Letter to the editor:

Party politics explain Reid and Co.’s moves

Michael K. Casler, Las Vegas

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009 | 2:07 a.m.

Some are suggesting that there is racism in Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s refusal to seat Roland Burris to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate. It should be obvious to everyone that “party,” not race, is the driver in this decision.

Democrats in the Illinois Legislature had the option of holding a special election to fill Obama’s seat but chose not to because a Republican might win the seat. Now that the disgraced Gov. Rod Blagojevich has named Burris, Democrats are afraid that Burris will be tainted and will lose the next election to a Republican.

And before any Republicans begin to gloat, know that Republicans would do exactly the same if placed in a similar position. As I have now come to believe, to 99 percent of public office holders, “party” and “self interest” trump everything else (including country), and that is a big part of what is wrong in America today.

Discussion: 6 comments so far…

Comments are moderated by Las Vegas Sun editors. Our goal is not to limit the discussion, but rather to elevate it. Comments should be relevant and contain no abusive language. Comments that are off-topic, vulgar, profane or include personal attacks will be removed. Full comments policy.

By jfnance32

Jan. 7, 2009

7:15 a.m.

Suggest removal

Obama was the only black senator.

Blacks have greatly suffered in the US.

It must sense that they pick another qualified black.

Reid turned down 4 blacks candidates.

If this was a Republican then we would be hearing all day about how they are bigots.

According to the left, anybody who is against gay marriage is bigot unless they are a Democrat.

Democrats and the left love to throw the bomb word, 'bigot' against Republicans then generate all kinds of excuses for Democrats for the same activity.

The writer is correct. It is all about politics indeed.
By mikebake

Jan. 7, 2009

8:13 a.m.

Suggest removal

Hello comrades in Nevada; would you please wake your neighbors up and vote Reid out of office next time?
Forget his politics as usual, and his own corruption; just consider the embarrasment factor this guy brings to your state. Thanks
Midwest Mike
By Gordon

Jan. 7, 2009

9:02 a.m.

Suggest removal

Nance you need to learn what the definition of bigot is: "person who is intolerant of any opinions differing from their own", granted it has evolved to mean a racist, but why not just say racist. Bigot does describe a Neocon Republican well. Look in the mirror, you NEVER agree with a democrat's opinion. Even when that opinion is supported with primary sourced facts, you'll continue with your propaganda.

Mike: Care to say what state you are from? Senator Reid has served Nevada well and would be foolish to vote him out. Nevada would lose it's high ranking position and more 'screw Nevada' bills like Yucca Mountain will be passed. If Senator Reid succeeds in stopping Yucca I don't think he'll run in 2010.
By jfnance32

Jan. 7, 2009

9:26 a.m.

Suggest removal

Gordon: "NEVER agree with a democrat's opinion".

There has been several times that I agree with a democrat's opinion. I guess this makes you ingorant or a liar.

I not the one calling people bigots. It is people on the left that like to call people bigots. You need to go teach them your words of wisdom.
By getalife

Jan. 7, 2009

10:58 a.m.

Suggest removal

Gordon,
Reid is all about power as are most politicians, if you think Reid won't run for re-election in 2010 there is something seriously wrong with you. The Kool-aid is affecting your judgement.

As far as "high ranking position" goes, the only position Harry's good for will get my post removed.
By Future2012

Jan. 7, 2009

11:21 a.m.

Suggest removal

Harry can not explain away being caught on tape

The Nevada Democrat made a call to Blagojevich on Dec. 3 to discuss the seat vacated by the president-elect, Reid spokesman Jim Manley confirmed. The Chicago Sun-Times reported that during their discussion Reid pressured Blagojevich not to appoint Jesse Jackson Jr., Danny Davis or Emil Jones. Six days later, authorities arrested Blagojevich for allegedly trying to sell Obama's seat.

Harry Reid said "Gov. Blagojevich's efforts to try to tarnish others while the cloud of suspicion continues to grow over him are shameful, as are his efforts to further betray the public trust and sow seeds of division," Harry Reid has gotten caught on tape in the growing south-side of Chicago machine politics.

Harry can not explain away missing the point of the Consitution and the the qualification

Harry can not explain away being a racist.

Harry can not explain away why he is not working on the stimulus II for the recession that started back in December 2007.