Senator Russ Feingold: "A Peculiar Politician" indeed!

[flpoljunkie]

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060327/greiderweb

Senator Russ Feingold is an embarrassment to the US Senate, which makes him an authentic hero of the Republic. The Wisconsin senator gets up and says out loud what half of the country is thinking and talks about every day. This President broke the law and lied about it; he trashed the Constitution and hides himself in the flag. Feingold asks: Shouldn't the Senate say something about this, at least express our disapproval? He introduces a resolution of censure and calls for debate.

Well, that tore it in the august chamber of lawmakers. Democrats scurried away like scared rats. And Republicans chortled at the thought. You want to censure our warrior President, the guy who defends us every day against terrorist attacks? Let's have a vote right now, the Republican leader demanded. Yuk, yuk. The joke is obvious to everyone in the Washington club--politics trumps principle, especially when it is about something as esoteric as the Constitution. It's a nonstory, the club agrees, not a constitutional crisis.

The Washington Post runs an obligatory account on page 8, quoting Mr. Anonymous Democrat Strategist on the unwisdom of Feingold's gesture. The New York Times story on page 24 quotes the esteemed constitutional authority Dick Cheney. The House Repubican leader (who replaced the corrupt House leader who resigned) denounces Feingold's resolution as "political grandstanding of the very worst kind." Like the Republican impeachment of Bill Clinton for fellatio in the White House? Go away, Feingold, let us get back to the people's business.

The real story--naturally overlooked by cynical editors--is that an honest truth-teller is loose in the fun house and disturbing the clowns. Man bites dog, senator defends Constitution.

<>For the moment, however, let us celebrate the man. The club will try to shove him in a closet and forget his little unpleasantness ever happened. I hope they fail and other Dems are properly embarrassed. Amid scandals in high places, Senator Feingold is fresh air. The country should rise up and sing.

[mb7588a]

1. Thank you, Nation. nt.

[APPLE314]

2. THANK YOU RUSS - LET ME GIVE YOU AN APPLE

FEISTY LITTLE SH.... AIN'T HE?



CENSURE WAS A MASTER STROKE AND AFTER NOVEMBER 2006 WE WILL
SEE IT
WHEN DEMOCRATS RECLAIM THEIR NADS, TAKE OVER CONGRESS AND 6
YEARS 
OF REPUBLICAN FILTH GETS EXPOSED. THEY WILL HAVE FEINGOLD TO
THANK
FOR IT ALL.

I ENJOYED HIS LIVE NET MEETING LAST WEEK AND I THANKED HIM BY
EMAIL WHEN IT WAS OVER.
I DIDN'T SEE THIS CENSURE MOVE COMING BASED ON THE MEETING
DIALOG, BUT YOU COULD FEEL
THERE WAS A CHARGED ATMOSPHERE. KEEP YOUR ANTENNA UP FOR
ANOTHER MEETING AND ENJOY 
DEMOCRACY AT IT'S BEST.

[makeanoise22]

3. He is your party's only hope...

I have said this for the past 2 years...

[Vidar]

4. Wonderful editorial. Thank you.

[radio4progressives]

5. Keep this high on the radar.. kick and recommended