Kyle City Limits
by BRENDA STEWART
Being a bit gun-shy from the results of the most recent election, it was absolutely reassuring to me that Congress swung enough votes to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell a couple of weeks ago. I’ve been leerily watching that group of Republicans spouting off about tripping up any legislation supported by Democrats, regardless of merit, and figured this would be a casualty.
Like pied pipers, leading their flock into the black waters of blind partisanship, it’s irritating and fruitless, and embarrassing to witness regardless from which side of the aisle it’s oozing. I’ve certainly seen my share of Dems pull off some cringe-worthy antics, year after year, whenever they’re in the majority. Do they think we’re not watching or just too stupid to get it?
I was curious, however, about the eight who broke rank and crossed party lines to vote their conscience. I’m sure they have had hell to pay on the racquetball courts and on the senate floor trying to secure favorable legislation for their constituents. Like painting a bullseye on their backs, knowing they’d be gunning for them but, choosing the high ground.
Breaking away from the pack takes guts. In the legislative dog-eat-dog environment, it’s always easier to be a sycophant than to have the backbone to counter the self-proclaimed alphas (think the snarling, frothing McCain these days). But, for whatever reason, these folks found the fortitude to vote for something they knew was right.
Like Scott Brown who stormed Democratic stronghold Massachusetts last year and captured a seat that had been a given in left-leaning politics for over four decades. Under the glare of ensconced right-wingers, he cast his vote for justice. And Lisa Murkowski, thumbing her nose at Palin, rose to the occasion and did what was right.
John Ensign, Mark Kirk, George Vonovich – they all stood against the intimidation and made their vote count. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins left Kay Bailey Hutchinson in the dirt as the only woman to vote against this equalizing legislation.
But it was Richard Burr of North Carolina who, against all odds, changed courses and helped enable this crucial repeal. Given the fact that his state is home to Camp Lejeune, the largest Marine Corps base on the East Coast, proponents hadn’t even curried his favor. But addressing reporters after his historic vote, he made a statement that I think should be etched in stone in our nation’s capitol and written into the legislative playbooks of every elected official in the United States: “Hopefully we all think independently here and we listen; we don’t have to be lobbied or influenced.”
Here, here, Senator Burr. I think you’re on to something. You give me hope.
