 The Mid-South
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Endorsing Saxby Chambliss © Dr. Gary D. Lemmons, November 30, 2008 |
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It has been a long standing policy of the Mid-South Philosopher RARELY to endorse political candidates. To do so embraces the notion that a particular political figure is trustworthy to the point that the Philosopher’s political ingenuity merits being at stake as well as the reputation of the politician seeking public office. Few, indeed, are the politicians who merit that kind of trust. This morning, I am compromising that policy and I am urging my readers in Georgia to support Saxby Chambliss, the incumbent, for another term in the United States Senate. It is not that Senator Chambliss merits re-election. He doesn’t! Ø He was originally a part of the Bush-Kennedy-McCain Immigration Amnesty effort several years ago until a massive out-pouring of protest from Georgians caused him to change his position. Ø He has been a strong supporter of the “corporatist” elements within our government during his term, favoring corporate and big business interests over the interests of the average citizen. Ø Overall, he has shown little insight and leadership. On his credit side, he has been a supporter, albeit only half-heartedly, of the Fair Tax, one of the most progressive and equitable programs ever to be put forward by a politician (in this case Congressman John Linder, R-GA). It has been Chambliss’ support of this legislation that has been used by his opponent, Jim Martin, in such a despicable manner. Martin, through his supporters and the Democratic Senatorial Committee (a group of party loyalists dedicated to the election of more Democratic Senators to the Congress), has alleged that Chambliss supports imposing a 23% sales tax on all Americans. What Martin and the Democrats do not say is that the 23% sales tax will be off-set by the elimination of the Federal Income Tax, FICA (e.g., the Social Security payroll tax), and the mandatory Medicare/Medicaid payroll contributions! The reason Martin and the Democrats (as well as many Republicans, too) do not want the Fair Tax implemented is because such an act would curtail the taxing power of government and, more importantly, remove the power of Congress to grant “tax loopholes and benefits” to special interests. But there is a greater and far more important reason why I think Saxby Chambliss should be returned to the Senate for another six years. The rules of the Senate of the United States provide that a device known as the “filibuster” may be employed by Senators in the process of debating bills. Essentially, this is a process whereby Senators (usually of the minority party) opposing a proposed bill can attempt to “argue the bill” to death. In other words, debate, debate, and debate until the bill is amended to an acceptable form or removed. A “filibuster” can be ended only by 60 votes of the Senate. Currently, there are 58 Democratic Senators and 39 Republican Senators. Two Senate seats are still up grabs. Incumbent Senator Norm Coleman (R-Minnesota) is locked in a close recount with Democratic challenger, Al Franken, and Saxby Chambliss is in the December 2nd runoff with Jim Martin. If both Franken and Martin win, the Democrats will have 60 Senate seats and the Senate will be “filibuster proof.” That fact, coupled with the Democratic control of the House of Representatives under the leadership of Nancy Pelosi and “Barry” Obama seated in the Oval Office, is just too much power for one political party to have. As much as it pains me to say it…“Vote for Saxby!”
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