime, federal courts could be left with dozens of unfilled vacancies. More than two dozen federal courts have declared “ judicial emergencies” because of excessive caseloads caused by vacancies. "
There are a range of articles; this one was Politico's: https://www.google.com/search?q=judicial+blocking+by+republicans
Wikipedia names names:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama_judicial_appointment_controve...
2
I am sick of people saying sorry when they don't mean it. This doesn't come close to being equal opportunity. Republicans keep shifting the goalposts to the right, and they sometimes nominate truly egregious candidates. No other president has been subjected to this level of constant stonewalling.
Consider Judge Merrick Garland, whom Obama nominated as a person who actually is acceptable to Republicans. Once again, no excuse.
Consider Judge Merrick Garland, whom Obama nominated as a person who actually is acceptable to Republicans. Once again, no excuse.
10
I do apologize for not putting this as a response to: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/07/opinion/an-obama-nominees-crushed-hope... Sometimes the comment system puts "replies" at top level.
This was a response to one of the few who excuses this behavior because "both sides do it". When the Republicans put in a particularly horrid candidates, there is sometimes pushback, but it's nothing
This was a response to one of the few who excuses this behavior because "both sides do it". When the Republicans put in a particularly horrid candidates, there is sometimes pushback, but it's nothing
2
As if anything else was needed of the degeneracy of the Republican Party this is certainly a glaring example. Judge Garland is another example of not following the constitution. The Republicans are constantly quacking about the sanctity of the founders intents of this and that part of the document, except when it suits the parties objectives otherwise. It took Rome centuries to lose their Republic and it slid into dictatorship. We are on the cusp of political failure brought to you by low grade politicians who have seized power in the GOP. The so called conservatives are a cancer in the body politic. Mrs Butts unfortunately is just one of its latest victims of Mitch McConnell's failure as the leader of the Senate. Leader surly an oxymoron monstrous proportions...
4
The whole idea of the Holds that can delay appointments--or even legislation, for that matter--are generally irrelevant, and often ludicrous. Holds should become public knowledge, appear on a Senate web site, and even be required to be renewed after, let's say, 90 days. How many good people have been denied the right to serve? And our country, denied great people whop wish to do so?
Every time that6 I read or hear a Congressman telling of their public service, I often wonder where that service has been performed, and for who's benefit?
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
Every time that6 I read or hear a Congressman telling of their public service, I often wonder where that service has been performed, and for who's benefit?
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
5
This stuff makes us agnostics hope there's a God, so that the types like Senator Cotton may stand in judgment before Him someday.
But I cannot say that I am surprised; after all, these are the people (and I use that word advisedly) sho sneered at Bob Dole, in a wheelchair, on the floor of the House, begging that the international accord on the rights of the honorable and damaged be ratified.
These...persons...sneered at a leader from their own Party, who'd been crippled since his brave service in World War II.
Am I expected to be surprised that these...persons...sneered at an honorable, experienced, capable black woman?
But I cannot say that I am surprised; after all, these are the people (and I use that word advisedly) sho sneered at Bob Dole, in a wheelchair, on the floor of the House, begging that the international accord on the rights of the honorable and damaged be ratified.
These...persons...sneered at a leader from their own Party, who'd been crippled since his brave service in World War II.
Am I expected to be surprised that these...persons...sneered at an honorable, experienced, capable black woman?
346
These guys offer pretty good evidence that either there is no God, or He does not want to get involved. Nobody has been smote.
1
Maybe the Senate Republicans, as helmsmen of a ship of state, should anoint themselves with nautical titles. By saving the Republic from two-year ambassadorships, these Senators have earned the status of Chief Petty Officers.
39
Their slime gets ever even smellier and more and more disgusting. Just can no longer be surprised at how revolting these rotten to the core creeps go.
45
The petty, vindictive and vicious behavior of the GOP is beyond contempt.
They no longer serve the nation; they're too busy serving themselves.
Lincoln is turning over in his grave.
They no longer serve the nation; they're too busy serving themselves.
Lincoln is turning over in his grave.
67
I know ,right? Lincoln would reputiate his 'party'.
Such school yard pettiness to get back at a man who did what he was elected to do. Have we no shame when we elect the likes of Sen Cotton?
Part of the problem is that this goes under the radar swallowed by the circus which is the Donald. Why doesn't the Times run a regular column on holds and who placed them and the consequences. Someone, other than the victims, should know that there are many diplomatic and judicial vacancies due to spite. When we know, we can act. Thank you, Frank Bruni.
Part of the problem is that this goes under the radar swallowed by the circus which is the Donald. Why doesn't the Times run a regular column on holds and who placed them and the consequences. Someone, other than the victims, should know that there are many diplomatic and judicial vacancies due to spite. When we know, we can act. Thank you, Frank Bruni.
73
"Why doesn't the Times run a regular column on holds and who placed them and the consequences."
I second this recommendation. Americans need to know the details of how our country is being intentionally disabled by the holier-than-thou Republicans such as Cotton, Cruz and their ilk. There needs to be room in the main section for a weekly column with the ongoing injury report and the names of the offenders.
I second this recommendation. Americans need to know the details of how our country is being intentionally disabled by the holier-than-thou Republicans such as Cotton, Cruz and their ilk. There needs to be room in the main section for a weekly column with the ongoing injury report and the names of the offenders.
'We' did not elect Cotton. There is no 'we' in America. There are groups, and some of them are petty and scared and vindictive.
Let's hope that the Republican Senators get rewarded. So what about President Obama as a Supreme Court Justice, then? To the end of their legislative days, Sens Cruz, Cotton and the rest would hear from him and how their feeble attempts, if undertaken, are unconstitutional. The thought alone makes me smile.
44
Another sad example of Republican stonewalling and negativity towards
anything Obama does or proposes. If Trump wins the election they will get
the president they deserve.
anything Obama does or proposes. If Trump wins the election they will get
the president they deserve.
13
But we will have to live with him!! Where is the justice in that? Unless we can confine them to their own petty enclave and protect the rest of the populace, then Trump being he president they deserve would be a Pyrrhic victory!.
But what about the rest of us ? Do we deserve the Republicans contempt for everything that is good and decent about America ?
Over the past eight years, I have come to loathe Republicans. Not enough to become a Democrat, but still, I do so loathe all Republicans. They lack character, every one of them.
30
I am very sorry her nomination did not get the "up her down" vote to which she was entitled, but let's not kid ourselves---both parties have done this for decades. I do not see anything in her career that qualifies her to be an Ambassador--no prior diplomatic experience, no connection to The Bahamas---except she is a "FOO." Again, this is the kind of connection, along with campaign fundraising, that has led to these kinds of positions to relatively "safe" countries being handed out as "rewards" to the party faithful, rather than on merit. That should stop. I cannot imagine there is not a deserving career Foreign Service officer who would have been a better choice.
4
Your comment would have been more effective than it is had you refrained from putting down Cassandra Butts. And so what that "both parties have done this for decades"? If you have a principled objection, object on principle, not in terms of political parties' equally inappropriate and misguided (in your opinion) behavior.
It's one thing to be opposed to ambassadorial positions awarded to a sitting president's friends and supporters. But don't mix things up by saying that there is nothing "in her career that qualifies her to be an ambassador." The fact is, she was an individual who brought years of wide-ranging experience to the table. I mean, socialites have been named US ambassadors, and some of them, to be sure, have actually done a great job. I'm sure Cassandra Butts would have been an absolutely wonderful representative of the US in the Bahamas--serious, curious, open-minded, energetic, engaged, and respectful.
It's one thing to be opposed to ambassadorial positions awarded to a sitting president's friends and supporters. But don't mix things up by saying that there is nothing "in her career that qualifies her to be an ambassador." The fact is, she was an individual who brought years of wide-ranging experience to the table. I mean, socialites have been named US ambassadors, and some of them, to be sure, have actually done a great job. I'm sure Cassandra Butts would have been an absolutely wonderful representative of the US in the Bahamas--serious, curious, open-minded, energetic, engaged, and respectful.
It is undeniable that ambassadorships have an element of personal connections to the president or party making them, so is has always been and so it will remain. It is also undeniable that Ms. Butts was a fine and thoughtful choice who would done an exemplary job had Sen. Cotton not decided to punish her for being a friend of the president. I am sure you will remain so high and mighty about deserving foreign service officers when Donald appoints Dick Morris to a plum post, not. The point of this column is the venal, punishing reason for Cotton's hold which shows a lack of human decency that is alarming in a civilized society.
1
You're flat-out wrong - both parties have NOT done this for decades.
These types of ridiculous, endless, "holds" are an invention of the modern-day GOP, full stop. As are the endless filibusters that have made an unconstitutional 60-vote threshold the de-facto requirement to pass ANY legislation in the Senate.
Their philosophy is that government "is the problem", so they get themselves elected to government and set about trashing it and sabotaging it, and then point to it as if it's proof.
These types of ridiculous, endless, "holds" are an invention of the modern-day GOP, full stop. As are the endless filibusters that have made an unconstitutional 60-vote threshold the de-facto requirement to pass ANY legislation in the Senate.
Their philosophy is that government "is the problem", so they get themselves elected to government and set about trashing it and sabotaging it, and then point to it as if it's proof.
1
This story is news, the kind of news that should be front page and on the nightly news, along with court nominations and other pending confirmations. Voters should see these names every week with a tally of how many weeks the confirmation has been pending, and who is responsible for holding it up. Voters should have a chance to pressure the Senate, or to shame them!
30
Ambassador to the Bahamas? Ride the gravy train, Democrats. LOL.
4
What is your point?
1
What of Norway and Sweden?
1
Outrageous! When will the Senate and its members do what they were elected to do? Work. Do the work. Attend to legislation, confirm judges, ambassadors, confirm nominations to the Supreme Court. May this election roust out those lazy evil doers and send them packing. We need a government that works and respects its allies. May Cassandra Butts, her life, her work, inspire us and may her soul rest in peace.
195
it is just a shame to the level of infantilism the Republican party has sunk. Really nasty, vindictive little people.
49
Mr. Bruni:
thank you for this very difficult story.
please keep this type of information,
along with your analysis and insights coming.
it is very difficult to comprehend that in the 21st Century
such evil still exits, even within our highest elected
national officials.
we must engage as extensively as possible to get our
citizens to actually vote in November.
the World does not see the distinction of one state's Senator
compared to another state's - - - just a US Senator.
grrrr
16
This is another sickening episode of Senators gone wild. The fix for this behavior is to change the rules through a Constitutional amendment: All Presidential appointees must be voted on within a fixed time period, say 120 days, or the appointment stands as confirmed. If the Senate doesn't like a nominee, vote no. Not voting is not upholding the oath of office or the Constitution. Enough of the games.
32
Ideally the next Senate will have a Democratic majority, and that majority will get rid of the filibuster, the "hold", and the similar "blue slip" obstacle in judicial nominations: all of them non-constitutional, non-democratic, non-transparent relics of another, less morbidly partisan, political era.
The Republicans took them all and ran them into the ground.
The Republicans took them all and ran them into the ground.
11
I think you forget, Harry Reid used the exact same tactics to stall Republican nominations, etc, when GWB was President. Let's not get too sanctimonious here, both parties do it equally.
Thank you Mr. Bruni. At it's most idealistic this is what journalism should do--give voice to those who cannot speak and bring to light the kind of dark deeds described here. Cruz is indeed Lucifer in the flesh and apparently Cotton can join him in this moniker. Is this what they think they were elected to do? To inflict a special kind of pain on the president? Who votes for these people, and why? How can you operate in our government purely as obstructionists, while real people suffer from the inaction of our legislature?
Compassion must be an underrated commodity in the Republican party. I guess that's why their goal was to make President Obama fail at any cost to the country and the economy. And hurt him when they couldn't make him fail.
Does their blatant cruelty explain why they continue to pursue policies that consolidate wealth in the hands of the few, while in 2014 over 15 million children in the US suffered from food insecurity? The party of the "moral majority" has cloaked itself in righteousness for too long. Party before country, Republicanism before morality. History is not going to be kind to the party of no. Heartbreaking column.
Compassion must be an underrated commodity in the Republican party. I guess that's why their goal was to make President Obama fail at any cost to the country and the economy. And hurt him when they couldn't make him fail.
Does their blatant cruelty explain why they continue to pursue policies that consolidate wealth in the hands of the few, while in 2014 over 15 million children in the US suffered from food insecurity? The party of the "moral majority" has cloaked itself in righteousness for too long. Party before country, Republicanism before morality. History is not going to be kind to the party of no. Heartbreaking column.
237
Righteousness before God is a person that follows God's will and this is righteous behavior as a person on this earth,
The righteousness of the GOP is simply meant to be righteous to the GOP. This is anything but righteousness in its rightful meaning of the Spirit and spirit as one.
The righteousness of the GOP is simply meant to be righteous to the GOP. This is anything but righteousness in its rightful meaning of the Spirit and spirit as one.
This is a heartbreaking column because this Republican Party has no Heart. They do not believe "in God We Trust." I cry for this Country and for it's very Soul. May the heavenly Spirit of Cassandra Butts pray that the good, honest citizens of our country trun the US around to Trust in God again with a caring Heart and intelligent Brain.
Deeply problematic. And we wonder why Trump is the Republican Presidential nominee? We shouldn't because it's obvious. He represents their values and beliefs, particularly the Republican leadership.
29
Cotton should just wear a sweatshirt that says " I am a petty, vindictive jerk." Like we couldn't figure that out ourselves.
But maybe the voters in Arkansas need a reminder.
But maybe the voters in Arkansas need a reminder.
35
Feelings aren't facts but facts create feelings. Feelings of disgust, shame, contempt and pity. Not for Ms. Butts but rather for Rafael Cruz and Thomas Cotton. Neither is a gentleman worthy of respect or their office. Their hate and blind ambition will ultimately consume them but what harm will they inflict on the body politic until they self-immolate?
24
Let us hope that Republicans like Senator Cotton and Senator Cruz and others of that ilk--and that would be darn near most of them--get what they so richly deserve: booted out of office--bag, baggage and little patriotic lapel pins.
27
The treatment of Ms. Butts reflects a moral obtuseness that Senator Cotton seems to exemplify. The man from Arkansas authored the letter to the Iranian leadership that he hoped would torpedo the nuclear agreement, and he has also expressed displeasure over efforts to reform the system of criminal justice. To judge by the actions that attract the attention of reporters, Cotton identifies with the same conception of government service that Ted Cruz has helped to popularize. Both men view government, at least on the federal level, as a nuisance whose operations they must inhibit as much as possible.
But the importance of Bruni's anecdote transcends the fate of Ms. Butts, as infuriating and unjust as that is. The ability of a single senator to obstruct appointments, and in some cases, apparently, legislation, stems from a bipartisan agreement to exalt the power of politicians over the sovereign authority of the people who elected them. The Senate, with its grossly inequitable formula for popular representation, along with the tradition of the filibuster, already violates the most basic principles of democratic government.
To devise a rule or custom that enables one senator to block the will of the majority exposes a contempt for the electorate that a free people should not tolerate. Even the liberal members of this 'club,' like Sanders and Warren, have not, to my knowledge, condemned this practice, despite its incompatibility with democracy. Shame on all of them.
But the importance of Bruni's anecdote transcends the fate of Ms. Butts, as infuriating and unjust as that is. The ability of a single senator to obstruct appointments, and in some cases, apparently, legislation, stems from a bipartisan agreement to exalt the power of politicians over the sovereign authority of the people who elected them. The Senate, with its grossly inequitable formula for popular representation, along with the tradition of the filibuster, already violates the most basic principles of democratic government.
To devise a rule or custom that enables one senator to block the will of the majority exposes a contempt for the electorate that a free people should not tolerate. Even the liberal members of this 'club,' like Sanders and Warren, have not, to my knowledge, condemned this practice, despite its incompatibility with democracy. Shame on all of them.
22
What about the moral obtuseness by democrat senators when it came to Republican court nominations and ambassadorships? They were equally guilty of denying individuals their day in court.
Who are these representatives? The entire party needs to be purged of this pettiness. The irony of course is the party is now being destroyed by the very pettiness exhibited by Senator Cotton.
7
It baffles me that these Congressmen, who claim to love our country above all else, demonstrate this love by flatly refusing to complete the tasks of their office.
They are nothing more than petty and childish men who resort to throwing tantrums when they don't get their way.
They are nothing more than petty and childish men who resort to throwing tantrums when they don't get their way.
