GOP to invite Dems to join in reading of the Constitution

[babylonsister]

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/plum-line/2011/01/dear_dems_get_out_on_house_flo.html

GOP to invite Dems to join in reading of the Constitution
By Greg Sargent

snip//


It's unclear whether this is the result of criticism of the plan from Dems, who have spent the past few days blasting it as a sop to the Tea Party and a blatant effort to paint the GOP as the only real adherents to the Constitution.

Dem Rep. Brad Sherman of California, for instance, has been privately prodding the GOP leadership to grant Dems equal time for the reading, he tells me, on the grounds that failure to do so would make it clear the GOP's real goal is to "send a message that Republicans care about the Constitution and Democrats don't."

There are still several unanswered questions: Will Dems get to read precisely the portions they choose? How will time be alloted? Will an equal number of Dems and Republicans be allowed to participate? How will the Dem leadership response?

All that said, Dems should seize this opportunity in a general sense. As I argued here yesterday, Dems should welcome an open debate about the Constitution and the country's founding, because it affords an opportunity to undercut the case that contemporary conservatives and Tea Partyers are somehow more in sync with the founding generation than the rest of us can claim to be.

[no_hypocrisy]

1. Dems should get to read The Bill of Rights, the 13th Amendment,

the 14th Amendment, and the 19th Amendment.

[gateley]

2. If I were they I'd send our regrets due to "previous commitments" or whatever

they said when they dissed Obama's invite to the WH.

AND, I hope they vote straight party on EVERYTHING like the Republicans did the past two years.

But I know it's wishful thinking on my part.

[vaberella]

3. That's a political nightmare. They'll be seen as scoffing the Constitution.

It would be a political spectacle and the Freaks currently controlling the House will make sure to remind them and the American people. Keep in mind these bozos are given more airtime than Dems.

[gateley]

11. Yeah, I know. It would just FEEL good to pass on it. Again, they have us over a barrel. nt

[monmouth]

4. Was just thinking the same thing. "Sorry, but got matters of the nation

to take care of, can't make it." They really are asses and it's showing already. The good thing is people are starting to notice and this is so bad for them going into '12. It will be entertaining I'm sure.

[msongs]

5. as we've been told dems need to be more bipartisan so should they join in? nt

[randr]

6. Of course this is an attempt to gain the "constitutional" high ground

Why else would they do something they never even thought through.
The dems need to keep their mouths shut and let the repugs dig their own hole.

[Clio the Leo]

7. We should have offered to help read before they asked us...

.... missed opportunity. The whole thing is a big put on, but in times like that, you have to out-show off the show-offs. Read the Constitution then suggest everyone pray and sing "God Bless America." Then the Rs would have nothing left to do but start governing.

[NYC Liberal]

8. This is a good thing. Repugs wanted to use this to

show that they cared more about the Constitution than the Dems. This would kill that meme, or at least prevent this stunt from being used to support it.

[3waygeek]

9. Of course they asked the Dems to join in...

the Repubs need help with the big words.

[emulatorloo]

10. LOL - n/t

[gateley]

12. Not to mention help with the Constitution itself. They don't seem to understand

it all that well.

[madamesilverspurs]

13. Oh, goody.

The Republicans are now turning the Constitution into the new flag pin.

Is there a pool on how early in the reading Boehner will turn on the waterworks?

-

[KoKo]

14. This is a lovely Bi-Partisan Idea...and I think it could work well for both Dems & Repugs

to work together to join in and hold hands. It's been a long...long time..since our Congress has bothered to read the Constitution. Perhaps reading it on air will refresh their views.

Now...I would also hope they schedule a FULL SESSION to read the "BILL OF RIGHTS" that was added to the CONSTITUTION...but ...I suspect that "time constraints" will mean that has to be put off indefinitely.

BUT it's Excellent Theater for the SHEEPLE who won't even watch it! Great Sound Bites and the Rest.....

COOL! :bounce:

[muntrv]

15. Dems should say "Let's start with the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments."

Also ask the repukes "How does the Patriot Act pass Constitutional muster?"

[Raine]

16. The whole thing is stupid but the Dems should join

in, don't let the repukes take the Constitution as solely theirs.

[bemildred]

17. What's not to like? nt