Harried Reid

Roland Burris IS the junior senator from Illinois, whether or not Harry Reid likes, or accepts, it. The theatrics surrounding Burris's constitutionally-accurate appointment and the Democratic Congress's attempts to keep from seating him have provided a heyday for the 24-hour news cycle, but simultaneously displayed the ugly underbelly of American politics no single savior (sorry, Obama) can overcome.

Rod Blagojevich is, no doubt, a scumball politician, among the worst of his kind; not just because of the pallor of his actions, but the brazenness of them. And yet, his appointment of Burris, as anyone with even a passing understanding of the rule of law in this country understands, was entirely constitutional, legal and, from all indications, above-board. The desire to punish and restrain Blagojevich should never have become Burris's burden. A healthy debate can be made regarding Burris's acceptance of Blagojevich's offer, considering circumstances, but absolutely none can come regarding the appointment once made.

And yet, the Democratic Congress (save for those who still have a few aggies in their possession - I mean you Dianne Feinstein!), under the 'leadership' of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, have made several concerted efforts to block Burris's appointment, including refusing him entry with all other Senators this week on the grounds that his appointment paperwork had not been signed by Illinois' Secretary of State (not a constitutional requirement). This means that on the very day Reid and others were sworn in for their latest terms, during which they promised to protect and preserve the U.S. Constitution, their first act was to go against their oath and ignore the Constitution.

In the days since, Reid, in particular, has behaved even more badly. First, he made a point to publicly say he did not "work for" President-Elect Obama. While accurate, given the separate/equal government branch system, it signaled nothing more than the start of a pissing match regarding just who had the power to chart Washington's course. Next, he apparently tried to broker a deal with Burris that would allow Burris his constitutionally-dictated appointment (as if it were Reid's to allow), as long as Burris agreed to vacate the seat in two years and not run for reelection. Burris wisely declined. Later, Reid followed that up with an idiotic, poorly delivered and even more poorly disguised bit of racist condescension by way of a press conference following a 'private' meeting with Burris, during which he said the following about the U.S. Senate's only African-American member(-to-be): "He presents himself very well. He's very proud of his family, got two Ph.D.s and two law degrees. And he talked about how proud he was of everyone having those degrees." Was Burris expected to exit the meeting room carrying Reid's briefcase and reply to this glowing assessment of his character and accomplishments with, "Why, thank you Massa Reid?"

Let me be clear: Rod Blagojevich is emblematic of a great deal that is wrong with American politics. Greed, corruption, money, power, position, self-interest, hubris and a complete disregard for law should have no place in government; rather, they have become its hallmarks. But, let me be equally clear: Harry Reid is equally emblematic of what is wrong with American politics. The focus of our elected officials should not be on elections, reelections, fundraising, power, leverage or who you like and who you don't. As such, I have a message for Senator Reid and those like him:

Save political theatre for Mark Russell. Get to work. Get your heads out of your collective asses and get over yourselves. You are only career politicians because the people you devalue and disregard allow you to be. The more ridiculous you become, the more we pay attention. And, believe me, after the past eight years, we're paying attention.

We hear lots of talk about "the first act of Congress" and what it should/will be. My suggestion? Read the Constitution. Read it and keep rereading it until you get it through your thick skulls. That should be act one. Act two? Dump Harry Reid and elect Senator Feinstein as Majority Leader. After all, Reid will have plenty of rereading to do.