15
Between between situations like this, Trump as the GOP nominee, and unfettered guns, the rest of the world must think we're literally crazy. A light on a hill? I don't think so.
12
The U.S. Senate, not only a stupid concept per se, but also run like a third world country. Depressing.
3
This is unpatriotic. It will also continue after November unless Congressional leadership changes. And I don't see that happening. Thank you for this succinct, profound and brilliant story.
4
What do you expect? Republicans just say no. Except on those occasions when Hell No to be more appropriate.
5
GOP Extremist Ideologues claim that government doesn't work. Then they set about to sabotage it, shooting the work of the people in the collective foot, then pointing a finger of blame at everyone other than themselves. GOP extremist ideologues have done their utmost to engage in scorched earth tactics more suitable to guerilla warfare and terrorists than to members of Congress. And yes, cynically, the continue with their filthy propaganda that government just doesn't work, after a hand grenade of their manufacture has just exploded. History will judge the GOP extremists as the enemies of the state that they have been. They will go down as traitors who did their utmost to violate their oaths of office to uphold, protect and defend the US Constitution. All the while, we hear GOP protests that everyone else is violating the Constitution. They exhibit a pattern of behavior that trivializes others and is typical of abusive heads of household who appear drunk to terrorize everyone, who run to hide, so they can escape beatings and worse; then blames the other family members for provoking the attacks. I suspect that many GOP operatives were terrorized and abused as children and that, having survived, delude themselves to think that they were better for having been hardened and "successful." Is the term "successful" appropriate for saboteurs and terrorists? I think not.
5
This is why we can't get good people in government anymore. The best and the brightest shy away from public office and we are left with blind ambition and vitriol filling the legislative void in Washington. Sad times for us.
1
Bruni: "We should never be resigned to this dysfunctional pettiness, and there’s nothing amusing about it."
Frank, you get this right, and the last sentence of your op-ed quoted above says it all.
This is one taxpayer thoroughly disgusted that my taxes go to pay the salaries and fund the generous benefit and pension plans for our "deadbeat" members in Congress, namely the Republican majority responsible for gridlock, responsible for making sure that nothing gets done to advance the public/common good.
Republicans have traditionally been concerned about so-called "welfare queens" (and kings), nonworking citizens living well at the expense of taxpayers. Those currently serving in Congress certainly know all about it from personal experience.
Frank, you get this right, and the last sentence of your op-ed quoted above says it all.
This is one taxpayer thoroughly disgusted that my taxes go to pay the salaries and fund the generous benefit and pension plans for our "deadbeat" members in Congress, namely the Republican majority responsible for gridlock, responsible for making sure that nothing gets done to advance the public/common good.
Republicans have traditionally been concerned about so-called "welfare queens" (and kings), nonworking citizens living well at the expense of taxpayers. Those currently serving in Congress certainly know all about it from personal experience.
285
AMEN!!!!!!
1
Yeah, but their concern on "welfare queens" now has a bigger population: "the 47% takers".
We hear so much about the time elected officials spend raising money for their re-election but let's call it what it is --- they all want to keep their jobs! To deny another person, deeply qualified by every measure, the ability to get a job in the government sector when they could do so much better financially in the private sector is incomprehensible. Power corrupts. The individuals responsible for blocking Cassandra Butts are the clearest example of the corruption that comes with the power entrusted to them.
10
We are also without a Supreme Court Justice because the Republicans play reprehensible games with the government. They are behaving like spoiled childish brats. If they can't have a GOP president then they don't want to do do their jobs. Ted Cruz is the most hated man in congress so I am not surprised by his vindictiveness. What is the excuse of the rest of the GOP congress? Aren't there any Republicans who can actually act with honor to their position in the senate or house. Unfortunately if the GOP don't get their way with Trump in the White House we can look forward to another four years of foot dragging, mean talk and malfeasants.
10
Tom Cotton's revelation that he held up the Cassandra Butts nomination to inflict " a special pain on Barack Obama" can only be described as twisted. What happened to Cassandra Butts and her subsequent frustration, is another example of the insidious nature and dysfunctional psyche of Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton. Stress can be a major factor in weakening the immune system. His position on the Juvenile Justice Act exposes juvenile offenders to the brutality of adult sexual predators? Is he trying to inflict a "special pain" on youthful offenders? His unprecedented letter to the Supreme Leader of Iran attempting to sabotage the Iranian nuclear deal is another example of perverse behavior. Does Senator Cotton understand that violating the Logan Act( which makes it a felony for an unauthorized citizen to undermine governmental negotiations) is a felony? It would be beneficial for the voters of Arkansas to put a "hold" on the dysfunctions of Senator Cotton.
17
This column is just off...
Yes, it is horrible that Cassandra Butts was taken too soon. And yes, Republican senators such as Tom Cotton are a disgrace. They don't act in the best interests of their country. We should have an ambassador in the Bahamas.
But no one has an entitlement to cushy government post -- and let's get real, that's what we're talking about. That's the "reward" Bruni refers to, not the opportunity to nobly serve one's country. It doesn't matter if you're friends with the President.
Lots of people have been in Butts's position, including Miguel Estrada. They deal with it and move on with their life. I'm sure that's what Butts would have done if given the opportunity.
Again this column is just off. Bruni writes about an ambassadorship in the Caribbean as if it's an entitlement. Sorry, but it just isn't.
Yes, it is horrible that Cassandra Butts was taken too soon. And yes, Republican senators such as Tom Cotton are a disgrace. They don't act in the best interests of their country. We should have an ambassador in the Bahamas.
But no one has an entitlement to cushy government post -- and let's get real, that's what we're talking about. That's the "reward" Bruni refers to, not the opportunity to nobly serve one's country. It doesn't matter if you're friends with the President.
Lots of people have been in Butts's position, including Miguel Estrada. They deal with it and move on with their life. I'm sure that's what Butts would have done if given the opportunity.
Again this column is just off. Bruni writes about an ambassadorship in the Caribbean as if it's an entitlement. Sorry, but it just isn't.
3
Thank you, Mr. Bruni, for publishing the story of this woman of such integrity, accomplishments, and passion for service to others. In the end, it will be the legacy of people like Ms. Butts that will be remembered, not the disgusting and primitive behavior of the GOP congress.
10
This is preposterous inside Washington politics, but it leaves me wondering why doesn't the president simply announce that after a certain reasonable period (say 100 days for a hearing?) he will send his appointee to serve as an "interim ambassador" to the country in question. This avoids the complication of pushing through an appointment while Senate is in recess. Then it is simply up to the Senate to get its act together, or not. Indeed all of our ambassadors can be interim ambassadors for all we care. The title of "official ambassador" is meaningless as our ambassadors serve the president alone. They have no real power and they certainly don't report to Congress.
7
Something else for congress to whine about.
Never happen. It makes too much sense.
I wonder where these actions fit in the GOP's proclaimed embrace of Christian-Judeo values. Senator Cotton in particular is beneath contempt.
25
I keep wondering what's going to happen if Congress simply refuses to confirm any nominees to the Supreme Court. If Hillary Clinton becomes President, this could be a terrifying possibility.
7
Everyone seems to forget the episode when Bill just got into office where someone thought it was funny to associate her child with the looks of a dog.
Look it up and remember, hell hath no fury..........
Let the children in congress continue to think that this is a game, the end is coming. And its wearing high heels.
Look it up and remember, hell hath no fury..........
Let the children in congress continue to think that this is a game, the end is coming. And its wearing high heels.
HRC will win and will be joined by a Democratic Senate. Will the Democrates change the rules to bring the Senate into the 21st Century? If not your nightmare may come true. Of course, if Il Trumpolini continues to alienate everybody, we may get a wave election, and with it a filibuster proof Senate majority and one last harrah for Nancy Pelosi. One can dream!
These holds are proof the GoP doesn't care about their country.
17
We should always remember that our officials were elected by the people, and thereby represent the approval of their constituents.
Public. Service.
Public. Servant.
That is what every representative of We The People signs up for by running for office, from dog catcher to president and everywhere in between.
While private money has corrupted many, many people who eagerly lever themselves into office for the opportunities to skim, pander and oppress, the Congressional Republicans have turned their abysmal 11% approval rate into license to bully, lie, impede and sell out.
Public service is a responsibility, not a hall pass to indulge in puerile retribution and vicious assaults.
Public. Servant.
That is what every representative of We The People signs up for by running for office, from dog catcher to president and everywhere in between.
While private money has corrupted many, many people who eagerly lever themselves into office for the opportunities to skim, pander and oppress, the Congressional Republicans have turned their abysmal 11% approval rate into license to bully, lie, impede and sell out.
Public service is a responsibility, not a hall pass to indulge in puerile retribution and vicious assaults.
20
A sad commentary on our increasingly out-of-control political system. Not that Democrats are saints - far from it. But Republicans have taken the pettiness, vitriol and obsession with hurting anyone on the other side of the aisle to an entirely new level, and are concurrently dragging any semblance of decency and respect that we may have had left for them right down the sewer after them. It's like they're all playing their own version of Liar's Chess, and we're just left being the saps who paid to be the audience.
16
Shame about & disgust with politicians who commit to vindictiveness that will ultimately destroy our country. Cassandra Butts deserved recognition & respect for the values she believed in & exemplified. Her death is a huge loss for all of us.
16
This has got to be the sickest country on earth.
21
Maybe you should find out: go to Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya or Saudi Arabia. Democrats, starting with Obama, do the exact same thing...
We are not the sickest yet, but we are getting there by leaps and bounds.
You need to read a bit more.
Ambassadorships are mostly a lot of pomp and circumstance. You do nothing and you get a nice credential on your resume. Butts missed out on a perk appointment. This does not break my heart.
2
It is your mentality that has brought us here. A young talented woman dies of cancer- no problem. The senate dies of its cancer - no problem.
That assumes you have one to break. You're from Arizona- quelle surprise!
This is another shameful example of the out right bigotry of our "representative" who absolutely hate a Black President, especially in the deep south republicans. I would recommend recalling or censuring these guys since they are not abiding by their oath of office.
37
A human and political tragedy. We are so badly governed that the heart breaks in our ineptitude, venality and fecklessness. Rest in Peace Ambassador Butts; the country you would have represented was not worthy of you because its Senate is not worthy of the country it purports to represent.
34
This is a very sad story. And it describes the same "crazy crosswinds" and "dysfunctional pettiness" which went on to set the stage for the emergence of the "crazy/dysfunctional" man child who became the Republican nominee for president. I dislike bringing him up here, but the ire Ms. Butts' story resurrects reminds me that my feelings of utter disgust regarding this unfit Republican nominee began long ago. It in fact began when the modern day GOP became divorced from Lincoln, took a sad turn in the wrong direction, and became regressive, biased, bigoted and populated with "yes-men" who dare not think independently but instead must march in lock step mirroring one another. And that includes being narrow-minded, mean-spirited, unfiltered when it came to vocal disrespect for President Obama, habitual anti-Obama obstructionism, childishly shutting down government as a way of objecting to Obamacare, and the humiliating in Obama's face gesture having Netanyahu--who was defying President Obama's move toward removing Iran sanctions--speak before Congress and on and on. Trump's absurd birther obsession was just a toe testing the waters. Once that toe discovered those Repub waters were adequately polluted, he jumped in. It's becoming apparent that even a political party that's lost it's moorings and principles has to sooner or later pay the piper; reap what it sews. Unfortunately, it also causes unfair collateral damage like it did to Ms. Butts and now to the rest of us as well.
53
Amen. A sad Amen.
This along with the fate of many other Obama nominations points to how the Senate rules are unconstitutional. The Constitution states that the President "by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint" various government officers. No where does the Constitution state that the Senate has the right to refuse or delay that presidential duty. By allowing this Senate rule to stand, the Senate is actually rewarded for its unconstitutional behavior. It has appointed to itself the ability to execute a pocket veto of a Constitutionally mandated presidential function. The Senate not only has adopted this unconstitutional means of thwarting the president, but it has also unconstitutionally deprived the people of the United States the government that the constitution has mandated. The Senate's refusal to consider and provide "advice and consent" on the nomination of Judge Garland should be challenged by the President before the Supreme Court - the ultimate arbiter of the meaning of the Constitution. To be rid of this rule would remove at least this one area of intensely partisan bickering that impedes the functioning of the government.
10
This is shameful. Exactly how does Sen. Cotton's behavior help the interests of the United States or represent his constituents?
7
"Dysfunctional pettiness" pretty much sums up today's Republican Party, from the Texas School Board at one end all the way up to Donald Trump at the other, leaving out no one in between.
8
Ms. Butts experienced a fairly standard Senate action.
Overwhelmingly, most nominees who do not receive Senate approval are not rejected by a vote of the body, or even of the applicable committee.
Rather, they do not receive a vote.
This is a Constitutional action which both parties utilize.
Overwhelmingly, most nominees who do not receive Senate approval are not rejected by a vote of the body, or even of the applicable committee.
Rather, they do not receive a vote.
This is a Constitutional action which both parties utilize.
3
Frank, you wrote: "We should never be resigned to this dysfunctional pettiness,"
No, sir. Perhaps you have been around the Tom Cotton's of this world too long, but this is naked racism. Appalling, hate filled racism. Let's call it by its true name, at least here in the New York Times.
No, sir. Perhaps you have been around the Tom Cotton's of this world too long, but this is naked racism. Appalling, hate filled racism. Let's call it by its true name, at least here in the New York Times.
11
Finally. If it walks like a duck........
The tragedy here is not just to Ms. Butts and the other nominees. It is the disrespect the Senate shows to our allies and partners. Apparently Norway, Sweden, and the Bahamas do not matter enough to the Senate for its membership to bother to confirm qualified ambassadors to represent our interests there.
7
May God have mercy on us. We're all pathetic.
1
No, the Republicans are pathetic.
1
Despicable, maddening and tragic.
Shame on the Republicans, but unfortunately they are so very twisted, they feel no shame.
America, help vote out any Republican up for re-election, they don't deserve to be near any seat of power.
Shame on the Republicans, but unfortunately they are so very twisted, they feel no shame.
America, help vote out any Republican up for re-election, they don't deserve to be near any seat of power.
10
Shame on the pathetic Republican Party. The party of Lincoln is now a pawn of the Wall Street crooks. They will do anything to support their paymasters. The elected legislators are pathetic and pathological liars. They have no interest to serve the people, rather the only goal is to destroy us the common people. This is a classic example of where the party stands now and who supports them. Senator Cotton, shame on you. You are not even a human- you got elected by manipulating the people. It is a shame that Arkansas people elected you to serve in the senate of our great nation. Mr. Xotton- what goes around it comes around. You will face a miserable tragedy like the Cassandra family in your life for all the misdeeds you have done.
4
The conservative message ever since Ebenezer Scrooge to non-conservatives has been 'drop dead.' Vince Foster was right; the haters suck big-time.
4
In case you missed it, her nomination was held up while Reid was the leader of the Senate. So, your complaints need to start there.
5
A senatorial hold on a nomination can occur regardless of who has the majority.
If Obama wants to be a jerk to Congress, he should expect the same treatment in kind.
All is fair in love, war and politics.
All is fair in love, war and politics.
1
The GOP announced its intentions on day one of the Obama presidency: obstruct, obstruct, obstruct.
Let no one feign shock, and vote accordingly in Nov.
Let no one feign shock, and vote accordingly in Nov.
16
Now that Ms. Butts has died while awaiting confirmation, Senator Cotton can take especial pleasure and pride in inflicting no doubt even greater pain on the President than merely blocking her confirmation.
Congratulations Senator your legacy is sealed.
Congratulations Senator your legacy is sealed.
15
Amen. The question that really needs to be answered is, what makes him so comfortable that he feels he can make such a statement.
How did they know each other at law school with a five year age difference?
President Obama worked for 5 years before starting law school. I've taught graduate students who ranged in age from 21 to 45 in the same class, and have been in classes with an age range of 40 years. That's the wonderful thing about life-long learning.
1
How awful. These troublemakers need to face the music.
13
Race is keeping this country divided more than any other factor. Clinging to old ways and prejudices is killing us.
4
Amen
No, there’s nothing amusing about frozen politics so personal that people involve the lives of others to wound those whom they actually target. While I probably would disagree with much of what Ms. Butts would have communicated as U.S. policy as a U.S. ambassador, we elect presidents to choose such people, make such policy, and she should have been confirmed.
