Reid created the 'circus' atmosphere around Burris today, not the appointee

[bigtree]

It's a rather shaky argument that Reid has orchestrated directing the Sec. of the Senate to reject Burris' credentials because he lacks a signature from the Illinois Sec. of State. It's not even clear that Burris needs that signature to be legitimate.

What Reid has done with his action is a smearing of Burris' qualifications for office by conflating him with whatever Blago is charged with. He knows full well that Burris isn't actually an agent of Blago. He doesn't even have a clear understanding or connection in his actions to whatever the Illinois legislature intends to do about the appointment (they've succeeded in doing next to nothing).

I'm beginning to understand the complaint of Bobby Rush that Burris, a rare choice because of his blackness, is being treated with undue animosity by the anachronistically exclusive Washington club. The images of Burris barred from the Senate are beginning to remind of the narrow-mindedness of other decisions made by the privileged body which are at odds with many underrepresented segments of society.

The reports that Burris would have to commit to a mere caretaker role in the position and agree to step down in favor of some other Illinois choice in the future is an arrogant attempt by Reid to dictate how Illinois is represented in the Senate. He has no right to demand any such agreement from Burris before seating him. It would be an unprecedented interference in the right of Illinois to decide on their Senate choice unfettered by the heavy-hand of Washington.

Reid needs to backtrack and allow Burris the dignity and respect for his position that he deserves.

[mirrera]

1. I agree. He is legal whether anyone likes it or not. Wish Harry fought the GOP when it mattered!

[depakid]

2. Burris deserves ZERO dignity and respect

Here's a guy who pushed for the death penalty for a man he had reason to know was innocent- where both the deputy prosecutor AND the lead detective resigned over the case, just so he wouldn't "hurt his chances" to become governor.

And people actually want a POS like that to be seated as a Senator?

This despite his numerous other instances of poor judgment and self-aggrandizement?

[el_bryanto]

3. I think the question is not whether or not Burris is a good choice

or not; the question is whether or not he is a legitimately appointed Senator. If he is, Harry Reid should seat him. If not, Reid needs stronger evidence than this to prove it.

Bryant

[ShortnFiery]

4. Logical Analysis. Kudos! eom

[bigtree]

5. He deserves the dignity and respect afforded any Senator seated today

I don't see any of the others stripped of their dignity today because of some political disagreement over some policy they supported. He may not get your respect, but he deserves the official respect of the Senate leadership and the Senate gatekeepers.

[Tatiana]

6. Any person appointed by Blago would have received the same treatment. n/t

[babylonsister]

7. Danny Davis deserves our respect, Burris doesn't.

Opinions...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/31/rep-danny-davis-turned-do_n_154430.html

[bigtree]

8. He hasn't been appointed

And Burris may not deserve your respect but he deserves the same dignity and respect any other Senator seated today received from the institution.

[babylonsister]

9. Davis turned the position down because Blago's trying to play everyone.

THAT I respect.

[bigtree]

10. I don't view Burris' ascension as 'play'

. . . and I think critics should be challenged to come up with something more than the fact that Blago appointed him as they trash the man. Nothing in his Senate service will likely be illegal or unethical.

It's clear to many folks looking on that Burris can't credibly be smeared with Blago's conduct which is under investigation. Yet, some folks will keep trying to make Burris a poster of Blago's misconduct. Fact is though, Blago made a legitimate, legal appointment of a good man.

In that appointment, Blago acted responsibly and within the law. Only rhetoric can cloud that fact. Rhetoric's not something I'd hang my hat on in determining the legitimacy of Burris' appointment.