The American Spectator

br> — Joseph Baum br> Newton Falls, Ohio /p> p> McCain bailed on Republicans and joined with Feingold to try to get money out of politics and silencing political speech (while making it possible for billionaires to buy time and say whatever they want about any candidate). Now he has bailed on Republicans and joined with Democrats to erode the independent power of the president. And we are so ignorant that we are going to sit around and let it happen… so it seems. br> — Stu Margrey br> Denton, Maryland /p>

I am greatly dismayed about the “agreement” with respect to judicial nominations that was brokered by those most view as dissidents within the Republican caucus.

When the other party held the Senate, its leaders did not allow dissident members to subvert its agenda. The present Republican caucus, by contrast, appears to be governed as much by its dissidents as it is by its leadership. This is a profound and continuing disappointment to those of us whose votes gave Republicans their current majority.

Agreements are only as good as the word of those making the agreement. Considering the past actions of the parties to this so-called “agreement,” it is worthless. I wrote my Republican Senators and strongly urged them to not support it.

The President, the nominees, and the American people deserve a recorded, up-or-down vote on every single judicial nomination without undue delay. Why can’t the GOP stand firm and insist that these votes begin immediately and continue until all nominations have been acted upon?

p>I am forced to consider two disheartening scenarios. Are Republicans incapable of the leadership and resolve that is required to enact a policy agenda? Or do they not care enough about the agenda to give it more than a token effort? br> —