But the trials of Ms. Butts and of many others whose nominations hang awaiting the cooling of our pronounced faction are to be expected in the current circumstances when one side disagrees as vehemently as it does with the policy preferences of a president and that president lacks any demonstrated capacity to overcome that disagreement. It used to be that we held presidents accountable for overcoming resistance with no excuses for failure tolerated; but these days, apparently, it’s all the fault of the other side that doesn’t just cave to a progressive president’s social agenda.
When you pick sides in a fight, you share the fortunes of the side you pick. That’s was unfortunate for Ms. Butts, who as fate would dictate didn’t have time to ride it out; and given the brief time remaining to Mr. Obama as president, she probably never would have served. I’m sorry she didn’t, even for a brief time.
But this is a cautionary lesson for American voters. If an election sets up differences as stark as ours, we’d better elect as president someone capable of co-opting enough of the opposition to allow forward movement.
But the trials of Ms. Butts and of many others whose nominations hang awaiting the cooling of our pronounced faction are to be expected in the current circumstances when one side disagrees as vehemently as it does with the policy preferences of a president and that president lacks any demonstrated capacity to overcome that disagreement. It used to be that we held presidents accountable for overcoming resistance with no excuses for failure tolerated; but these days, apparently, it’s all the fault of the other side that doesn’t just cave to a progressive president’s social agenda.
When you pick sides in a fight, you share the fortunes of the side you pick. That’s was unfortunate for Ms. Butts, who as fate would dictate didn’t have time to ride it out; and given the brief time remaining to Mr. Obama as president, she probably never would have served. I’m sorry she didn’t, even for a brief time.
But this is a cautionary lesson for American voters. If an election sets up differences as stark as ours, we’d better elect as president someone capable of co-opting enough of the opposition to allow forward movement.
4
It is a cautionary tale for voters, but not with the message you suggest. We need to send representatives to Washington who share a commitment to govern. We need representatives who "don't sweat the small stuff," who pick their battles, and who understand their roles within our system of checks and balances. The notion that any approval of any action by the other side is seen as "surrender" is anathema to good governance.
We need Senators who understand that, absent a valid objection, it is the President's prerogative to appoint ambassadors to represent the interests of the United States government abroad. By perpetrating such vacancies, Senators send a clear message that the United States doesn't care about relations with their countries. That, I argue, is a much more damaging message than anything Ms. Betts could have communicated to the government of the Bahamas on behalf of the United States government.
We need Senators who understand that, absent a valid objection, it is the President's prerogative to appoint ambassadors to represent the interests of the United States government abroad. By perpetrating such vacancies, Senators send a clear message that the United States doesn't care about relations with their countries. That, I argue, is a much more damaging message than anything Ms. Betts could have communicated to the government of the Bahamas on behalf of the United States government.
1
But Richard, only one side has engaged in the overwhelming majority of these despicable actions which have no precedent in my lifetime of 78 years. All of Obama's actions have ample recent precedent in the actions of Republican Presidents.
Gee Richard is this a veiled endorsement of Hillary? Republicans everywhere despised Bill Clinton for among other things his uncanny ability to triangulate and divide his opposition on important issues, despite a spiteful attempt to impeach him. One would have to assume that you and other informed Republicans, all too ready to exploit guilt by association when it suits you, would have to admit the best candidate to overcome gridlock and petty politics in Washington is Hillary Clinton.
Wow, Frank, what a column. I knew there tons of unfilled nominations, but this one is not only sad, but an indictment of our politicized Congress.
I was struck by your observation: "That’s Washington for you. Deeply admiring someone is supposed to be a consolation for — and not a contradiction of — using him or her as a weapon."
I'm sure Judge Garland is likewise deeply admired but still now allowed to enter the Supreme Court because Mitch McConnell has decreed no SCOTUS confirmations in the final year of one's presidency.
America has lost an excellent public servant with the untimely illness an death of Cassandra Butts. My condolences to her family, and to America--land of bitter politics and a political divide deeper than the Grand Canyon.
How many other public appointments left in political limbo will end up the same way? How does the US explain to allies that they can't have ambassadors because Ted Cruz hates Mr. Obama?
I was struck by your observation: "That’s Washington for you. Deeply admiring someone is supposed to be a consolation for — and not a contradiction of — using him or her as a weapon."
I'm sure Judge Garland is likewise deeply admired but still now allowed to enter the Supreme Court because Mitch McConnell has decreed no SCOTUS confirmations in the final year of one's presidency.
America has lost an excellent public servant with the untimely illness an death of Cassandra Butts. My condolences to her family, and to America--land of bitter politics and a political divide deeper than the Grand Canyon.
How many other public appointments left in political limbo will end up the same way? How does the US explain to allies that they can't have ambassadors because Ted Cruz hates Mr. Obama?
128
You know, considering the consequences of divided government, I kind of wish that if the media and the country are constantly treating the entire body politic like a national ports league we could at least have coaches for each side.
In sports, when players (Congressmen) don't do their jobs during every season, they get fired or traded, or otherwise put out to pasture. The problem with our Congress is that members can't be replaced for two years and because of gerrymandering, they could commit major felonies and still be elected--thus reinforcing political gridlock and the likelihood we'll ever get reform of the confirmation process.
It's only one area of reform needed to get the country moving. Trump screams, "make America great again." He might start by asking his fellow Republicans to free up judicial nominations, to show that everyone is working--especially those who have sat on their hands for the past 8 years.
In sports, when players (Congressmen) don't do their jobs during every season, they get fired or traded, or otherwise put out to pasture. The problem with our Congress is that members can't be replaced for two years and because of gerrymandering, they could commit major felonies and still be elected--thus reinforcing political gridlock and the likelihood we'll ever get reform of the confirmation process.
It's only one area of reform needed to get the country moving. Trump screams, "make America great again." He might start by asking his fellow Republicans to free up judicial nominations, to show that everyone is working--especially those who have sat on their hands for the past 8 years.
24
This is a tragedy. However, the commenters on this article and others in the NYT act as though this is only one way. How is that intellectually honest? The actions were wrong, but gridlock blame should not be placed solely on one side.
It is sad that neither side can have honest debate.
It is sad that neither side can have honest debate.
3
BUt the vast majority of these despicable acts have been done by one side, This is a prime example of false equivalence.
The facts don't support your comment. The Republicans have betrayed and abused many political traditions and courtesies in their mindless war on President Obama. They are responsible for the present state of partisan rancor in Washington.
2
This is deeply humiliating as a country. To think of how this woman waited to the grave for this opportunity is heartbreaking. Sometimes there's more than punishing Obama and the democratic party to think about. If someone is so qualified and highly regarded don't dismiss them based on other political conflicts that are happening. What a disgrace.
25
These are adults who were elected to serve the people, in others words us. And yet they act like sad little demigods of their own office. Children in middle school would be admonished for this mean and petty behavior. How utterly shameful the peoples's representatives have become. Send them home to earn their living instead of being given a salary by the people to do nothing.
35
Republican guys like Tom Cotton, Ted Cruz want nothing more than to inflict DAMAGE on the United States of America and its citizens because Cruz, Cotton feel ENTITLED to fling around their frat-brat "powers" once they slipped into government office. They need to be eradicated as a Republican Plague on America.
52
This is very sad. I hope those who tormented her for nearly 3 years get their just deserts.
RIP Cassandra Butts.
RIP Cassandra Butts.
10
As sad as I am about Ms Butts and her tragic and unexpected passing, and as outraged as I am that petty vindictiveness kept her, and us, from benefiting from this appointment, I am more weary and dismayed.
The ridiculous games and obstructions that have been the hallmark of how the (Republican) Congress has worked with this President are sure to remain. I see no evidence that Congress will do the job they are elected to do, to increase the effectiveness of government to support we the people, rather than to manufacture drama and throw roadblocks in the path of progress.
So, of course, what a ridiculous waste of time (even as they keep taking unearned salaries and benefits), ours, and more importantly, Ms. Butts’, may she rest in peace, but even more disheartening when contemplating that there will be no lesson learned, no improvements, nothing new under the sun.
The ridiculous games and obstructions that have been the hallmark of how the (Republican) Congress has worked with this President are sure to remain. I see no evidence that Congress will do the job they are elected to do, to increase the effectiveness of government to support we the people, rather than to manufacture drama and throw roadblocks in the path of progress.
So, of course, what a ridiculous waste of time (even as they keep taking unearned salaries and benefits), ours, and more importantly, Ms. Butts’, may she rest in peace, but even more disheartening when contemplating that there will be no lesson learned, no improvements, nothing new under the sun.
27
The test of Democrats' outrage - of our outrage - will be the next time that Democrats control the Senate, hopefully just seven months from now. If Democrats change Senate rules to end the ability of a single Senator to put an appointment on permanent hold, then we'll know that the outrage was real.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
17
The Republican Party is comprised of mainly disgusting men who foment racial discrimination starting with the vicious and public attacks on the President of the United States. Those in the Party, with any sense of humanity are forced out - remember Mx Cleland? - and good for them as they are then freed to pursue good in the world without the handcuffs of their former party.
24
Once again, vindictive Republicans holding up legitimate qualified people who want to serve their country. The Republican Party is now bankrupt of talent to the detriment of the country.
28
While "senators from both parties" have slowed down nominations, let's not confuse what has happened in the past to the dry rot in todays Republican Congress. Vindictive members of Congress are far more likely to be conservatives than progressives--let's stoop with the false equivalencies.
I am so sorry that Cassandra Butt had to endure the nastiness of our current Republican lawmakers--she would have been a true asset to our foreign service.
I am so sorry that Cassandra Butt had to endure the nastiness of our current Republican lawmakers--she would have been a true asset to our foreign service.
46
We all seem to have "bemused resignation" when it comes to Congrss critters like Tom Cotton.
3
"he knew that she was a close friend of Obama’s — the two first encountered each other on a line for financial-aid forms at Harvard Law School, where they were classmates — and that blocking her was a way to inflict special pain on the president."
Thanks for revealing this story. It speaks so much about the character of Senator Tom Cotton. It is tragic that such wonderful civil servants as Cassandra Butts are held hostage to the pettiness of men like Tom Cotton. To learn of her circumstance in limbo and then of the terminal illness that took her early in life is sad indeed. Cotton loves to stick his face in the news often as one of the designated Republican attack dogs. The truth is now when we see him we can remember that conversation he had with Cassandra Butts behind closed doors and know the spiteful little man he is.
Thanks for revealing this story. It speaks so much about the character of Senator Tom Cotton. It is tragic that such wonderful civil servants as Cassandra Butts are held hostage to the pettiness of men like Tom Cotton. To learn of her circumstance in limbo and then of the terminal illness that took her early in life is sad indeed. Cotton loves to stick his face in the news often as one of the designated Republican attack dogs. The truth is now when we see him we can remember that conversation he had with Cassandra Butts behind closed doors and know the spiteful little man he is.
108
She wasn't a civil servant -- she was a political appointee.
1
WHY do we allow these senatorial "holds" ??
They are NOT anywhere in the Constitution or the enacted laws.
Will someone please challenge this extra-legal practice.
They are NOT anywhere in the Constitution or the enacted laws.
Will someone please challenge this extra-legal practice.
45
Because, per the Constitution, the Senate sets its own rules.
Imagine if our elected representatives in Congress were as caring about their colleagues in the business of politics as they claim to be about their families. Maybe the respect they showed to one another in the public sphere would rub off on the country as a whole.
5
The problem is that in the US ambassadors are so often political appointees at all. Often they are chosen simply as a reward for political fund raising.
It is a foolish way to choose our senior representatives to foreign countries and inevitably leads to them being used as political pawns.
We should choose our ambassadors based on their proven experience, character, and acumen.
It is a foolish way to choose our senior representatives to foreign countries and inevitably leads to them being used as political pawns.
We should choose our ambassadors based on their proven experience, character, and acumen.
9
Do you have a problem with Ms. Butts' character, experience or acumen?
1
And on what basis do you think that hadn't been done in this case?
I think that this lady is highly qualified. However, our president has more than once stepped on powers that belong only to our Congress. Turn around I'd fair play.
1
It is this attitude that has gotten us where we are. Tit for tat; constantly going further until we are stuck in this downward spiral. I will also point out that there were times Pres. Obama acted only after waiting and waiting for Congress to actually do something. I will further point out that previous presidents have also stepped on powers that supposedly belong to Congress.
Dear Alan,
What is it I don't get about Republicans in Congress hating to vote...simply confirm or turndown nominations. What is so hard about doing that?
What is it I don't get about Republicans in Congress hating to vote...simply confirm or turndown nominations. What is so hard about doing that?
That is not justification for denying Americans the right be represented by highly qualified ambassadors to our allies. We, the people, are the hostages.
I am willing to bet that not a single Republican in Congress is ashamed of themselves. Yet they will be re-elected. Unbelievable.
57
disgusting.
42
Ms. Butts was nominated and presented to a Dem-led Senate with the nuclear option. The SFRC cleared her in May, 2014. This is certainly a tragic story, but it speaks more to the general inaction of Congress than it does to its partisanship. Our representatives are not doing their jobs.
17
Balderdash! Only one party is engaged in these despicable actions.
I look forward to the next time that Senator Cotton determines that he must rise to the dais of the Senate... or the FOX News camera to lecture the American people on the ethics or morality of another politician's decision making. Ms. Butts clearly deserved better than the good Senator's deferred "respect."
53
The Senate Republicans are an evil cabal that will be replaced this November thanks to the Donald.
47
I hope Donald doesn't come with the replacements.
1
If Donald Trump were to win, Tullymd, the Senate Republicans would remain, in return for a continuing Declaration of War against any nation which annoyed Trump on a particular day. The Senate Democrats, however, would be replaced. They would find themselves transported to the internment camps, authorized by the Senate Republicans at Trump's request.
Tom Cotton should be absolutely ashamed of himself for this behavior.
129
He's the guy that went around the President and contacted Iran. I don't think shame is in his vocabulary.
Sen. Cotton's "enormous respect for Ms. Butts" is far from obvious. However, his disrespect for the American people and the electoral choice they made as to the Presidency is crystal clear. It's time for change
85
Don't blame this generally "on Washington" - it's the fault of petty, mean-minded Republicans who want to stop government from functioning and will do anything to oppose the President of the United States. Stop trying to sound like a centrist pundit, Mr Bruni, and recognize the truth of what's going on. Ms. Butts is only one of millions of victims of Republican abuse of power intended to inflict hurt on the most vulnerable in our society. To try and twist this into a "pox on both houses" is just wrong and, itself, an abuse of your position as a responsible journalist.
33
In the delusional alternative universe that is the GOP senate, Sen. Cottons surely tells himself that by obstructing the nomination of this eminently qualified candidate, he serves his constituents. He, and his fellow obstructionists are so deluded that they believe that their very thoughts are those of their constituents.
19
Constitutional amendment: Presidential appointments shall be acted upon by the Senate (advise and consent or denied) within 90 working days or 120 calendar days, else they are automatically confirmed.
18
Disgusting. Somewhere out there in the deep distance of hope lies the possibility that the Constitution might one day be amended to cut short the stupid abuses of "advise and consent".
6
"Senators from both parties have long employed short holds on nominations for leverage with the White House."
Both parties treat the other as enemies. Let's not anoint one party as having held the moral high ground when there is little evidence to that effect. VP Biden has called for no Supreme Court nominations by the sitting lame duck president as well. If we get President Trump, I'll bet Democrats use the filibuster and every rule in the book to hold up nominations. The problem is the partisan divide. We have to get back to the basics -- there is more that unites Americans than divides them. Let's go prove it and stop the utter hate and disrespect for everyone who disagrees with us, and have an adult discussion worthy of this country.
Both parties treat the other as enemies. Let's not anoint one party as having held the moral high ground when there is little evidence to that effect. VP Biden has called for no Supreme Court nominations by the sitting lame duck president as well. If we get President Trump, I'll bet Democrats use the filibuster and every rule in the book to hold up nominations. The problem is the partisan divide. We have to get back to the basics -- there is more that unites Americans than divides them. Let's go prove it and stop the utter hate and disrespect for everyone who disagrees with us, and have an adult discussion worthy of this country.
2
President Obama is not a "lame duck" until after the November election. By your logic, he was a lame duck the day after he won re-election. And you've taken VP Biden's comment, which was a hypothetical, out of context because it suits your purpose. Look it up.
