Driving that wedge a little deeper

Posted on September 24, 2004 by Gene

I swear, every time I look at the newspaper I find something else that makes me want to cause physical harm to right wingers. Here’s the latest.

The House passed legislation yesterday to prevent the Supreme Court from ruling on whether the words “under God” should be stricken from the Pledge of Allegiance.

In an emotional debate, Democrats said majority Republicans in the chamber were debasing the Constitution to force a vote that could hurt Democrats in the Nov. 2 election.

Supporters said that Congress has always had authority to limit federal courts’ jurisdiction and that the legislation is needed to protect an affirmation of religion that is part of the national heritage.

The bill, which was passed 247 to 173, would prohibit federal courts, including the Supreme Court, from hearing cases involving the pledge and its recitation and would prevent federal courts from striking the words “under God” from the pledge.

The legislation has little chance in the Senate this year, but it laid down a marker for politicians seeking to differentiate themselves from their election opponents on volatile social issues. Other “wedge” issues that have or could come up before the election include same-sex marriage and flag burning.

The tactics the right is using are so horrifying and transparent, and yet no one seems to be doing anything about it. Their control over all three branches of government has led to a plan that will abolish checks and balances and cement power in their favor even if one branch should shift to the left.
It really scares me.