tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442230.post5219531788274556946..comments2007-09-23T19:29:54.139-07:00Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17601863377056165200noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442230.post-36623774398531910962007-09-23T19:29:00.000-07:002007-09-23T19:29:00.000-07:00Jason,<BR/><BR/>According to the rules of the US Senate: Yes. Anonymity is used for "Blue Slips" and Holds (Nominations and Amendments).JSFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04112671583392607007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442230.post-79531075429544607432007-09-23T13:13:00.000-07:002007-09-23T13:13:00.000-07:00What about the anonymity part? Is that legal?Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17601863377056165200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442230.post-4814120607585746152007-09-22T20:08:00.000-07:002007-09-22T20:08:00.000-07:00Jason,<BR/><BR/>I actually went through the Senate Procedures book. Just like "Blue Slip" rules (whereby a Senator can hold a nomination of someone from his/her own state) a Senator can hold an Amendment. However, holding an Amendment can only occur with agreement from the Chair (which at this date is: Democrat). <BR/><BR/>The Senate was created to give smaller states a say. But, like LBJ, whoever can master the 100 individuals wins. <BR/><BR/>If this hold is a Republican, here is a theory:<BR/><BR/>In 1996, the GOP in Congress gave up Senator Dole to maintain Congress; If in 2008, the GOP in Congress are willing to trade with the Junior Senator of NY, what are they exchanging?JSFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04112671583392607007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442230.post-66483563899263838682007-09-22T16:07:00.000-07:002007-09-22T16:07:00.000-07:00Super article love your 3 stooges header lol.Wally Bannershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00978852779707676321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442230.post-70132771008121124912007-09-22T12:09:00.000-07:002007-09-22T12:09:00.000-07:00A valid point. To be sure, I can cite examples of this behavior to hide facts by both parties. A British buddy of mine once asked me (with all sincerity), "Where do we get these labels from? Democrats and Republicans, Green Party, Independents?" We had a lively discussion! I remember seeing Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell on TV about the time the Patriot Act was put in place and Kurt said "Well, okay let's see if it works". I do know that my conversations would bore people to death! :)Michael Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16539850495318868267noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442230.post-57046199517529228872007-09-22T08:52:00.000-07:002007-09-22T08:52:00.000-07:00Interesting theory, JSF. I certainly wouldn't put it past that shrew to be engaged in something so underhanded. And for the record, I didn't seriously think it was Lieberman, but I just can't resist a perfectly good opportunity to refer to him as a republican.<BR/><BR/>But to the meat and potatoes of this... You are somebody who probably has a much deeper understanding of the rules and procedures of our legislative branch than I. Could you please explain how it's even possible for one senator not only to block legislation but to do it anonymously?Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17601863377056165200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442230.post-15037133109942380662007-09-22T07:23:00.000-07:002007-09-22T07:23:00.000-07:00Cui bono? Who benefits? Who was the last Senator to work and live in the White House who is running for President now? <BR/><BR/>Maybe a favor was owed or an FBI file was looked at, but someone was comprimised to help another Senator from allowing the White House fles to be opened. <BR/><BR/>Can you guess the Senator?JSFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04112671583392607007noreply@blogger.com