3
Once again, someone brings up Senator Biden's words, rather than his actions. Senator Biden never denied a Supreme Court nominee a hearing during an election year. Justice Kennedy sitting on today's Supreme Court is the evidence of the difference between words and actions. Senator McConnell is taking action by denying Merrick Garland a hearing and a vote during an election year. Senator Biden's words and Senator McConnell's actions are not the same thing.
3
More false equivalence. Republicans have set records year after year on the number of filibusters. And notice the word "short" in your quote. This was hardly short.
Finally, you have taken the Biden rule out out of context. He only meant it in a specific case, and it applied for a much shorter period. If you are interested in the facts read:
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2016/mar/17/context-bide...
Finally, you have taken the Biden rule out out of context. He only meant it in a specific case, and it applied for a much shorter period. If you are interested in the facts read:
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2016/mar/17/context-bide...
1
I wish I could say it was a surprise, but it is despicable and typical of the hatred Republicans have apparently developed for their President. I sometimes wonder if the entire party has gone insane.
23
You can stop wondering, Donald Trump means they have gone insane.
I am reminded of a "principle" I learned during my career in Union- management collective bargaining - bad practice makes bad law. It is way past time to remove this kind of power from little children like Senator Cotton.
15
If diplomatic relationships with other nations are important then ambassadors should be career civil servants who are qualified to represent the US and have expert knowledge of the nations they are dispatched to in that capacity.
Presently the most prestigious ambassadorial postings are the UK, France, Germany, Japan and too often the main qualification is how much a prospective ambassador has contributed to a presidential candidate or political party. It's a corrupt political opportunity not a diplomatic responsibility.
Otherwise why not put ambassadorships up for public auction with the winning bids going to the US Treasury instead of political parties or politicians? This would at least allow recovery of some portion of the great cost of maintaining wealthy, amateur ambassadors in the lap of luxury, and these days, the impregnable security of fortress embassies and diplomatic residences.
Another meaningful reform would be to require the Senate to approve or reject a nominee within a 30 or 60 day period with a statement of disqualification if rejected that specifies the basis of a decision along with the signatures of Senators who take responsibility. The idea an individual Senator has effectively an absolute veto over an ambassadorial appointment without being fully accountable is cynical abuse of Constitutional authority.
If we truly are sick and tired of the politics of privilege it's time to remove American diplomacy from the list of rewards for rich donors.
Presently the most prestigious ambassadorial postings are the UK, France, Germany, Japan and too often the main qualification is how much a prospective ambassador has contributed to a presidential candidate or political party. It's a corrupt political opportunity not a diplomatic responsibility.
Otherwise why not put ambassadorships up for public auction with the winning bids going to the US Treasury instead of political parties or politicians? This would at least allow recovery of some portion of the great cost of maintaining wealthy, amateur ambassadors in the lap of luxury, and these days, the impregnable security of fortress embassies and diplomatic residences.
Another meaningful reform would be to require the Senate to approve or reject a nominee within a 30 or 60 day period with a statement of disqualification if rejected that specifies the basis of a decision along with the signatures of Senators who take responsibility. The idea an individual Senator has effectively an absolute veto over an ambassadorial appointment without being fully accountable is cynical abuse of Constitutional authority.
If we truly are sick and tired of the politics of privilege it's time to remove American diplomacy from the list of rewards for rich donors.
22
You nailed it -- I'd only change it to "Career Foreign Service Officers" from "career civil servants".
1
Cotton continues to prove how petty and narrow-minded he is. He may have been a good soldier but he's an utter disgrace as a Senator. How far the Senate has fallen from a once respected body to a bunch of political hacks with little to no integrity.
15
Unfortunately, in January 2009 when Obama, Pelosi and Reid made the extreemly partison decision that they were not going to negotiate or even deal with Republicans, they created a lot of animosity in Washington.
After the Republucans won the House in 2010 Reid, in his typical obstructive manner, would rarely let any House legislation be brought to the Senate floor for discussion or a vote.
Now that Republicans control the whole of Congress, Obama, the NYT, and democrats in general can not understand why the Republicans are unwilling to work with them? After six years of Democratic obstruction, what did they expect?
It is a shame that a very competent nominee never had a chance for confirmation, but the Democrats should have understood that eventually they were going to have to reap what they sowed.
After the Republucans won the House in 2010 Reid, in his typical obstructive manner, would rarely let any House legislation be brought to the Senate floor for discussion or a vote.
Now that Republicans control the whole of Congress, Obama, the NYT, and democrats in general can not understand why the Republicans are unwilling to work with them? After six years of Democratic obstruction, what did they expect?
It is a shame that a very competent nominee never had a chance for confirmation, but the Democrats should have understood that eventually they were going to have to reap what they sowed.
1
@Larry Gr
You are either seriously delusional or so cynical you deserve the embittered reality you've created for yourself. Whichever or both, you epitomize every reason why there has been no aisle in Congress to reach across. You are the resonance of the shouted lie of your ilk who shattered the decorum of the President's State of the Union address to underscore not just a lack of civility but an abundance of social and political pathology. By your own primitive rule of order, sir, your punishment would be public and unspeakable.
You are either seriously delusional or so cynical you deserve the embittered reality you've created for yourself. Whichever or both, you epitomize every reason why there has been no aisle in Congress to reach across. You are the resonance of the shouted lie of your ilk who shattered the decorum of the President's State of the Union address to underscore not just a lack of civility but an abundance of social and political pathology. By your own primitive rule of order, sir, your punishment would be public and unspeakable.
Larry,
Most of us haven't forgotten that it was also in January of 2009 when Mitch McConnell and the Senate Republicans met to decide that their main political goal was to make sure Obama was a one-term president.
Most of us haven't forgotten that it was also in January of 2009 when Mitch McConnell and the Senate Republicans met to decide that their main political goal was to make sure Obama was a one-term president.
This is distorted history, if not an outright lie. On Jan. 20, 2009, Republican leaders conspired at a Washington D.C. steakhouse to "deny Obama any victories." As the former Senator from Ohio said, "If he was for it, we had to be against it."
Trump is likely to be in a position to turn around the GOP. I think he has no particular liking for senators and congressmen who just sit it out. Trump elected is the best chance we have to have a working congress, one color or the other.
And this kind of behavior is one reason why there are no elected Republicans in statewide offices in California. Other states should consider a similar option until the GOP chooses to join the 21st century and act like responsible governance is one of its values.
9
Cotton and Cruz are the two most narcissistic members of the US Senate!
They both truly believe the universe revolves around them and everyone must do their bidding!
They are pathetically small minded and they make the Senate look bad! But in the twisted universe of 2016, the worse you make the Senate look, the more the conservative base adores you!
Go figure!
They both truly believe the universe revolves around them and everyone must do their bidding!
They are pathetically small minded and they make the Senate look bad! But in the twisted universe of 2016, the worse you make the Senate look, the more the conservative base adores you!
Go figure!
4
Thank you for writing about Ms. Butts and letting the world know about how unfairly such a talented and dedicated person was treated. So disgraceful -- and heartbreaking.
5
I would like to see a non-compulsory creed of conduct promulgated as a guide for ethical behavior by candidates for office as senators and representatives. They could be asked to sign or decline prior to their election so that their constituents would factor this into deciding for whom they would vote, both in primaries and in the general election. It is a small step and not enforceable but it would not only allow constituents to understand who signs or declines but also who disregards it in real time on a neutral website. I cannot see a justifiable purpose for unethical abuse of the power of the office regardless of the particular party of the office holders. I am pleased that Ms. Butts has received such posthumous praise and that Senator Cotton's little-minded abuse of her, the ambassadorship, and indeed, the foreign relationship of the United States with the Bahamas have been illuminated for everyone from now until the end of recorded history.
126
Too late David. The NRA and Mr. Norquist already "impose" their own alleged "non-compulsory" standards on congress and those running for office regarding guns and tax cuts and obstruct anything Obama. They couldn't possibly also agree to ethical behavior for the greater good of the country.
Obama was elected on the promise that he would reach across the aisle, work with Republicans, foster unity.
Other commenters solely blame the Republican senators for using their legal powers to try and leverage the president, but the article does hint that their grievances were, at least in some of the cases, legitimate.
If an administration circumvents congress and senate by misusing executive power following the rule of "might makes right"; operates with even less transparency than any previous administration; fails to hold its own members accountable for infractions (even blatant breaches of the law)...
Then what is the opposition supposed to do?
Other commenters solely blame the Republican senators for using their legal powers to try and leverage the president, but the article does hint that their grievances were, at least in some of the cases, legitimate.
If an administration circumvents congress and senate by misusing executive power following the rule of "might makes right"; operates with even less transparency than any previous administration; fails to hold its own members accountable for infractions (even blatant breaches of the law)...
Then what is the opposition supposed to do?
That may have been President Obama's hope -- to work across the aisle -- but you conveniently forget that within days of his swearing in, Sen McConnell and other GOP Congressional leaders vowed to oppose him every step of the way and make him a "one-term" President. Guess that plan failed, and now you want to blame the President for taking what action he can under his executive powers?
2
For a former Army Captain and Bronze Star winner, Sen. Cotton's actions demonstrate a lack of honor. To try and hurt the president by attacking someone else is cowardly.
15
Tit for tat politics and wonder why Congress has a 9% approval rating. Now with the State Department and Ambassadorships. This is an annual, $90 billion dollar drain on our economy. With the advent of SKYPE we do not need over 160 embassies worldwide- nor do we need Ambassadors. Caroline Kennedy is the Ambassador to Japan and is unqualified for this position. Because of her name and popularity- she was fast tracked by Obama in front of career state department officials who were vastly more qualified and spoke Fluent Japanese. Caroline could probably order sushi in Tokyo, but that's about it... Eliminate the state department it's just a cover for the CIA anyway.
1
Come on - that's how it works. President makes a big statement, daring Congress to turn it down - they do and suddenly we have racism or whatever
Mr. Cotton is a traitor to the United States of America and should be treated as such. Where is the outrage? I would love to see a follow up story about Mr. Cotton and what a roadblock he has been to effectively running this country of ours.
3
My reaction is not fit to print.
Rage at our political insane asylum.
This insulting punishment of Dermocrats I suppose is about revenge about revenge.
Because since both parties allegedly do this, then it's merely revenge about revenge, the game of politics are being played so routinely obnoxiously that eventually we shall indeed elect a spendthrift Sanders or a crazed Trump to bring it down so hard as to become to a circular firing squad.
However, if it's actually mostly about racism, then I'm not shocked either.
I don't know about your thinking (the reader), but it may be time to converting to a parliamentary system of some kind as our nation's sort of built-in now semi dysfunctional government is not working well, or working so well that our contradictions cannot be transcended in rational compromise as our wise founders apparently intended in enlightened good faith.
Rage at our political insane asylum.
This insulting punishment of Dermocrats I suppose is about revenge about revenge.
Because since both parties allegedly do this, then it's merely revenge about revenge, the game of politics are being played so routinely obnoxiously that eventually we shall indeed elect a spendthrift Sanders or a crazed Trump to bring it down so hard as to become to a circular firing squad.
However, if it's actually mostly about racism, then I'm not shocked either.
I don't know about your thinking (the reader), but it may be time to converting to a parliamentary system of some kind as our nation's sort of built-in now semi dysfunctional government is not working well, or working so well that our contradictions cannot be transcended in rational compromise as our wise founders apparently intended in enlightened good faith.
3
Yes, Cassandra Butts was a pawn in a game of political power, but the villain is the Senate hold and this column provides almost no context for understanding whether Senator Cotton's conduct was egregious. Although Bruni suggests that the Ambassadorship to the Bahamas is an important post, the Obama administration apparently didn't think so when it renominated Butts after a year of Senate inactivity.
3
Washington is the new Ancient Rome, and this kind of story brings it home.
At the height of any great empire's power, it's ruling class begins to obstruct the everyday machinery of governance through exactly the kind of pointless, greedy power struggles described in this article. The empire ends up with a corrupting rot spread through all its powerful institutions. Ambassadors go unappointed, budgets unapproved, bureaucrats unpaid. Eventually, the rot eats away so fully at the roots of power that the Germanic tribes rush in unopposed as a dismayed populace watches helplessly.
Most conservatives dismiss this narrative as defeatist and anti-American. They misunderstand the argument. It is not that America is defeated today, which is quite clearly not the case.
Rather, it is that because of the grievous misgovernance we are witnessing today, America will be defeated tomorrow. Let history, not dogma or propaganda, be your guide to the truth.
With nothing left to aspire to, all the big battles won, who can really blame us?
At the height of any great empire's power, it's ruling class begins to obstruct the everyday machinery of governance through exactly the kind of pointless, greedy power struggles described in this article. The empire ends up with a corrupting rot spread through all its powerful institutions. Ambassadors go unappointed, budgets unapproved, bureaucrats unpaid. Eventually, the rot eats away so fully at the roots of power that the Germanic tribes rush in unopposed as a dismayed populace watches helplessly.
Most conservatives dismiss this narrative as defeatist and anti-American. They misunderstand the argument. It is not that America is defeated today, which is quite clearly not the case.
Rather, it is that because of the grievous misgovernance we are witnessing today, America will be defeated tomorrow. Let history, not dogma or propaganda, be your guide to the truth.
With nothing left to aspire to, all the big battles won, who can really blame us?
3
"Disgust" is to impotent a word to describe the feelings I have for the senator from Arkansas. I imagine he received a multitude of votes from the hoard that calls themselves "Christian Conservatives." The world has been turned on its head!
5
I have had enough! Today I learned Mitch McConnell killed a bipartisan (Sens. Rubio and Nelson) request to allow Congress to enact Zika virus remedial aid. His callous disregard for his fellow Americans says it all. His arrogant, selfish, self absorbed "my way or the highway" focus to legislating is abhorrent to this Republican. He kills hopes, dreams, and lives in pursuing his agenda.
5
Senator Cotton no doubt regards himself as a statesman - he is, after all, a US Senator - and he makes his policy decisions at least in part on how to "inflict special pain on the president."
Roll that around in your brain for a second. I could understand this sort of behavior, what, maybe in the elementary school playground? It is a pre-adolescent sort of thing. And that, I suppose, is the lesson we learn: our Congress, our government, is a schoolyard, which perhaps goes some distance in explaining why the current nominee for the GOP has such an obvious role on that playground: the bully.
Roll that around in your brain for a second. I could understand this sort of behavior, what, maybe in the elementary school playground? It is a pre-adolescent sort of thing. And that, I suppose, is the lesson we learn: our Congress, our government, is a schoolyard, which perhaps goes some distance in explaining why the current nominee for the GOP has such an obvious role on that playground: the bully.
7
This is despicable to the core and so revealing of obstructionist behavior from the GOP. A politician should not be able to block a nominee without DUE CAUSE. There was none, only a reprimand for making an unrelated decision undesirable to the Republicans.
Why is there no accountability in Washington? Without it, such behavior becomes commonplace and turns the whole governmental system into a circus of gridlock. How are we supposed to be an exemplary nation when stuck in this quagmire? Seriously!
Why is there no accountability in Washington? Without it, such behavior becomes commonplace and turns the whole governmental system into a circus of gridlock. How are we supposed to be an exemplary nation when stuck in this quagmire? Seriously!
4
Unfortunately, this is not unusual.
3
What a waste, and for nothing more than the most trivial, pathetic of reasons.
What is wrong with you Arkansas? What is wrong with you that you would elect some a mean spirited, petty man like Tom Cotton?
You can't handle a black man in office? Your lives are so sad you want to make everyone else miserable?
That's it. Nothing from Arkansas until you elect who has a minimum of decency. No problems, no visits, nothing.
This made me so angry. What a waste. This lovely, talented, intelligent woman could have spent the last few years of her life in a position that she deserved, and what happens.
And Cotton isn't even ashamed. Of course not...he's proud of his actions.
What is wrong with you Arkansas? What is wrong with you that you would elect some a mean spirited, petty man like Tom Cotton?
You can't handle a black man in office? Your lives are so sad you want to make everyone else miserable?
That's it. Nothing from Arkansas until you elect who has a minimum of decency. No problems, no visits, nothing.
This made me so angry. What a waste. This lovely, talented, intelligent woman could have spent the last few years of her life in a position that she deserved, and what happens.
And Cotton isn't even ashamed. Of course not...he's proud of his actions.
5
Does God (in whom I have not one iota of belief, but Cotton and Cruz profess to adore) countenance this behavior? I assume, at the Rapture, Sens. Cotton and Cruz will be asked to defend their behavior.
