OPINION:
Recently in The Washington Times Sen. Orrin Hatch, Utah Republican, sought to chastise Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas Republican, for remarks the latter made on the floor of the Senate (“When tough talk roils the decorum of the Senate,” Web, July 28). Mr. Hatch did not name Mr. Cruz in his diatribe, but it was clear to whom he was referring.
As is the case when one wishes to avoid the truth, Mr. Hatch focuses on the procedure or process used rather than the substantive issue. In keeping with this, Mr. Hatch bemoaned the loss of decorum in the Senate. He spoke of the need for respect and courtesy there, as the members are representatives working for the common good.
Mr. Cruz told the truth. He railed against the then latest underhanded action by the Senate leadership taken in collusion with the most dangerous and lawless administration in American history. Conveniently, Mr. Hatch did not address the accuracy of Mr. Cruz’s remarks.
The Senate is not working for the common good. From the infamous, unconstitutional Corker Bill, which if carried out as planned will write the obituary of this nation, to the refusal to defund Planned Parenthood, which has been shown to be committing inhumane, immoral and illegal acts, the Senate has demonstrated itself to be an instrument of evil. This is a situation that requires not “decorum” but rather the sounding of an alarm. And sound an alarm is what Mr. Cruz did.
Mr. Hatch correctly indicates that the senators are representatives. However, they are not acting in that capacity with regard to the American people. Rather, they are the representatives of special interests and the administration. What else can explain the failure to defund Obamacare, which is destroying the health-care system of the country and wreaking havoc with the economy? What else can explain the attempt to put the Export-Import Bank on life support until it can be resuscitated by some sleight of hand?
The actions of the Senate have not been worthy of respect or courtesy. “Decorum” as used by Mr. Hatch in this instance is merely a way of stating the mantra “To get along, go along.” To suggest that type of conduct is disgraceful.
HESSIE L. HARRIS
Silver Spring
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