Street Smart

Pure political survival

 

March 12, 2020



I often hear politicians speak and just get angry at what I’m hearing. That happened last week when I heard Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer threaten Supreme Court Justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh. He was addressing a crowd and talking about the fact that the Supreme Court had agreed to hear arguments on a Louisiana case regarding abortion. It’s important that the reader understand, Schumer wasn’t talking about a Supreme Court decision. He was talking about the fact the court was hearing the case! For those who weren’t listening, here’s what he shouted to the crowd: “I want to tell you Gorsuch. I want to tell you Kavanaugh. You have released the whirlwind and you will pay the price. You won’t know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions.” What decisions? The facts of the case hadn’t even been heard yet! There was no decision.

Schumer tried to walk back his comments the next day by stating, “I should not have used the words I used yesterday, they did not come out the way I intended to.” Normally I would acknowledge and accept an apology like that. I’ve made similar mistakes when trying to make a point so I get it. However, based on Schumer’s track record, I think his apology was a lie told for political expediency. He meant what he said and that also angered me.

I’ve never taken on the topic of abortion in this column and a platform with a 800-900 word or so limit is no place to try. Abortion is an incredibly difficult and personal topic. That said, I feel compelled to make clear that I am a pro-life voter. My faith demands that I respect all life. I recognize that in a perfect world, abortion (along with capitol punishment and euthanasia) wouldn’t even be a topic for discussion. However, we live in an imperfect and fallen world, so here we are. Experience can be a harsh instructor and I’ve seen people (personally and professionally) in some horribly difficult situations. I’ve learned, that despite my personal beliefs, I am in no position to judge. Decisions of that magnitude are between the individual and their God. I certainly wouldn’t want to be in the position of our Supreme Court Justices.

I think that’s why Schumer’s comments disturbed me so much. In my opinion, he’s trying to influence a decision that is outside his dominion and is pandering to his constituency for political gain. He’s either failing to recognize (hard to imagine) or doesn’t care (much more likely) about how difficult a case involving abortion might be for the justices. After all, what do we know about their personal lives and experiences? I think we can safely assume that our Supreme Court Justices are among the most intelligent people in the United States. Presumably, they will therefore thoroughly evaluate all evidence presented and weigh it against existing law. Additionally, I’m sure the justices fully understand that regardless of the decision, a segment of our society is going to be upset and disagree.

Schumer’s behavior highlights an issue that I believe is key for the Democrats in the upcoming election. That is the shaping of the Supreme Court for decades to come. The next President is going to have an historical impact on the court. Much to Schumer and the Democrat’s dismay, President Trump has already appointed two conservative justices. If he is given four more years, there’s every reason to believe that President Trump will appoint one-and quite possibly two more justices. Democrats believe that if the court is tilted to conservative Justices, many of their most closely held issues – abortion and gun control to name two – might be endangered. I believe this to be a bigger issue than most Americans realize. Maybe the biggest threat to the Democrat agenda.

The Democrats know too that they’re in trouble with the two remaining candidates they have for president. Bernie Sanders is a self-proclaimed “social democrat” who scares most people over 30. Joe Biden passes himself off as a moderate, but has espoused some pretty far left beliefs that also scare many people. In my opinion, these are two pretty weak candidates to take on President Trump and all of his accomplishments. Democrats have reasons to be nervous. When looked at through that lens, Schumer’s behavior makes sense. It’s pure political survival.

That’s not to say that President Trump doesn’t scare some Americans as well… he does! Watch the news. We’re inundated daily with examples of this. Pay attention. He scares the heck out of the anti-gun crowd. He’s clear about his opposition to abortion, so that scares some people, especially when considering stacking the Supreme Court. He’s against entitlements and there is a pretty significant number of people who don’t like that. He’s not afraid to take on countries like China, Iran, Syria and North Korea… that makes some people nervous. His accomplishments in terms of the economy have scared some people too. Unemployment for minorities is at an all-time low, while the median income for the same demographic is up and rising. That fact scares the Democrat machine… what might happen to their voters?

All that said, I guess I shouldn’t be mad or upset with a guy like Schumer. His histrionics are making my case for me with the critical thinkers out there! My bad!

Blaine Blackstone is a retired Los Angeles Police Sergeant who enjoys the simpler life in Thompson Falls. He can be reached by email at [email protected].

 

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