4
It is a sad story and yet it's journalism at its finest. She must have been a very brave person, bearing her fate as pawn sacrifice with such dignity. This small but keen gem of an article delicately perpetuates her memory. I, like most I asssume, never had heard of her before, but now I will remember her.
I am just afraid it will not be read by those who should.
I am just afraid it will not be read by those who should.
5
Someone literally DIED waiting for the Senate to act on their nomination. That says it all, folks.
4
Republicans can be sick, uncaring, callous about the use of their power.
4
Yes, and Democrats never ever play power games like this? You must have missed the power plays of Sen. Ted Kennedy or Rep. Barney Frank or almost any committee head.
It's politics and it's a take no prisoners game not for the weak.
It's politics and it's a take no prisoners game not for the weak.
Then again, maybe her job performance would have turned out like that of Michelle Obama's college friend, who was awarded the juicy contract to handle the roll-out of the IT required to start up Obamacare... You do recall that fiasco? Fewer buddies and more expertise is generally a better hiring strategy.
1
You mean this "college friend"? https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2013/10/16/meet-cgi-federal-...
Because you know Michelle Obama has so much influence that she can single-handedly direct a $93.7 million contract to a company that was doing business in DC before the President was elected in 2008.
Facts and sources are in short supply in Phoenix, as those of us in the rest of Arizona know far too well.
Because you know Michelle Obama has so much influence that she can single-handedly direct a $93.7 million contract to a company that was doing business in DC before the President was elected in 2008.
Facts and sources are in short supply in Phoenix, as those of us in the rest of Arizona know far too well.
1
Jo G: You know, the internet is a wonderful thing - you can go and Google "Did Michelle Obama influence the awarding of the contract (for which their were 4 bids) to CGI, where a friend of hers from college worked?" and you would find out that that is a lie emailed around by, guess who, GOP to various news sites. But when asked to back it up with facts, well gee whiz, what do you know. There are none. But thank you for trying to spread more falsehoods.
This will continue, whether Trump or Hillary is elected. If Hillary, McConnell will step back from his pronouncement that they will let the people decide in the next election, and the gridlock will continue. If Trump, what choice to Democrats have then to stop that buffoon from dismantling our country? Heck, many Republicans will help. We didn't get here by Republican obstruction alone. Democrats have some blame to shoulder. But in the past 7.5 years things have become incredibly petty and downright destructive. Thank goodness President Obama has remained above that ugly fray. Now, let's all hope the fray doesn't become anarchy, which is exactly what will happen if El Buffoono is elected.
1
I have no issues with the the "Washington way" on this. Let's be honest - she was still really only in consideration because she was a friend of POTUS. My bigger issue is with the cronyism on the POTUS side not that she was being held up for political reasons.
1
She or Obama should have removed her name from consideration instead of embarrassing her like this.
This obstructionism must stop, but how will it? America seems to think politics is a reality show. The current Republican candidate proves that.
The day after Obama was elected I thought: OK, Great, you’re the first African-American President. That’s Huge, historic. Now resign, and go do something useful.
This system is crushing everyone's hopes.
It can't be fixed from within.
The day after Obama was elected I thought: OK, Great, you’re the first African-American President. That’s Huge, historic. Now resign, and go do something useful.
This system is crushing everyone's hopes.
It can't be fixed from within.
1
Sen. Cotton may not care, but his great grandchildren will likely deny kinship. What an embarrassment. History will hold Senators Cruz and McConnell in similar low regard.
3
The commander-in-chief doomed this qualified nominee and so many others. Sadly, he came to the White House without the experience, savvy, or attitude needed Inside the beltway. He could have accomplished so much more.
Perhaps he should have spent some time actually being a Senator instead of jumping into a campaign for President? He might actually learned the necessary skills needed and made a few friends to help him out.
Sad story. Just one more way for them to hate on Obama. Small men in big jobs.
5
Both parties do this, but the Times only care when Republicans control the Senate. The days when Democrats always controlled the Senate and the House are long past. Get used to it.
1
I wish we could somehow put on Hold on Republican legislators ... or at least give them a citizenship test. Sigh.
4
When politics are more important than the country we need to move these politicians out of the way permanently.
It has been going on for too long that special interests can pay their way to getting what they want with little or no delay, and even run the country like the Petroleum Institute rolled back global warming by being allowed to control the output of the Smithsonian. We the United States Citizens need to take our country back from being controlled by the Corporatocracy and the US Oligarchs who run congress.
Clean the halls.....call the janitor.
It has been going on for too long that special interests can pay their way to getting what they want with little or no delay, and even run the country like the Petroleum Institute rolled back global warming by being allowed to control the output of the Smithsonian. We the United States Citizens need to take our country back from being controlled by the Corporatocracy and the US Oligarchs who run congress.
Clean the halls.....call the janitor.
1
Normally in the past I would give a politician credit for telling the truth even if I disagreed with his actions. However after watching the Congressional Republicans for the past 8 years I can no longer view telling the truth as a plus with them. They have no shame whatsoever about their actions. Telling the truth is their way of bragging about their awful behavior. Blocking the appointment of a close friend of the President is a special way of inflicting pain on him? Really? No advise and consent going on in the Senate, just block, delay, embarrass, attempt to humiliate, etc... It is seriously time to vote these people out of office.
467
Here I can imagine a GOP reply to your comment. Blame it on Obama, a black man who dares to become president.
Maybe Obama should have spent the last 8 yrs trying to work with Congress and the Republicans instead of vilifying them at every turn.
1
Jan. 20, 2009 again, Republicans, Washington D.C. steak house, Stop Obama at every turn. It happened.
Thanks for sharing this story. Cassandra was an amazing woman. I had an opportunity to see her in the streets of NYC a few months ago. We committed to getting a dinner...Alas as many things in a busy city, calendars fill. I am profoundly saddened that we didn't swap a meal but so grateful that I got a big hug and a smile, right there on a main New York City street.
1
Let's not pretend this doesn't cut both ways. When you're in Government, ultimately people are your currency.
Hardball I think they call it.
Hardball I think they call it.
1
Both parties do this, regularly.
Very, very few nominees requiring Senate confirmation get rejected by a majority vote. Most nominations simply 'held' until the candidate withdraws.
Currently, the president is a D, the Senate majority is R. When the letters are reversed, the same thing occurs.
Very, very few nominees requiring Senate confirmation get rejected by a majority vote. Most nominations simply 'held' until the candidate withdraws.
Currently, the president is a D, the Senate majority is R. When the letters are reversed, the same thing occurs.
For the past 7+years, we have suffered under a president whose idea of compromise is to do things his way, who has little inclination and apparently no ability to forge personal relationships, and who ignores the rule of law when it gets in his way. And the opposition party is supposed to ignore this stuff and act as though it is business as usual? I think not.
1
I just don't see it. Obama has proceeded in good faith, and I just don't see Obama's ignoring the rule of law. I may be crazy but I seem to remember the term "One term Presidency" being heralded as a GOP mantra. Maybe I missed something.
At any rate the GOP's embrace of Trump seems to me a disgrace. No respect for the rule of law is OK when you are talking about a civil suit based on fraud.
I guess I slept through the class in law school on that one.
The Republicans used to nominate qualified people. They got over it.
At any rate the GOP's embrace of Trump seems to me a disgrace. No respect for the rule of law is OK when you are talking about a civil suit based on fraud.
I guess I slept through the class in law school on that one.
The Republicans used to nominate qualified people. They got over it.
The Senate needs some new rules. The Constitution says not one word about them setting things up so that a tiny handful of vindictive, sore-loser opposition party Senators can hold up everything in sight.
They should bring all nominations to an up or down vote within a reasonable time, and if the Senate fails to do so, the nominee is automatically passed through - much as "acting" officeholders such as the Army Secretary have been doing important federal jobs without official confirmation in recent years.
Senators take an oath to uphold the Constitution, and it's a direct betrayal of that oath to block highly qualified appointees from serving, representing and defending the US (while not voting them down so a new nomineee can be considered). These are despicable, disgustingly immoral men who should be ashamed of their recalcitrant, petulant behavior. They do not deserve the title of US Senator.
They should bring all nominations to an up or down vote within a reasonable time, and if the Senate fails to do so, the nominee is automatically passed through - much as "acting" officeholders such as the Army Secretary have been doing important federal jobs without official confirmation in recent years.
Senators take an oath to uphold the Constitution, and it's a direct betrayal of that oath to block highly qualified appointees from serving, representing and defending the US (while not voting them down so a new nomineee can be considered). These are despicable, disgustingly immoral men who should be ashamed of their recalcitrant, petulant behavior. They do not deserve the title of US Senator.
5
Another shameful chapter in the annals of the Republican Senate.
How dare they thwart the will of the American people and make victims of the people well-qualified to serve this country? And yet--to pay this type of behavior back with more of the same would be foolish. There must be a better revenge . . .
I hope someone like Soros funds the making of a commercial that tells the story of this wonderful woman and then has it shown on every TV station in the country from August through November.
How dare they thwart the will of the American people and make victims of the people well-qualified to serve this country? And yet--to pay this type of behavior back with more of the same would be foolish. There must be a better revenge . . .
I hope someone like Soros funds the making of a commercial that tells the story of this wonderful woman and then has it shown on every TV station in the country from August through November.
4
"How dare they thwart the will of the American people and make victims of the people well-qualified to serve this country?
The will of the people? The people didn't even know the ambassadorship was open.
The Bahamas? Who cares? It's a tourist trap.
The will of the people? The people didn't even know the ambassadorship was open.
The Bahamas? Who cares? It's a tourist trap.
I just watched a CNN report about how Trump is tripling down in his racist accusations against the Trump University scam judge. Ben Carson and Newt Gingrich have finally realized that Trump is so out of control that they can't support him on this now. There are probably Republicans across the nation banging their heads against the wall -- Why! WHY !!
This is why. As ye sow, so shall ye reap.
They created Trump with this kind of behavior. They deserve him.
This is why. As ye sow, so shall ye reap.
They created Trump with this kind of behavior. They deserve him.
4
I hope Senator Tom Cotton's Arkansas constituents are proud and happy on what a "wonderful" job he is doing as their senator!
5
Out of all the recent articles detailing the shameful behavior of Washington Republicans, this one, about such an honorable human and her mistreatment, makes me feel despair. So unjust.
3
No ambassador for over four years? Outrageous. This should be shouted from the rooftops; everyone should know. I wonder how many federal judge appointees are still waiting in the wings—not to mention Garner.
The GOP was willing to drive the country into the ground in order to win the presidency (despite already having the power to dictate the agenda in Congress for years now!). It's still willing to: look at the lockstep support for Donald Trump, probably the most unqualified, dangerous major candidate in American history, something they all clearly know. And what for? Because of two left-of-center Democrats? One of whom has given them every opportunity to solve the country's problems in a bipartisan way?
Their behavior during the past eight years is seared into my memory; I will never, ever vote for a Republican candidate to national office. I suspect many other Millennials, for whom the Obama presidency represented their first opportunity to take an active role in politics, feel the same way.
I wonder what the history books will say. Certainly, they won't be kind: A party predominantly composed of straight, White, Christian men (with its stronghold in the South no less!) did everything in its power to obstruct the first African Anerican president. That is an unequivocal fact, and, try though they might, there is absolutely no way to spin it in their favor.
The GOP was willing to drive the country into the ground in order to win the presidency (despite already having the power to dictate the agenda in Congress for years now!). It's still willing to: look at the lockstep support for Donald Trump, probably the most unqualified, dangerous major candidate in American history, something they all clearly know. And what for? Because of two left-of-center Democrats? One of whom has given them every opportunity to solve the country's problems in a bipartisan way?
Their behavior during the past eight years is seared into my memory; I will never, ever vote for a Republican candidate to national office. I suspect many other Millennials, for whom the Obama presidency represented their first opportunity to take an active role in politics, feel the same way.
I wonder what the history books will say. Certainly, they won't be kind: A party predominantly composed of straight, White, Christian men (with its stronghold in the South no less!) did everything in its power to obstruct the first African Anerican president. That is an unequivocal fact, and, try though they might, there is absolutely no way to spin it in their favor.
4
Thank you Mr. Bruni; this OP-ED piece was beautiful, powerful and at the same time so painful to read. This makes the ugly emergence of Trumpism so clear. He is the virulent offspring of a sustained policy of GOP callous meanness toward Mr. Obama. These Republicans care very little about other human beings; and even less about the interest of America.
5
I guess this the regular rules of order that Senator McConnell and others brag about. I would suggest that unless a person nominated by the President is under a criminal investigation, then holds should either be limited to a short period of time, about 5 minutes, or not permitted at all.
1
"She told me that she once went to see him about it, and he explained that he knew that she was a close friend of Obama’s — the two first encountered each other on a line for financial-aid forms at Harvard Law School, where they were classmates — and that blocking her was a way to inflict special pain on the president."
Is this not just not truly evil?
Is this not just not truly evil?
5
There are public servants and then there are political appointees. I can't feel that bad about a member of the political class not getting her wish to be ambassador.
But, Fred, do you have any sympathy for all the hungry children in the U.S. that the GOP cut food stamps for?? Sure cast dispersions on someone who has recently died, but keep your sanctimony in tact.
Despicable and embarrassing bunch, those Republicans.
Ms. Butts died rather than be confirmed. Please, those of you who let this go, for all of those 820 days, and you know who you are - don't you dare offer condolences.
Ms. Butts died rather than be confirmed. Please, those of you who let this go, for all of those 820 days, and you know who you are - don't you dare offer condolences.
3
Wishing heart's ease to the family, friends and loved ones of Cassandra Butts, who waited for her appointment as ambassador to the Bahamas to be confirmed for 820 days. So tragic that Ms. Butts died of leukemia, a pawn of partisanship and power games. Crushed hopes. President Obama (whom she had known at Harvard Law school) appointed Ms. Butts to the Ambassadorship in 2014, but GOP Senators put a "hold" on the President's appointments "to inflict special pain" on the president. Oh, the horror! That Obama's nominees for judgeships and ambassadors posts have been held up because of hatred and loathing for him personally, notwithstanding the brilliance of his appointees, is beneath contempt. Reason enough not to vote for any Republican from the top of their ticket to the bottom. Such a sad story, about Cassandra Butts's acceptance and resignation about her situation for two years! We weep for her and for our country as vile today as it was before the Civil War, which we, the North, won and which left the South and the red states in high dudgeon to this day against President Obama. The GOP office-holders hoping for Donald Trump "to make America great again". Some hope! Thank you, Frank Bruni, for this tragic tale and paean to a patient nominee whose death underscored the GOP wrath in withholding Senate confirmations. One more GOP strike - and personal! - against our worthy President who will leave a greater legacy than any President we've had since Lincoln and FDR.
4
It angers me to read about this scurrilious use of power in the Senate. The United States should long ago have reformed this part of our legislative body, intended in its design for a different time. It serves no purpose now to give politicians like Ted Cruz the power to partly shut down our Federal government or play mean games like this.
3
This reminds me of the politics in House of Cards. Pettiness is a weak word to describe the reality Butts confronted. What a pointless loss for our country.
When will the American public wake up, engage in democracy and hold elected officials accountable?
So sad...
When will the American public wake up, engage in democracy and hold elected officials accountable?
So sad...
1
I realize politics exceeds everything for many. But these are the rules. If you want to change the rules you can try to do that through your vote. Senate gives consent. They don't have to do that and its their sole province to decide what that means and how it is done. Lets not pretend the Democrats don't do these things as surely you are all more intelligent than that. And remember when you do get your "slate" of people remember one key thing: its not going to change. We will just swap who gets upset and who thinks things are working their way.
The publicans have broken our system of government. However, it would be nice to have somebody appointed by Obama who didn't go to an ivy league school. They really aren't the best and the brightest. They just think they are.
1
Petty, childish tantrums directed at this President, has been the GOP's modus operandi since day 1.
Please, someone try to make the "both sides are equal" argument again...
Please, someone try to make the "both sides are equal" argument again...
1
And, if you think this is bad, and I do, what will it look like in a Trump White House?
1
Washington is ruled by politics. Shocker.
Cassandra's specific situation should be formally raised for blunt, extended discussion on the Senate floor. Procedural rules to address these delays are required. I would risk reprimand, if not a formal write-up for indulging in such petty impedance to the flow of work in my office. That they do so repeatedly is reprehensible.
2
Shame on Ted Cruz and his fellow hypocritical Republican thugs!!! But then, Republicans have reached a new height -- or should I say abyss -- in utter shamelessness. And now most of them are putting their appalling party before their country. They think, who cares if we put Mussolini in office, as long as we have power and control of Congress? "Appalling" doesn't begin to describe them.
