The Republicans do not have any backbone, and I predict that, with the help of Sen. John McCain, that the Democrats will succeed in blocking the "Constitutional Option." The Democrats will also continue to be hypocritical and be willing to shut down our government, but then successfully blame the Republicans for precisely those very things, thanks to the help of their comrads in arms--the mass media.

I get so tired of the left losing and telling the right what they "should do"--and the left does it in such whiney, shrill voices, and that really grates on my nerves. (Did you ever notice liberals in the talk shows and interviews. Whine, whine, whine. It's like they won't shut up until you stick pacifiers in their mouths. "Give me what I want or I will hold my breath and turn blue and blame you if something bad happens." It's hard to deal with spoiled brats who kick and scream until they get their way. I know how to do it. You put them on your lap and spank them good. The Republicans need to take courses on child rearing. --End of rant.) "Reaching across the aisle" is only a demand expected to be fulfilled by Republicans.

Just now, I listened to Sen. Kennedy on "This Week." Naturally, he said that it is the Republicans fault that his earlier views had to change--once they nominated Judge Bork. Sure. It's the Republicans fault that he is a hypocrite. After that explanation, Stephenopolous did not challenge him at all. See!

This is going to be a long fight, and I think that, based on history, the Republicans will give in and ultimately offer a nomination giving the left what it wants. You would think that the Republicans would realize that they won and are in control, but they keep acting like a party in the minority. Grow a set, guys!

Posted by Woody at July 3, 2005 10:27 AM

Woody, you do realize that that you could switch the terms liberal, Democrat. and Republican in your post
and it would be every bit as accurate in context of the
last thirty years or so, don't you?

And, GM, no matter what you think, a large majority of
Americans STILL want abortion to be kept safe, legal, and rare...and also desire the bench to be staffed with
Justices of a moderate bent. The desire for another Scalia just isn't as far reaching as you may hope.

Posted by jim hitchcock at July 3, 2005 11:29 AM

Jim, you are correct in that an awful lot of Americans want abortion that is "safe, legal and rare." But you also must realize that it depends entirely how the question is asked. But regardless, that was not my point, my point was that the Democrats in the Senate are WEDDED to the concept of abortion, any time, any where, for anybody regardless of age, regardless of time of development because they absolutely FEAR that any restrictions whatsoever will end the practice. But that is absurd, there will never be a time when abortion is outlawed if the life or health of the mother is at risk, that isn't going to happen no matter what.

But, as I noted, that is not the agenda of the Senate Democrats. Further, the so called "safe, legal and rare" rhetoric is just that, rhetoric designed to waylay the argument. Hillary Clinton says she wants abortion to be "safe, legal and rare and she delights in emphasizing the word rare. But when you look at her voting record on the issue, when you listen to her talking to other pro-abortion venues, you really kinda get the feeling that that is only for public consumption.

Posted by G M Roper at July 3, 2005 11:39 AM

This fall our youngest child (daughter) will join our oldest child (son) in college, she having now graduated from high school. Around the same time, my bride and I will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.

I view this change in our day-to-day lives (to empty nesters) and the achievement of this milestone to be no less significant events than were the birth of our first child and our wedding. As William Butler Yeats said (in a wholly different context) we now are: "changed utterly".

I plan to enjoy, without distraction, summertime with my family, a wedding anniversary trip with my wife, and the changes that will accompany the arrival of fall.

Wake me when it's over.

Posted by too many steves at July 4, 2005 03:14 PM

The abortion issue hasn't been framed in such a way that's allowed proponents of the "safe, legal and rare" ideology to emphasize the rare part. They've had enough of a fight just defending the right in the first place, without the nuances and specifics.

Me? I'd never really be cool with it, I don't think, for myself or a woman that I was with. But I think that there are going to be people who are going to get abortions no matter what, and if it were illegal, then they'd just turn to shady back alleys and coathangers. I would much rather have those women determined to have abortions have them safely than unsafely.

Posted by Fargus at July 5, 2005 07:05 AM

Fargus, I appreciate the comment. But the issue is one for each state to decide. I personally agree with you vis-a-vis abortion, I would not, under any circumstances agree that my spouse should have one, except to save her life. However, medical procedures need to be the province of the States under the 10th amendment.

I'm bemused (if not angered) by the very people that claim that state rules should have been followed in the Schiavo case and that the feds had no business in it now turn around and say that this medical issue belongs solely to the feds.

Abortion will NEVER be rare until the left gives up the idea that anywhere, any time, by anybody is the way it should be.

In my personal point of view, life is sacred except when you take another to defend yourself. For that reason, I supported life for Schiavo, life for the unborn and life for convicted murderers. I am consistent in that.... others, such as those that are pro-abortion, anti-death penalty are not. IMHO that is.

Posted by G M Roper at July 5, 2005 05:32 PM