Posted on 11/13/2003 3:09:57 PM PST by sdk7x7
Miller likens judicial obstruction to lynching By Klaus Marre
Sen. Zell Miller (D-Ga.) compared the blocking of one of President Bush's judicial nominees, African-American Janice Rogers Brown, to a lynching.
After the early dramatics at the beginning of the 30-hour reverse filibuster on President Bush's judicial nominees quickly fizzled, the debate turned out to be high on rhetoric and name-calling but it revealed little that had not been said before.
However, as most senators and C-SPAN viewers had turned in for the night, the debate rapidly turned interesting at 2 a.m. when the schedule of speakers, either by luck of the draw or design, pitted Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) against Miller.
While Daschle kept his remarks very brief, the Georgia lawmaker provided the anticipated fireworks.
Miller said Senate Democrats are "standing in the doorway" and blocking nomination. "And they have a sign: Conservative African-American women need not apply," the lawmaker said. Miller added that if they still try to do so, their "reputation will be shattered and your dignity will be shredded. Gal, you will be lynched," he said.
Standing before the Constitution, Miller agreed with the GOP that the nominees deserve an up or down vote. The lawmaker frequently votes with Republicans and recently further broke rank with his caucus by endorsing Bush's reelection and publishing a book strongly critical of the direction of the party and its leaders.
Miller looked at the Constitution and said he could not find the provision that says nominees have to be confirmed by a supermajority.
Because of the Democrats' actions, Miller added, the Senate now finds itself in an "unmitigated mess."
The lawmaker described the backgrounds of the blocked nominees. Speaking of Miguel Estrada, who has withdrawn his name from consideration, Miller said: "It's a shame. It's a disgrace that he did not receive an up or down vote."
The lawmaker concluded his remarks by pounding his desk and repeatedly saying that the nominees deserve a vote.
Here's a campaign sound bite I can get behind.
Repeat it often.
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