1
This is heart breaking.
Thank you, Ted Cruz! Thank you, Tom Cotton!
Yet again, you have put your tantrums, your political manipulations, your agenda to wreck and destroy the United States, and YOURSELVES, above what's best for the country.
Cassandra Butts was immensely qualified for the job. She should have had it, but instead you used her as a chess piece. Tom Cotton even admits that he enjoyed causing Obama special pain because of their friendship.
To the Republican party: You are a disgrace. You have been a disgrace for years. This is just one more thing you've done to hurt a fellow American, the functioning of this country, and our international relationships.
This is outrageous.
I would hope that you would learn from this tragedy and allow the appointments to go through. This is part of your job. It's what you're charged to do. How about a supreme court nominee who is a moderate? Can you approve him?
But of course you won't.
You will leave them hanging, and the country hanging, just like you did to Ms. Butts. You will not do what's right, what you are elected to do, you will not do what's moral, what's economically or socially in the best interest of this country, because it's all about YOU, all about your power.
Rest in peace, Cassandra. You led an admirable, respectable, intelligent, beautiful life helping others. Far, far more than the Republicans who denied you this position can ever say about themselves.
Thank you, Ted Cruz! Thank you, Tom Cotton!
Yet again, you have put your tantrums, your political manipulations, your agenda to wreck and destroy the United States, and YOURSELVES, above what's best for the country.
Cassandra Butts was immensely qualified for the job. She should have had it, but instead you used her as a chess piece. Tom Cotton even admits that he enjoyed causing Obama special pain because of their friendship.
To the Republican party: You are a disgrace. You have been a disgrace for years. This is just one more thing you've done to hurt a fellow American, the functioning of this country, and our international relationships.
This is outrageous.
I would hope that you would learn from this tragedy and allow the appointments to go through. This is part of your job. It's what you're charged to do. How about a supreme court nominee who is a moderate? Can you approve him?
But of course you won't.
You will leave them hanging, and the country hanging, just like you did to Ms. Butts. You will not do what's right, what you are elected to do, you will not do what's moral, what's economically or socially in the best interest of this country, because it's all about YOU, all about your power.
Rest in peace, Cassandra. You led an admirable, respectable, intelligent, beautiful life helping others. Far, far more than the Republicans who denied you this position can ever say about themselves.
4
It is a shame so qualified a nominee was denied her chance. But political hostage-taking is nothing new, an "obstructionist" congress is nothing new, minor-league white house staff talent operating on a major league field is also nothing new. Currently, all these conditions are present making for a very unsavory stew...which is also nothing new. It's the bahamas so get a grip.
The level of obstructionism since Obama's been elected is unprecedented. The disruption to governance amounts to a soft coup.
1
Dirty people doing ugly things. This is so pervasive, not only in Washington but very much so in corporate America. This is how and what they use their titles, leverage and power for. I have experienced such acts over the course of my 30-year professional life in financial services on several occasions. My hope is that Ms Butts is resting in peace and that God is keeping her safe.
9
Honestly, I believe that what the Republicans are doing is treasonous. They should all be impeached - something. What was done to this intelligent and highly capable woman is a crime. Cassandra Butts would have served our country admirably.
61
If Obama were not as principled as he is but was rather as principled as a typical Republican, he would find a way to cause pain on Arkansas, perhaps by appointing some right-winger who hated government subsidies to supervise the distribution of some sort of subsidy to Arkansans. Agriculture Department officials in the South used to give planting advice to black farmers only after the planting season was past, while white farmers got the advice in a timely manner. These officials were, of course, beloved by the Arkansas establishment.
Not fighting on their level does not work against them, for they are truly shameless, far beyond what is normal and inevitable for politicians. Fighting on their level would give them a great victory even if they lost.
Not fighting on their level does not work against them, for they are truly shameless, far beyond what is normal and inevitable for politicians. Fighting on their level would give them a great victory even if they lost.
8
The ambassador is a political position. These things happen in politics. And they happen on both sides of the aisle. Nothing to see here.
The NY Times sure is very selective. A puff piece on Lizzy Grubman the other day and now this!
The NY Times sure is very selective. A puff piece on Lizzy Grubman the other day and now this!
Heartbreaking. Condolences to the nearest and dearest of Cassandra Butts. What a waste!
9
This story reports on a microcosm of the malfunction of government in the United States and what is wrong with all of government nowadays. We, the American People, elect those who express interest in holding office so that they will work for us. Those elected understand this, but break the unwritten contract with their people in order to do what they want, not what we want. It is done intentionally and with malice. They empower themselves according to their whim and ignore those who put them in office, unless we focus solely on those who have millions of dollars. Of course, those with the large bank accounts cannot elect all of the officials, so we do their bidding, stupidly. This is not the description of a healthy democracy. What has become of the United States of America, and why are we allowing it?
13
I sort of like this whole action.
The president does as he pleases without Congressional approval. In fact 13 times now the Supreme Court has overturned his executive orders for over reach.
The majority of the American people did not want their health care insurance messed with. The president went to the podium and promised $2500 savings and keeping your doctor and plan. He knew he was lying to us but Gruber had convinced him we were to stupid to realize it.
The majority of Americans want our borders secured. Not only does the president fail to do it but he dumps these people into our towns and we pick up the bill to feed and educate them. He even keeps trying to give them amnesty so they can stay here and rip us off some more. He thinks were so dumb as to believe he's deporting even more people by counting the border turn backs as deportees.
Now we find that a gremlin in the White House basement wrote fictional tales about the Iranian nuclear treaty with a cast of make believe moderate Mullahs.
Yes, I like what the Congress does to Obama enough that I will vote for my Republican Representative and Senator so they can keep doing it. What other option do I have to express my dissatisfaction with Obama?
The president does as he pleases without Congressional approval. In fact 13 times now the Supreme Court has overturned his executive orders for over reach.
The majority of the American people did not want their health care insurance messed with. The president went to the podium and promised $2500 savings and keeping your doctor and plan. He knew he was lying to us but Gruber had convinced him we were to stupid to realize it.
The majority of Americans want our borders secured. Not only does the president fail to do it but he dumps these people into our towns and we pick up the bill to feed and educate them. He even keeps trying to give them amnesty so they can stay here and rip us off some more. He thinks were so dumb as to believe he's deporting even more people by counting the border turn backs as deportees.
Now we find that a gremlin in the White House basement wrote fictional tales about the Iranian nuclear treaty with a cast of make believe moderate Mullahs.
Yes, I like what the Congress does to Obama enough that I will vote for my Republican Representative and Senator so they can keep doing it. What other option do I have to express my dissatisfaction with Obama?
Mr. Bruni,
How sad and shameful. This, once again, underlines how broken Washington is.
This, yet again, explains why this election cycle is being defined not by those who are for status-quo and the establishment, but by those for political shake-up and making our country great again.
How sad and shameful. This, once again, underlines how broken Washington is.
This, yet again, explains why this election cycle is being defined not by those who are for status-quo and the establishment, but by those for political shake-up and making our country great again.
3
What a loss to our country, both for the talents of Cassandra Butts, but also for the stupidity we must endure with the puerile tactics of certain attention seeking elected officials, who, one would hope, could be more mature and public service oriented. Nasty business.
8
Mr. Obama has a rich history of BLOCKING nominations by President George W. Bush and would have quite the list had he remained in the Senate long enough to actually learn how to work with the opposition.
Is it hypocritical for him to ignore that history while complaining that the wascally wepublicans do the same things that he did? Ask Miguel Estrada about people being blocked from jobs that they could do.
Is it hypocritical for him to ignore that history while complaining that the wascally wepublicans do the same things that he did? Ask Miguel Estrada about people being blocked from jobs that they could do.
Apples and oranges. Obama and other Democrats have sought to block nominations of candidates that they found particularly objectionable for reasons of ideology or judicial temperament - Miguel Estrada, appointed to a lifetime position as a federal judge, was one such case. Senate Democrats filibustered Estrada; he wasn't held up by a single senator, as Senator Cotton did in the present case.
The hold on Cassandra Butts had nothing to do with the nominee, but with Senator Cotton engaged in a petty bit of retaliation. Meanwhile, or embassy in the Bahamas has been without an ambassador for well over two years.
The hold on Cassandra Butts had nothing to do with the nominee, but with Senator Cotton engaged in a petty bit of retaliation. Meanwhile, or embassy in the Bahamas has been without an ambassador for well over two years.
1
Thank you Mr. Bruni for shining the light on a public servant who fell victim to the republican assault on government of, by and for the people. Your theme of the seemingly small as a fractal of the bigger, sadder picture in American society is prescient and the loss of an intelligent young person is sadder still as the class of 2016 looks in doubt at the worthiness of a seeking public office. With people like Cotton, McConnell, Cruz and Trump inhabiting this toxic waste of a political party, many good minds are heading for the exits.
27
It's just so sad. Sad she didn't get to realize the honor of representing this country as an ambassador. Sad that Democrats lost the Senate in 2014 (Where were the Bernie lovers then?) to the GOP a/k/a Haters. Sad those same Haters have been able to block innumerable Obama nominees.
Remember Merrick Garland? It's as if we have always had an 8-justice Supreme Court.
I wish I could understand what motivates the GOP and their Party First, Country Last mentality...but it's truly unfathomable.
Remember Merrick Garland? It's as if we have always had an 8-justice Supreme Court.
I wish I could understand what motivates the GOP and their Party First, Country Last mentality...but it's truly unfathomable.
12
This is why I will NEVER vote for anyone in that party again...NEVER! Wake up, America we must assure that these guys(mostly, they are) get punished for what they have done to the country we love. They have a disgrace as a nominee, their congressional leadership are all disgraces, and it's obvious they care more about themselves than about the country. Bernie is right...we need a revolution. Our revolution needn't be single issue, however, it should be about taking our country back from the crazies on the other side. So vote for the democratic nominee, vote for every democrat you can, and keep fighting through to the midterms in 2018. Maybe we can take back the Senate & House!
49
The first thing that comes to mind is "despicable". The second is that these bums need to be thrown out. The third is to wonder if, as a closing gift to obstructionists on both sides of the aisle, Obama and the Democrats couldn't change this rule.
6
Words can't express my anger towards the republicans in congress and their "ways and means". Truly disgusting in every way. They have no sense of shame whatsoever.
7
The important question would seem to be - is this the new normal? If we get another Democrat in the White House (Ohpleezeohpleezeohpleeze) and Ted Cruz is still in the Senate, will this go on? The Republicans will not have the "lame duck" excuse, but as this article shows, they didn't need it.
So will confining Hillary to a single term mean that no appointees of hers will get past a Republican Congress? And this story seems to show that blocking appointees (for whatever reason) can go on for years. Might they simply refuse to appoint anyone to the Supreme Court until there's finally a Republican in the White House? Or a Democrat majority in the Senate.
So will confining Hillary to a single term mean that no appointees of hers will get past a Republican Congress? And this story seems to show that blocking appointees (for whatever reason) can go on for years. Might they simply refuse to appoint anyone to the Supreme Court until there's finally a Republican in the White House? Or a Democrat majority in the Senate.
11
I wish there was something I could say other than express my disgust at Congress. The problem is many of us live in areas where we are stuck with dysfunctional useless Representatives we can never get rid of because no one will run against them.
I don't have a solution. Business today is nearly as bad. So many people using their position to exploit others. What has happened to us as a people?
I don't have a solution. Business today is nearly as bad. So many people using their position to exploit others. What has happened to us as a people?
6
The party responsible for this situation and other similar travesties controls the House, Senate, until recently, the Supreme Court, most State Legislatures and Governorships. They now have a "know nothing" candidate for President, whom polls show is in tight race with Hillary for the job. Why is anyone surprised any longer about stories such as this concerning Ms. Butts?
6
Congress, and especially the Senate, is a dysfunctional waste of taxpayer dollars. The legislators do little, if any, work and spend their time catering to corporate lobbyists instead of doing the people's business. They are more masters of petty politics and bribery than thinkers and doers. The country would be far better off without most members of the legislative branch in that job. Clean house - that is step one to avoiding this kind of nonsense in the future.
7
This op-ed should be printed off..... copies made..... and have one stapled (not taped, STAPLED) to the foreheads of Ted Cruz, Tom Cotton, and any of the other senators who sat on this woman's confirmation, the stress of which you can be sure played some part in her overall health while the leukemia percolated in her system.
How's it feel inflicting that special pain, Senator Cotton?
How's it feel inflicting that special pain, Senator Cotton?
26
This reminds us, if we needed reminding, how often white Republican men from the South have let their personal animus toward the President get in the way of proper governance. It is shameful, unpatriotic, and, I hope, in the end self-defeating. Their major goal is to put a stick in the spokes of any vehicle Mr. Obama is riding, It is a pathetic excuse for a philosophy of government.
30
What has happened to our country? Grown men acting like schoolyard bullies. Shame on them.
6
I wonder just how low President Obama's 'opposition' can go, and it's beginning to look like there is no bottom...
7
We're supposed to send patriots to the halls of Congress? Instead, we send bottom feeders like Cotton and Cruz.
11
I'm from Germany, in my opinion this pathologic Washington politics , which has nothing to do with serving your country led to a Republican nominee a la Trump. I can imagine that a lot of US voters want to smash this structure, but Trump would use its weakness to drive it much more crazy.
8
The evil short-sighted vindictiveness of Sen. Cotton is a disgrace. To make a political point, not even one, just to hurt the President's feelings, he was perfectly willing to damage his country, and our very close friend, The Bahamas. I believe Cotton was in the military, so at least TWICE he has sworn to uphold the Constitution and serve the best interests of the United States.
How does it POSSIBLY serve our nation to be so petty in your actions knowing they will only damage your nation? He is a a political saboteur in our government.
How does it POSSIBLY serve our nation to be so petty in your actions knowing they will only damage your nation? He is a a political saboteur in our government.
4
Sen. Cotton blocked Butts's appointment was a way to inflict a "special pain" on Obama. What a juvenile way to behave. Their pettiness has real consequences, on a public servant's career and the countries without ambassadors.
Cotton and Cruz both aspire to be president. The Republican party is completely lacking in qualified candidates. There is something profoundly wrong with this party.
Cotton and Cruz both aspire to be president. The Republican party is completely lacking in qualified candidates. There is something profoundly wrong with this party.
6
Government is the logical outgrowth of neighbors working with neighbors to solve problems they share in an equitable manner.
Some of those with power have no moral or ethical limits to their capricious exercise of that power to the detriment of good government.
Cassandra Butts' story is the exemplar why we now have Donald Trump as a viable presidential candidate.
Thank you for bringing her story to our attention. She did everything we want a citizen of our country to represent. I hope that others are inspired by her experience to change what we have become. May her family and friends honor her memory by inspiring others with her story.
Some of those with power have no moral or ethical limits to their capricious exercise of that power to the detriment of good government.
Cassandra Butts' story is the exemplar why we now have Donald Trump as a viable presidential candidate.
Thank you for bringing her story to our attention. She did everything we want a citizen of our country to represent. I hope that others are inspired by her experience to change what we have become. May her family and friends honor her memory by inspiring others with her story.
2
The Republicans goal is to undermine Obama and the United States out of pure spite for Obama. The Democrats won the White House (twice!) and the Republicans didn't, so they are willing to do any amount of damage to innocent bystanders as a way to get even.
This is how two year olds behave.
This is how two year olds behave.
4
Senators Ted Cruz and Tom Cotton are examples of placing party over principle. This is a typical example of promoting a policy of polarization, sacrificing good government as a bargaining chip like a failed poker game. While historically this may happen in both parties, I've never experienced it as much as has occurred by Republicans during the Obama administration. I recall the ease in which conservative Supreme Court Justices Alito and Roberts were supported by Democrats and the Republicans won't even allow a vote on Nominee Garland. If redistricting and gerrymandering and the Citizens United decision continue to allow irresponsible legislators to remain in office, we need to quit deluding ourselves in calling our system of government a democracy.
390
"we need to quit deluding ourselves in calling our system of government a democracy."
It's not a democracy. It never was. It's a Constitutional Republic. The only democratic part of it is that everyone gets to vote. Governing is by representatives.
It's not a democracy. It never was. It's a Constitutional Republic. The only democratic part of it is that everyone gets to vote. Governing is by representatives.
