This Week's 'Alpha Jackass' Award

[Warph]

"I am staying a Republican because I think I have an important role -- a more important role -- to play there. I think the United States desperately needs a two-party system. It is the basis of politics in America. I think each of the 41 Republican senators, in a sense, and I don't want to overstate this, is a national asset, because if one was gone you would only have 40. The Democrats would have 60 and they would control all of the mechanisms of government." --Sen. Arlen Specter in March 2009

[Warph]

I'm surprised there weren't any comments on this one.

[redcliffsw]

Well - Specter is just another one of those socialists who is representing the Fed's, not the people.  Also, he's very
interested in keeping his position as Senator - its pay and benefits are great.

Democrats and Republicans are everywhere.  They've both caused the socialist party to become obsolete.  It's probably been
70 or 80 years since the Socialist Party has had an organization in Elk County - you reckon?   

[Wilma]

I don't think that Specter's switch from one party to the other had anything to do with a change in what he believes.  He said and I wish I could quote, that the Republican Party has pulled away from what he believes and that the Democrat Party is more in line with his beliefs.  In other words, his constitutents have switched from Republican to Democrat and to hold on his seat he has to go along with them.  Isn't it his privilege to do this?

IMHO, I think that since he was elected as a Republican he should stay that until the end of his term.  Then if he wishes to switch and run as a Democrat, who cares?

[Diane Amberg]

There were comments, because I made one. Did you skip it because I made it or did you just miss it?

[Wilma]

I don't find it, Diane, and I wish I could.  Care to make it again or was it unplublishable?

[larryJ]

Wilma, I agree with the part that says he should stay with his party until the term is up.  Changing party affiliations is not about how his constituients feel.  He can remain a Republican and vote with the Democrats if thats how the people want it.  Most likely, and I think this is more to the truth, when he comes up for re-election he might not have a chance of winning if he remains a Republican.  And this would change the "mechanisms of government" giving one party the use of the filibuster.  That was a big deal during the election last year.  If he believes that the Republican party has pulled away from how he believes then step down from the position and let the people elect someone they want.  Or, possibly, it is not the people of his state that he has a problem with, but the party bosses.  

Larryj

[Wilma]

I hadn't thought of that and I don't think I know much about how it works.  Care to elaborate?  Add to my education, Larry.

[larryJ]

Sorry, Wilma, I am dumber than most of the rocks in my back yard.  I just remember that there was a big deal made by the media covering the election about there being a certain number of Democrats elected and being able to filibuster.  There are those on this Forum that can give you the education you need and I lack.  Somebody jump in and help us out!!!!

Larryj

[Diane Amberg]

I'll paraphrase what I said earlier. Arlen Specter is an old line politician. He was Philly's DA back when. He'd pick your political pocket if he could. Sometimes he's OK, but I don't trust him. He has changed affiliations before and would do it again in a heart beat.