The spectacle of Rep. Kevin McCarthy talking trash with the House Republican “Freedom Caucus” was epic. He told that rebellious minority that he would force the votes that would subdue their insurgency. In reality, the insurgency is alive and well this Tuesday evening.
The angry factionalism among Republicans suggests a rocky upcoming two-year experience along with a minimum of dialogue or negotiation required to pass meaningful legislation.
Republicans’ inability to compromise amongst themselves (much less Democrats) and insistence by the Freedom Caucus of veritable control of their own majority is a perfect reflection of the radicalism in that party. An integral part of the extreme irrelevance of the radical caucus struck very close to home yesterday when our newly re-elected zombie, Andy Harris, refused to vote for McCarthy for speaker by voting instead for Lee Zeldin, the losing candidate for Governor of New York. Harris was the only Republican who voted for Zeldin.
These self-proclaimed “patriots”, half of whom participated in supporting the January 6th insurrection, seek only to interrupt the workings of the federal government so they can blame Joe Biden for any and all social, economic and military problems leading up to the 2024 Election.
Most noteworthy is that the resentment from the Republican majority against their peers will not be forgotten. When parties concede and cave into the demands of extremists like Harris and his radical caucus, they betray themselves and their constituents.
For the constituents of Congressman Harris, we have already been betrayed yet the majority of District 1 voters remain deluded by his fraudulent claims of patriotism and dedication to the US Constitution, which in fact, he sought to overthrow – along with numerous other Republican “Freedom” caucus members.
Our representative to the US Congress is a prime reflection of the degeneracy of the Republican Party’s rudderless incompetence from the top (McCarthy) to the bottom (Harris). They can’t govern and they won’t work together. Harris isn’t going to drain the swamp; he is the swamp.
Dominic Terrone
Oxford
J t Smith says
At least Dr. Harris can once again carry a gun on the floor of the House!
Rev Julia Hart says
What!? What the CRAB is that supposed to mean? Holy Crab or What the 🦀 crab… is my new 2023 4 letter explicative.
Again, what the crab!? Those rules for the Capitol didn’t change.
Alan Boisvert says
If Andy Harris is a prime reflection of the degeneracy of the Republican Party’s rudderless incompetence than the people in district one who voted for Harris are the same.
Mickey Terrone says
Agreed, Alan. Those who voted to elect Harris and other Freedom Caucus members seem vulnerable to the demagoguery of self-proclaimed “patriot” extremists and religious fanatics, even as Harris, et al, plotted to overthrow the US Constitution on behalf of Trump. This Republican clown show may have the effect of exposing the whacked out radicals so that normal conservative Republicans will isolate them with trivial positions. Freedom Caucus fanatics are merely working to disrupt American institutions at all levels. For example, they are the ones howling about saving America, even as they work to eliminate Social Security and low cost health insurance for millions of the deluded people who vote for them. Its pathetic.
Reed Fawell 3 says
Perhaps, its exactly the reverse, at long last our Exodus from the Pharaoh’s tyranny over his oppressed and enslaved people, marking the beginning of the Passover after God’s ten plagues, and just before our crossing the Red Sea amid God’s destruction of Pharaoh’s sordid and squalid world, and all his Leviathan’s regime run on greed, pride, lies, false idols, addictions, oppression. We can see this everywhere now.
Mickey Terrone says
If you are talking about Pharoah Trump, I think your post may make some sense. His oppressed and psychologically enslaved people need freedom from the plague with which he has infected America like a malignant cancer.
Carol Voyles says
Since humanity seems to have made little progress since the parting of the Red Sea, it is hardly beyond comprehension to assume that AI could take over at some point soon!
Francine De Sanctis says
Right on, Mickey! I have been memorized by the incompetence of this “new” congress with Republicans in control. They are demonstrating their complete lack of interest in the country’s welfare and more interested in their own personal agenda. Arguing among themselves is more important than leading the country. It is a national embarrassment and Harris is a strong part of it
Philip Paul says
We are not fans of McCarthy (too willing to compromise to get ahead and lacks leadership skills) but we are strong republicans and when the party is weak in numbers (close election results leaving only a 10 person advantage) then all should support the strongest candidate from their party. We can’t imagine that a majority republican House could have a democrat leader. Those renegade 10 should be denied any committee leadership or even membership and should be denied seats in congress in the ’24 election. PARTY FIRST! God help Andy Harris in ’24!
Bob Kopec says
Andy Harris is so out of touch.I don’t know how this gun toting do nothing guy gets reelected.
Mickey Terrone says
I suppose the reality is that its his supporters who are out-of-touch and deluded into believing anything he says or writes. This time, they vopted for him knowing he actively helped overthrow the Election of 2020 and thus, the US Constitution, which they claim to defend. Imagine US Veterans voting to elect this charlatan claiming to be patriots! I suppose we need to call him out in no uncertain terms because his supporters don’t seem to care that he abandons their economic needs by voting against health insurance, stronger public schools and massive tax reductions for the wealthiest 1%, among other kitchen table issues.
Mickey Terrone says
I suppose the reality is that its his supporters who are out-of-touch and deluded into believing anything he says or writes. This time, they vopted for him knowing he actively helped overthrow the Election of 2020 and thus, the US Constitution, which they claim to defend. Imagine US Veterans voting to elect this charlatan claiming to be patriots! I suppose we need to call him out in no uncertain terms because his supporters don’t seem to care that he abandons their economic needs by voting against health insurance, stronger public schools and massive tax reductions for the wealthiest 1%, among other kitchen table issues.