NYHUGUENOT: "The only democratic part of it is that everyone gets to vote" - except in those GOP led states where voter suppression is rampant, right........
The entire point of the Republicans is to prove that the federal government does not work. This is why none of them should be permitted to come anywhere near it.
Poor Tom Cotton. He probably doesn't realize how much humanity he has lost being a senator. The strongest case for term limits is to protect senators from themselves.
4
What a calamity! All the talk lately about whether gorillas should be cage definitely helps be believe that Cruz and Cotton are the ones who should be behind bars. What a travesty forced upon the American people! Both these idiots were elected by their fellows. Long live Arkansas and Texas.
1
The wheel follows the heel of the ox pulling the cart which will eventually cross paths with Senators Cruz and Cotton and those of their slimy ilk.
Thanks, so much, for bringing this travesty to light so that we can throw it on the bonfire of Congressional Republican transgressions.
Thanks, so much, for bringing this travesty to light so that we can throw it on the bonfire of Congressional Republican transgressions.
5
This should be front page news.
Congress, both houses and both sides of the aisle, should be ashamed for it's dysfunction.
They should do their jobs. In any other environment, they would be fired. It is a national disgrace.
This woman died tragically and it is on the hands of the GOP, Trump with the Dems a distant third for not being more forceful.
Have they no shame?
Congress, both houses and both sides of the aisle, should be ashamed for it's dysfunction.
They should do their jobs. In any other environment, they would be fired. It is a national disgrace.
This woman died tragically and it is on the hands of the GOP, Trump with the Dems a distant third for not being more forceful.
Have they no shame?
4
Disgusting. Republican instruction finding another way to ruin people’s lives!
1
"Cotton ... explained that he knew that she was a close friend of Obama’s — the two first encountered each other on a line for financial-aid forms at Harvard Law School, where they were classmates — and that blocking her was a way to inflict special pain on the president."
That says it all about the character of Tom Cotton and others in the Republican leadership. They are about vendetta and inflicting pain. They think of President Obama as an enemy, not another patriot with a different point of view from them. Because of that, they feel free to take action that harm the country at will just for their personal or their party-collective satisfaction. Sad!
That says it all about the character of Tom Cotton and others in the Republican leadership. They are about vendetta and inflicting pain. They think of President Obama as an enemy, not another patriot with a different point of view from them. Because of that, they feel free to take action that harm the country at will just for their personal or their party-collective satisfaction. Sad!
7
Tom Cotton, Ted Cruz, and the entire US Senate should be ashamed of themselves. To thumb their noses at our allies and world partners in order to play petty revenge pranks on the President - they are deserving of nothing but contempt.
3
This is heartbreaking. I cried as I read it as it resonated with me personally. Not on the same national level as dysfunctional politics in the extreme, but as an example of how far we come from anything resembling reason, reality and responsibility. My husband, too, died of acute leukemia not long after we moved to Vermont from New York with our young daughter. Making far lees money and working tirelessly to gain health insurance parity for those with mental illness he found himself marginalized albeit in a smaller venue. But
what does it take for people to work together for the greater good? Our daughter is now grown and, thankfully, is engaged politically -- but many of her millennial friends are not, and why not? This insane example of what passes for government in Washington should make everyone ashamed. I know I am.
what does it take for people to work together for the greater good? Our daughter is now grown and, thankfully, is engaged politically -- but many of her millennial friends are not, and why not? This insane example of what passes for government in Washington should make everyone ashamed. I know I am.
4
Before the republican party became extreme (prior to Obama's election) I had serious disagreements with their policies. Now I have only repugnance. They are a party of immoral, evil people with no concern for anyone who does not support their evil philosophy.
7
To echo another distinguished Harvard Law School graduate, Senator Cotton, do you have no sense of decency?
6
This is a travesty, but hardly anyone notices anymore. We should be worried about electing members of Congress.
1
Ms. Butts was stellar and didn't deserve the treatment meted out by the GOP Senators. Perhaps a reporter could call their offices to ask for a comment? They like to keep the government without appointments that aren't uber conservative. They don't play nice and their base applauds.
1
Want to make America great again? Vote out these nasty, spiteful members of Congress--especially Cruz--and vote in people who actually care about governing.
7
This sad tale shows, more than anything else, a deep, mindless disrespect bordering on racism for this President of the United States, by Republican members of Congress. Disgraceful.
3
The Republican Senate is more interested in political manipulations than in governance. This unconscionable stagnation of filling a diplomatic post is added to a long list of shirked duties, like: not allowing President Obama to fulfill his Constitutional role in nominating a Supreme Court Justice; sabotaging President Obama's foreign affairs with an open letter to Iran; Ted Cruz using the Senate floor to compare the ACA with Nazi appeasement, then shutting down the government in vein; etc...
Any President's effectiveness will be correlated with our legislative body. Fight to take back the Senate and for every House seat!
Any President's effectiveness will be correlated with our legislative body. Fight to take back the Senate and for every House seat!
1
Cassandra Butts was treated horribly and this should not be allowed to happen. Anonymous holds and holds for reasons unrelated to the nominee or the position are beyond the pale. However, what is also beyond the pale, in my view, is the fact that we are acting like it is normal to have any non-career people put forward for Ambassadorships at all. It is not done for Generals. Why is it ok for people who have never worked as a diplomat to be offered the highest diplomatic position? It is not. Plain and simple.
2
The Republicans left no stone unturned to block and thwart President Obama every step of the way. Trying to belittle the President, the Republicans themselves have ended up looking like worms. We lost a capable, intelligent Cassandra Butts in Government thanks to the pettiness of Republican Senators. And now we have Judge England nominated by President Obama for SC Justice, who was nominated earlier almost unanimously by Republicans and Democrats alike to the Circuit Court. The G.O.P. has point-blank refused to even 'consider' his nomination. No reason, just NO! Frustrating, is an understatement!!
It seems to be part of the grand Republican strategy of showing us how government doesn't work by purposefully breaking it. It's rather disgusting overall - instead of actually trying to do stuff, they just sulk like children who have been denied a piece of candy.
I don't think I'll ever work through my anger for these obstructionists. They harm us all with their pettiness.
Tom Cotton--what a man!! How you wield the scepter of power makes you the poster child for pettiness. Is this what you learned toiling in Arkansas? The Bahamas? This was not Iran, the other time you tried to "get back at Obama". What did that get you? Later in life you can brag to your progeny about how stood up to Obama. But the truth is out there. What a man!
1
Thank you for sharing Ms. Butts story (and the lovely photo), both for her and for us because as you note it is our story too. We are such a wasteful species. Talent, energy, and all kinds are resources are wasted at alarming rates and quantities. While we are all implicated, Tom Cotton takes the cake. How does he manage to look in a mirror and go on with his day? Condolences to Cassandra's family and friends. Know that I'll be placing her picture in my home as a re/minder of how I might best spend my time.
1
Pettiness indeed. And Cotton is just one of hypocrites, vengeful to the point of willing to destroy one person's deserved nomination...just to spite Obama. Shameful to see this degree of stupidity and willful ignorance of civics, and decency. How is it even possible this type of charlatan is voted into congress, and expected to serve the people and respect the office?
4
The first party in the opposition that does the people's business--putting laws and appointments to an up-down vote--is the party whose ideas I will begin to take seriously and consider voting for. Tricks are not leadership, and to rule with tricks only breeds distrust. If the GOP put all of the various judges, ambassadors and other appointments up for a vote this summer, I'd be open to considering their candidates the next day (regardless of the outcome of the vote).
Despicable. And the irony: it's our tax dollars paying these officials to not do their jobs.
6
Sen. Cruz and Cotton should be publicly disgraced for their callous part in this sad story. This should be a scandal.
But does anyone think they will suffer any political damage for harming this innocent public servant for their own selfish ends?
This is the year of the anger election -- people are angry that Washington isn't working, but the angriest voters are not punishing the culprits of the Do-Nothing-Congress. We know who has sacrificed good governance for self-serving political expediency. We know which political party is to blame. We need more media coverage focusing on the actual obstructionists: they did everything to stop government from working until it came time to cash their government pay check.
But does anyone think they will suffer any political damage for harming this innocent public servant for their own selfish ends?
This is the year of the anger election -- people are angry that Washington isn't working, but the angriest voters are not punishing the culprits of the Do-Nothing-Congress. We know who has sacrificed good governance for self-serving political expediency. We know which political party is to blame. We need more media coverage focusing on the actual obstructionists: they did everything to stop government from working until it came time to cash their government pay check.
1
More of a travesty is that the administration didn't have billboards around the country with the days of waiting listed on senate inaction. The bully pulpit has to be used!!!!
1
If you think a bit about her sad and probably unnecessary early death you might take the delay one step further. As a physician and as a patient , I know that emotional stress often masks physical issues. More than likely she attributed her low energy state in the weeks and months before her eventual diagnosis to the stresses of the confirmation process. In fact I would wager that even her loved ones ascribed her waning strength to that when in fact it was her leukemia. I would go further and posit that her early death is in part on Cruz and Cotton. Shame on them and shame on us for allowing that.
6
I don't know what disgusts me more; the naked lust for power as exhibited by Cruz and Cotton or the waste of a talented, selfless individual whose only purpose was to serve her country.
5
Hard cases make bad law.
The way Senator Cotton talks about inflicting special pain on the president makes me particularly glad his family has Secret Service protection.
6
This is the way the system works. Both parties have used these "holds" to punish the other party or the sitting President for reasons from germane to stupid. This is the power the Senate members has over ANY President and his or her nominations.
With the present divided Congress and with a good possibility of even more divided Congress in 2017-2018 the situation will not get any better. Does Donald, Bernie or Hillary really need this job as President with the way the Senate and the Congress as a whole is now operating?
With the present divided Congress and with a good possibility of even more divided Congress in 2017-2018 the situation will not get any better. Does Donald, Bernie or Hillary really need this job as President with the way the Senate and the Congress as a whole is now operating?
48
There has always been an element of gamesmanship in the Congress. This is something entirely different. This is obstruction out of unqualified disrespect for the Executive and would be sanctionable, if there were ethical members of the majority.
It is time for the Senate rules to be changed so that a single Senator can not thwart an action. The idea of a bicameral legislature was intended to give power to the less populated states. But the Senate rules have corrupted that notion to the point that the power of one can change the course of our future.
It is time for the Senate rules to be changed so that a single Senator can not thwart an action. The idea of a bicameral legislature was intended to give power to the less populated states. But the Senate rules have corrupted that notion to the point that the power of one can change the course of our future.
1
Both parties have used holds. One party, I will leave you to guess which one, has used it punitively and relentlessly.
2
At this rate, I think more than the Presidency is going to the Democrats this coming November.
Thank you Mr. Bruni. Thank you for naming names. I hope Mr. Obama mentions such examples of Republican governing strategy as he goes forth in coming months to campaign for Secretary Hillary Clinton. Listening to Mr. Trump, one suspects vengeful policy conduct may become a norm if he wins the White House, and if Republicans hold their congressional majorities,
6
No need to hope. This President needs no inducement to stoop to partisan sniping unlike his predecessor.
There are examples for this with much graver implications for US foreign policy and a real, significant, cost in human lives. It took Congress ten months to confirm the US Ambassador to South Sudan -- while the civil war there was raging and there was an acute need for strong US leadership on the ground. A US Ambassador was confirmed in the end in June 2015 and a peace agreement was signed shortly thereafter -- in August 2015. No one knows how many lives would have been saved if the US had an Ambassador in Juba during those ten months.
1
Why is not the Press covering childish political maneuvers that result in real problems when ambassadors can not get a Senate vote? Why doesn't the media and papers like the Times not make weekly note on the status of these appointments? Why do they not put those who are not allowing votes on these nominees questioned over and over again? This is only happening because those who are responsible know no one is holding them accountable. Shame.
5
the party of no strikes again.
4
This story is so disappointing! While I totally believe in the dysfunctional nature of our Congress, I am shocked that politicians would use these appointments for their own political chess game. They should be totally ashamed of themselves. They act like spoiled little children (actually spoiled children act more responsibly). I think we should vote them all out of office and start over. Do we have the courage? None of them have the courage to act responsibly.
1
The small-mindedness of Senators is in inverse proportion to their egos.
1
What a sad story. My Senate Republican Disgust-O-Meter just went up a few more points.
4
There is a political party that wants the federal government to appear dysfunctional - to appear small and mean spirited. And we keep electing them to represent us.
10
I have nothing but admiration for Ms. Butts and sympathy for her family. One good thing that can come out of this is for Democrats to commit never to acting in this manner -- and then demonstrating it by their behavior. This, more than anything, would over time show who the better people are, who practice even politics by higher principles. Until then, I fear that it is only a matter of time before a similar story is told of a fine person nominated by a Republican. Some of us are old enough to remember Robert Bork and what came after.
Cruz and Cotton among others provide almost daily proof that today's republicans are unfit to govern. Their pettiness and rabid partisanship does this country no good. Shame on them.
8
Thank you for writing this editorial - wow if there was ever a doubt that we have to change it's this story....
I wonder why the hold option exists at all and who initiated this (in)action as a form of appropriate federal governmental procedure. Alas it's nice to see such dysfunction exists everywhere - not only Venezuela or...
Oh my I am drowning in my own tears over here.
One wonders if Frunk Bruni would ever write such a tear jerker for any of the scores of Republican nominees who met similar fates under Republican presidents.
One wonders if Frunk Bruni would ever write such a tear jerker for any of the scores of Republican nominees who met similar fates under Republican presidents.
3
Is the meting out of punishment against the executive by such actions (or inaction) the tactic of both sides? I'd like to know. It doesn't seem to be. There were many positions troublesome orders and lies of the Bush W administration deserving of punishment. Was there any? And what executive actions are determined to be worthy of "punishment?" Are there criteria? Or is it just what makes the other side mad? or what fits into a narrative, particularly the narrative of this administration's foes which claims nothing accomplished holds validity, because... wasn't he born somewhere else? OR because he's a color that some of us haven't acknowledged as holding that particular oval room...
This makes me want to cry. All the nastiness, all the waste.
We not only have to vote for a Democratic President but Democrats need to take back Congress as well. I say this as someone who believes in a two party system but our Government is so broken it appears that this is the only way to move forward.
We not only have to vote for a Democratic President but Democrats need to take back Congress as well. I say this as someone who believes in a two party system but our Government is so broken it appears that this is the only way to move forward.
6
The extent of the vitriol and hatred for Prsident Obama is inconsistent with democratic process. How do we deal with this other than what my dad always said was the way to deal with legislators you didn't agree with or were deceitful; 'Throw the bums out, at the next election'? But what if there are too many of them and they are not in my district so I can't vote them out?
10
Dysfunctional pettiness is the Republican party incarnate. No shame, eh Ted? No shame, Tom? No, of course not. You have those strong core values, don't you.
4
The pettiness of members of congress regarding holds on qualified nominees for ambassadorial posts and federal judgeships illustrates the disfunction of this sitting congress. The business of government is to govern, not obstruct. Why should the public continue to pay salaries to these persons who have no thought for the public good. Let them wait 500 to 1,647 days for their salaries and see what they do about it. I say throw the rascals out !
4
This kind of congressional behaviour is like global warming. You can argue that it does not exist. You can argue that the consequences are and will remain minor. But, the fact is, it is real. It is going to get worse and the impact on our lives is going to be devastating.
I cannot imagine an effective way to combat it and I cannot imagine our nation continuing to be successful if we don't.
I cannot imagine an effective way to combat it and I cannot imagine our nation continuing to be successful if we don't.
5
Another example of the sorry state we are in. Then people accuse Obama of being reckless when he uses executive powers. Mean while nothing of substance gets done. The future does not hold out much hope either.
4
The solution to this has to be some kind of window of opportunity for the Senate to give an up-down feedback to the administration.
60 days is plenty of time, if there is no up-down by that time, the nomination is confirmed.
A 1,600 day ambassadorial vacancy, seriously??
60 days is plenty of time, if there is no up-down by that time, the nomination is confirmed.
A 1,600 day ambassadorial vacancy, seriously??
4
I just feel very sad reading this story. I hope those who blocked her appointment do too, but that might be hoping for too much.
8
I am not surprised by such behavior from Senate Republicans. These two men should be deeply ashamed of themselves for this action, but I know they won't be. What a sad story for this lady and our country.
So young. May she rest in peace.
So young. May she rest in peace.
8
I'm not quite sure I'm ready to say "That's Washington for you."
Perhaps; it might be.
