Democrats still have a nuclear option: break the quorum.

[originalpckelly]

If all the Democrats walked out of the House and the Senate, the respective houses cannot continue with business. Now technically it is possible that they can be arrested, but if the Sergeant at Arms really did go that far it would bring even more needed attention to the subject of the detainee bills. The Democrats in both houses must somehow pull themselves together and stand up to the Republicans. It is a political risk, but one worth taking considering their jobs may not mean much if either detainee bill is passed.

[Avalux]

1. They won't do it; not this close to the election.

I don't want to, but I think we have to realize that most Americans don't care about this bill passing. If Democrats were to walk out, Republicans would scream their heads off about Democrats being soft and not wanting to stop terrorism; they would frame it in their favor and the media would assist them.

[mike_c]

12. good-- at least they would not share responsibility for it....

At least they would have done what they could to prevent it. Some things are more important than political games. This bill attacks the most fundamental principles of western justice. It will return us to medieval despotism. Patriots should be willing to stand against this bill no matter what sacrifice is called for-- that's why they represent us. If they do not stand against it, they do that in our names as well.

[Chipper Chat]

2. I wanted them to do it during the Alito hearing

(and other times).
Not so sure it's a good idea right before the midterms. A better idea is to continue attacking Diebold.
Just sayin.

[hobbit709]

3. Won't work

Under House and Senate rules a quorum is defined as a simple majority.

[originalpckelly]

6. I completely forgot...goodness gracious...

what the hell is the purpose of a quorum if you can't use it for legislative purposes?

[bullimiami]

4. keep your powder dry until you die. at least you have ...

dry powder.


:sarcasm:

I really hate all of them sometimes.

[City Lights]

10. LOL!

From my cold dead hands...

[leftchick]

5. With an ELECTION Six Weeks Away????

What is more important? The survival of this country or their political careers??

:puke:

[Lerkfish]

8. is this a rhetorical question? Their careers trump their duty every time.

and thats for all types and flavors of career politicians.
Lieberman is a good case in point.

[leftchick]

11. it goes without saying

it is all about them :puke:

[clmbohdem]

7. Cast the votes and go home. Then start House hearings

when they come back that will force an Impeachment of these crooks.

[mike_c]

9. Patrick Henry had the last word on the subject of political risk....

Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

Arrest seems a rather pale consequence in that context. It is the LEAST that democratic leaders should be willing to risk to maintain our system of fair justice under the rule of laws, not men.