But it's *definitely* Senator Tom Cotton and today's Republican Senate majority for you.
Perhaps; it might be.
But it's *definitely* Senator Tom Cotton and today's Republican Senate majority for you.
6
A better discussion would be about ending political appointees as ambassadors. It's absurd she was nominated in the first place.
Well, that just brought me to tears. What is it going to take to stop not only the dysfunctional pettiness but also the blatant racism that I feel is driving much of the inaction by Republicans on matters like this?
8
This is an example of the worst of US Congress. In is unconscionable, plain and simple. Congress is supposed to investigate and VOTE!
4
It's appalling to witness how a) vilifying the government, b) undermining the government and our institutions is being used as a longstanding strategy by the Republican party to delay its decline and its eventual demise. Racism and bigotry only go so far in this country, and it looks like that strategy is reaching the end of its road.
3
Sad!
1
That's the saddest, and most telling story I've yet heard about the present climate in Congress. These Senatorial blocking privileges are being abused, and should end. In addition to that, any nomination not acted upon by the Senate for a reasonable time -- say, 90 days -- should be automatically approved. I don't think it would even take a constitutional amendment to accomplish this modest good -- the Senate could simply change its own rules, and should. They have become a body of obstructionists for whom the verb "to serve" no longer means anything.
645
You have said it for me , but for emphasis I'll say I also was struck by the sadness of this story. It should be illegal for Senators to play these kind of games that interfere with governing of the country. When they do it should go down into their record so the voters are aware of such misdeeds, which they are despite their present legality.
You can't read this opinion article and not see that racism is alive and well in this country. Congress should be ashamed of itself . May she rest in peace.
6
Frank shows us another example of radical GOP'er extremists and their Obama Derangement Syndrome, making them the party of ' no ' to the extent that even when they have majorities in Congress and the Senate, they cannot lead - they can't even come up with their own budget and pass it.
Instead, we see that GOP'ers have completely contorted Capitol Hill, which is supposed to be conducting the people's business, is instead a giant GOP'er ATM, with sideshows of very bad Congressional Theatre mimicry - rotten episode after rotten episode.
They are much much worse than the Do Nothing Congress that Harry Truman railed about, and every last GOP'er has earned a ticket out the door.
The sedition was plotted from Day 1 of the first Obama term:
http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2012/03/The-Conspiracy-to-Commit-Legis...
Instead, we see that GOP'ers have completely contorted Capitol Hill, which is supposed to be conducting the people's business, is instead a giant GOP'er ATM, with sideshows of very bad Congressional Theatre mimicry - rotten episode after rotten episode.
They are much much worse than the Do Nothing Congress that Harry Truman railed about, and every last GOP'er has earned a ticket out the door.
The sedition was plotted from Day 1 of the first Obama term:
http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2012/03/The-Conspiracy-to-Commit-Legis...
135
Exactly!!
And I wager that if the truly dangerous Donald Trump were elected President (a malodorous event) the Congress would still be at odds with itself...
And I wager that if the truly dangerous Donald Trump were elected President (a malodorous event) the Congress would still be at odds with itself...
So, we have it from the horse's mouth. Through a spokesperson, Sen. Cotton says he had "enormous respect for [Butts] and her career. Then he tells her to her face that, in view of her friendship with the President, "blocking her was a way to inflict special pain on the president."
These are the words of a low-life, but he only says out loud what the rest of his party is thinking. Now the Republicans are, unintentionally perhaps, nominating for President someone else whose ugly words match the party’s thoughts. We voters should be truly grateful that the mask has slipped, and we will have no excuse if we don’t hand the GOP a landslide defeat in November.
These are the words of a low-life, but he only says out loud what the rest of his party is thinking. Now the Republicans are, unintentionally perhaps, nominating for President someone else whose ugly words match the party’s thoughts. We voters should be truly grateful that the mask has slipped, and we will have no excuse if we don’t hand the GOP a landslide defeat in November.
469
Perfectly stated. These events need more exposure to the general public.
But journalists need to report these facts and speak them on TV news programs and make it clear that this is their avowed agenda - inflicting pain.
So, we have it from the horse's mouth. Through a spokesperson, Sen. Cotton says he had "enormous respect for [Butts] and her career. Then he tells her to her face that, in view of her friendship with the President, "blocking her was a way to inflict special pain on the president."
These are the words of a low-life, but he only says out loud what the rest of his party is thinking. Now the Republicans are, unintentionally perhaps, nominating for President someone else whose ugly words match the party’s thoughts. We voters should be truly grateful that the mask has slipped, and we will have no excuse if we don’t hand the GOP a landslide defeat in November.
These are the words of a low-life, but he only says out loud what the rest of his party is thinking. Now the Republicans are, unintentionally perhaps, nominating for President someone else whose ugly words match the party’s thoughts. We voters should be truly grateful that the mask has slipped, and we will have no excuse if we don’t hand the GOP a landslide defeat in November.
116
This is one of the most disgusting things I've ever read about a US Senator. Politicians sometimes do terrible things. Usually they do them for money, or sex, or to increase their power, or to assist an ally. This was none of those. It was done purely out of spite, out of hatred.
Cotten's actions were not even tied to any ideology. He just wanted to hurt President Obama. Now this guy is a US Senator. Think about that. His duty is to serve his constituents and the people of this nation, not act out his childish fantasies of retribution. If his actions aren't an impeachable offense, they should be.
Cotton's vendetta raises obstruction to a new level. It's no longer about stopping. It's about hurting.
You know what's really sad. Instead of condemning Cotton, the politicians and pundits on the right will celebrate him. He will now be their new hero just as the "You lie!" guy became a champion for the right.
The Republicans have gone so far off the deep end, that embarrassments are honored and hatred is glorified. As McConnell stated Sunday on Meet the Press, the GOP is about winning. Of course it is!
Trump is no accident. He is the personification of the core of the GOP. He is the GOP, root and branch. (That ones for you McConnell). They're all the same. Trump just expresses it in public. So ahead and try to win with Trump. Cotten should be his running mate.
Cotten's actions were not even tied to any ideology. He just wanted to hurt President Obama. Now this guy is a US Senator. Think about that. His duty is to serve his constituents and the people of this nation, not act out his childish fantasies of retribution. If his actions aren't an impeachable offense, they should be.
Cotton's vendetta raises obstruction to a new level. It's no longer about stopping. It's about hurting.
You know what's really sad. Instead of condemning Cotton, the politicians and pundits on the right will celebrate him. He will now be their new hero just as the "You lie!" guy became a champion for the right.
The Republicans have gone so far off the deep end, that embarrassments are honored and hatred is glorified. As McConnell stated Sunday on Meet the Press, the GOP is about winning. Of course it is!
Trump is no accident. He is the personification of the core of the GOP. He is the GOP, root and branch. (That ones for you McConnell). They're all the same. Trump just expresses it in public. So ahead and try to win with Trump. Cotten should be his running mate.
404
"The Republicans have gone so far off the deep end, that embarrassments are honored and hatred is glorified."
No, they have gone so far off the deep end that embarrassment is no longer a viable human emotion that might guide their behavior, and hatred is what they live and breathe.
If this wretched excuse for a political party were a beloved pet, it would be euthanized as an act of mercy. That millions of Americans continue to reflexively support whatever miscreants it offers up for public office screams volumes to the madness into which we have sunk.
No, they have gone so far off the deep end that embarrassment is no longer a viable human emotion that might guide their behavior, and hatred is what they live and breathe.
If this wretched excuse for a political party were a beloved pet, it would be euthanized as an act of mercy. That millions of Americans continue to reflexively support whatever miscreants it offers up for public office screams volumes to the madness into which we have sunk.
3
Note that the Democrats have held a majority many more years than the GOP. During those years, you would already know - were you a reader of history - that Democrats never even hold hearings on judicial nominations up to a year and a HALF of a GOP President's remaining term.
Either party puts holds on nominations simply as part of their dealings with the President. Sex or money is never part of it. Stop reading the blogs, they're paid to keep you agitated.
Even Mr. Obama himself filibustered a judicial nomination. Some Presidents try to find a compromise or deal to get the other party to do its duty, as you would say.
But this in-over-his-depth chair-warmer in the White House is years away from ever understanding the how or why of compromise. All he can do is give a speech and look pretty at ceremonies.
Either party puts holds on nominations simply as part of their dealings with the President. Sex or money is never part of it. Stop reading the blogs, they're paid to keep you agitated.
Even Mr. Obama himself filibustered a judicial nomination. Some Presidents try to find a compromise or deal to get the other party to do its duty, as you would say.
But this in-over-his-depth chair-warmer in the White House is years away from ever understanding the how or why of compromise. All he can do is give a speech and look pretty at ceremonies.
You consider holding up a nomination to be more disgusting than the behavior of Hillary Clinton in selling influence while she was in Congress?
1
Clearly a gross abuse of privilege on the part of Senators Cotton and Cruz; I hope someone else will find a way to cause them some acute political pain at some moment. But this is also a shameful way to treat the Bahamas. To leave a country without an ambassador for 4 1/2 years suggests it is time for that country to to demonstrate some pique of its own. Perhaps it should suspend any collaboration with US law enforcement over smuggling from any point in the Bahamas to the US mainland: drugs, immigrants, or other contraband. I am well aware the disproportionate power and capacity to inflict pain would bite back but the possibility of ISIS operatives landing in Republican Florida should grab attention. Or perhaps a mutual defense pact with North Korea permitting the latter to develop a military base. Thanks, Senator Cotton, we have enormous respect for your career and appreciate North Korean nuclear warheads off our shores. Little men with grandiose ambitions care nothing for the ordinary citizens they grind underfoot. Some nasty consequences might serve to encourage the rest of us to bring such little men to heel.
207
Now this is what I call corrupt. Not taking money kind of corrupt, but morally corrupt.
Preventing us, the citizens from having the best people in government due to petty dislikes and personal animosities is symbolic of GOP depravity. A perversion of justice by those who have sworn to uphold justice in America. The ultimate in hypocrisy, dishonorable men, purveyors of lies and deceit.
Such shameful acts should not go unpunished. Decent people should shun them, and refuse to associate with them. If anything is wrong with the country, it is such behavior by some of the most powerful men in the country.
I can not find the words I need to express my disgust with such people, they are societies refuse.
Preventing us, the citizens from having the best people in government due to petty dislikes and personal animosities is symbolic of GOP depravity. A perversion of justice by those who have sworn to uphold justice in America. The ultimate in hypocrisy, dishonorable men, purveyors of lies and deceit.
Such shameful acts should not go unpunished. Decent people should shun them, and refuse to associate with them. If anything is wrong with the country, it is such behavior by some of the most powerful men in the country.
I can not find the words I need to express my disgust with such people, they are societies refuse.
490
I fully agree, but it's not corruption which keeps the Rs from doing their jobs. For 40 years, their entire message has been that government doesn't work, that government can't possibly solve problems. Because of that, the Rs cannot, literally cannot, allow any competent people to be in government - doing so would allow government actually to work and undermine their entire ideological message. I would go beyond calling them corrupt, or even negligent. They're criminal - their very attitude undermines the principles of democratic government championed by the founders the Rs claim to support. They desperately need to stop reciting the Constitution and actually READ it.
1
Please keep writing about politicians that do things that hurt America. Most people have not a clue what really happens in Washington, or even in their own state. I worry about the next 4 years. It does not matter who gets elected. The infighting grudge match will continue. We need more In depth investigative reporting on this. This election is ripping the mask off of politics as usual, but it needs to continue on after November. I know that newspapers need sensational articles to stay relevant. However, we need facts. The more the better.
I admire your honest voice.
I admire your honest voice.
405
I agree. In fact, there should be registry of stated motives and the legislators who stated them so that the breadth of the problem can be easily seen. Many of us read a variety of sources and have some understanding of just how bad it's become. But, for those who demand spoon feeding of information, a place we can point to them so they can see just how many Sen. Cottons we need to rid ourselves.
1
Cassandra Butts "was among the classmates who encouraged Barack Obama to run for president of the Harvard Law Review in 1990."
He became the first African American to hold the position.
“In order to publish the Law Review and to be productive in his term as president,” Ms. Butts told PBS’s “Frontline” program in 2008, “he had to figure out how to make it work and how to make both sides work together, which meant that he wasn’t always going to side with his progressive colleagues. It is Barack’s natural inclination to reach across the aisle.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/cassandra-q-butts-obama-law-scho...
There you have it, Republican misanthropes, Cassandra Butt's message from the grave to humanity to find common ground - one of President Obama's natural skills and the reason he was elected President twice - a skill anyone would notice if they weren't doing busy hating for a living.
NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund President Sherrilyn Ifil said of Cassandra Butts: “Her devotion to civil rights was evident in everything she accomplished, and her passion for public service was an inspiration to all who had the privilege of working with her.”
America's GOP Death Panel proudly claims another victim of right-wing ill will toward others.
Make America Hate: GOP 2016
D to go forward; R to wreck the country.
He became the first African American to hold the position.
“In order to publish the Law Review and to be productive in his term as president,” Ms. Butts told PBS’s “Frontline” program in 2008, “he had to figure out how to make it work and how to make both sides work together, which meant that he wasn’t always going to side with his progressive colleagues. It is Barack’s natural inclination to reach across the aisle.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/cassandra-q-butts-obama-law-scho...
There you have it, Republican misanthropes, Cassandra Butt's message from the grave to humanity to find common ground - one of President Obama's natural skills and the reason he was elected President twice - a skill anyone would notice if they weren't doing busy hating for a living.
NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund President Sherrilyn Ifil said of Cassandra Butts: “Her devotion to civil rights was evident in everything she accomplished, and her passion for public service was an inspiration to all who had the privilege of working with her.”
America's GOP Death Panel proudly claims another victim of right-wing ill will toward others.
Make America Hate: GOP 2016
D to go forward; R to wreck the country.
928
What a great comment. Thank you. And what a loss of Ms. Butts's talents to serve further. The irrationality of the attacks on Pres. O and Ms. Butts--who more than played by the rules and succeeded against tough odds--is baffling and cruel.
6
I don't understand why the Senate allows this behavior. It is time that it's rules were rewritten.
However, I take issue with your belief that voting Democratic means moving forward. Since it looks like Clinton will be the Democratic nominee, voting D means endless war and corruption.
What we need is an entirely new party, one that holds to the ideals of FDR's Democratic party. Then the corrupt Ds and crazy Rs can go leap off a cliff.
However, I take issue with your belief that voting Democratic means moving forward. Since it looks like Clinton will be the Democratic nominee, voting D means endless war and corruption.
What we need is an entirely new party, one that holds to the ideals of FDR's Democratic party. Then the corrupt Ds and crazy Rs can go leap off a cliff.
1
Wreck the country? Oh... you're just not thinking *big* enough, my friend. I do believe "R" aiming for the whole dag-banging world this time. Armageddon ain't gonna start itself, y'know!
5
This is totally disgusting and ultimately sad. The shame is upon every single republican in the US Senate who has dishonored that institution. I can think of no other example so sad and yet so indicative of what has morphed from the party of NO to the party of EVIL. And yes, ladies and gentlemen, this is just downright evil.
676
"...every single Republican...."
This is such a sad story. The Senators in the GOP aren't responsible and their deep hatred of the president of the United States is a moral disgrace.
514
Republican senators are indeed responsible for this. Perhaps you meant to say they're irresponsible.
1
Jan 2009, Obama to Republicans: "I won." He said that to subdue compromise on the stimulus package. Karma? Payback? Who knows?
Melanie
Of course they are irresponsible but both really. Irresponsible in the sense that they lack any sense of morals, but responsible for the virtual destruction of the Congress.
Of course they are irresponsible but both really. Irresponsible in the sense that they lack any sense of morals, but responsible for the virtual destruction of the Congress.
1
It hasn't been petty; it has been motivated by a deep seated disrespect, sometimes verging on hatred, that has poisoned government, and is now tainting the coming election. How awful that it derailed a life achievement for Ms Butts.
774
Looks like plain Republican racism to me.
Yet, we shall overcome . . . someday.
Till victory!
Yet, we shall overcome . . . someday.
Till victory!
3
Their roots are showing as the saying goes here.
SHAME!
461
Americans who reelect Republicans who behave like this into office don't really care about the country.
743
sad but true
3
Even today McConnell talked about being the party of Lincoln. What he doesn't realize, is Lincoln wouldn't want him in the party.
RIP Cassandra.
RIP Cassandra.
8
Well said, like a true American!