Pixie, Murfreesboro, TN

great post!

Compassionate,US

that philosophy didnt work for the nazis and its not going to work for us. terrorists want to kill us right? wel they wanted to kill us 20 years ago as well. why do you think it has been escalating the way it has??because we are so free and great?? germany militarized to fight off evryone including the jews and the citizens found reasons to rationalize this out of fear and a loss of pride from world war I. so i can totally see how american citizens can rally behind such a hypocritical danergous regime that has been in power over the past 7 years. HISTORY REPEATS people it just takes people who can see the patterns that can step outside the box and understand whats coming!!! unfortunately our education system sucks, which isnt a suprise. business doesnt like educated consumers, because you cant charge as much!!! its right there for you to see you just have to open your eyes a little bit wider…..

Roland Olsen

you know why it wouldnt work as a republican campaign ad??? because republicans are supposed to be there too!!!

Dave F. Rockaway, NJ

you dont understand the republicans are making it very difficult to pass anything with filibusters and presidential vetoes they have to fight as much as possible until they can oust this president. the republicans worked hard to keep the democrats out of power and its not going to be an over night thing to take this country back but they are starting here. this isnt a game, they are fighting back with one hand tied behind there back!!!

this is so great!!! i am so happy with what the democrats are doing. i love that republicans hate this. the tactics the republicans have been using for the past 8 years have been so apalling that the democrats were completely defensless against it. what they have been doing is something you just wouldnt expect from a political party in a democracy….the democrats are adapting now and actually stopping this corrupt group of politicians who are using loopholes to pass there bills….you can talk bad about democrats all you want but honestly who cares about the opinion of people that just dont know or care how the government is supposed to work. its time to take this country back from the ignorance!!

I am ashamed.
Why are you all taking sides?
We are no better than those who "represent" us.
Until the people can find one voice, this country will remain divided. Division causes weakness. With weakness comes death.
Death to America.
Enjoy your petty fights. Nero fiddles while Rome burns…

Wow, you have to give it to the Dems. They truly know how to legally "work" the system.

Recess Appointments are but one of the many powers given to the Executive Branch, and taking advantage of this option is not only legal but smart, too.

The Legislative Branch can't really even be accused of slight-of-hand, as they are also working within the confines of their powers as provided by the Constitution.

Keeping Congress "in session," even if the effort is merely window dressing designed to thwart the Executive Branch from exercising it's powers, is truly a brilliant move.

As a Conservative who does not share Congressional Democrats' stands on issues, I have to give credit where credit is due. Good show, indeed.

Good job guys! Way to get nothing done.

Most who smoked cigarettes and used drugs in high School do not become life long smokers and drug users. Bush was an addict in his 30s.

Compassionate,US ~ "Interesting how so many people are thankful the Dems found "courage" to stand up and do "something". Like this took great courage! If they really had some guts they would be for sticking with the war on terror, joining in and getting the job done instead of fighting those who are really the courageous ones. Oppose Bush=Support Terror. Wake up liberals. The terrorists would love to kill you and all your liberal ideology. Bush defends your freedom of thought. In helping the Iraqis he gave them hope for the same freedom."

Did somebody spike your kool-aid for the holiday season? Hope you have a designated driver.

Maybe if there were more Republicans with the guts to stand up to our idiot-in-chief and your party leaders, we wouldn't be in the mess we're in.

this is for jeff from jersey if you're still out there, I saw your reply post to mine and began to write a post where i carefully pointed out the many posts implying or expressing dismay at a seemingly unconstitutional (to a layperson) practice by President Bush, I was also going to point out the very clear implication of Senator Webb's own statement about protecting the constitution or some such political hyperbole, however i soon realized that none of this was necessary, you can read just as well as i can and you must have seen these statements and understood them in the context of the debate, so my only question for you then is this, why did you get so angry at my mentioning of a specific constitutional provision that vindicates the President's actions that you would stoop to using the caps lock key in your response,
HAPPY THANKSGIVING

The Senate is doing everything to prevent the President from appointing people that may not be qualify for the certain post, we certainlly cant blame them for that.

Interesting how so many people are thankful the Dems found "courage" to stand up and do "something". Like this took great courage! If they really had some guts they would be for sticking with the war on terror, joining in and getting the job done instead of fighting those who are really the courageous ones. Oppose Bush=Support Terror. Wake up liberals. The terrorists would love to kill you and all your liberal ideology. Bush defends your freedom of thought. In helping the Iraqis he gave them hope for the same freedom.

Why do they have 2 weeks paid vacation again? If they work as American people they would not need this farce: they would be in Congress today working.

only 4 grammatical/punctuation errors in two "sentences" Richard from West palm beach Fl,,,,,,,,, In YOUR hurry to correct me You missed the point I was trying to make. Let me try again ,but this time try and absorb what I am saying before you hammer those keys in response. people who think its funny or witty to bash sitting presidents in to oblivion , to pick apart news stories to create kaos just for kicks with no concrete facts, just hear-say and accusations from people trying to sell books or further there own careers, are exactly whats wrong with the world today. It seems no-one takes the time here to think first. This is a bash and run web site. debating the issues of the day is a thing of the past. Hate is the word of the day now. Our little fingers can hammer out hate faster than our minds can type the words correctly ( in my case it's computer illiteracy) How far have we all fallen when we can't even respond to an issue with out hate filled un-helpful comments that seperate us all as americans even furter than we already are ?,,,,,,, Did I make more sense this time Richard ?

Way to go Sen. Webb…job well done! About time someone is blocking our (tongue in cheek) President. Now, next step….IMPEACHMENT….Please!

This Webb has to be the most ignorant,egotistical member of the Senate.
Its embarassing to watch this low live,
we are not all devoid of ethics, and so bitter and angry out here to be impressed by this so called representative of the people!
Posted By lynne : November 22, 2007 10:43 am

Hi Lynne,

But i supposed you "Support the Troops"

You're a joke…Just like your President

I think it's absolutely hillarious that Reid decided to do this but gets junior senators to actually DO THE WORK of going to the senate and having the fake sessions. Where are the top Democratic front runners SENATORS Clinton and Obama? Where is SENATOR Reid? Where is SENATOR Pelosi? They have the guts to "stand up" to the administration on paper but then send lap dogs to actually do the standing.
Posted By John, Charleston SC : November 22, 2007 10:55 pm

Yo John…

You obviously have never served in any type or military or corporate setting; the, low folks on the totem pole always get the job; not like anyone had to twist Webb's; as a former Marine, he's knows full well what duty and honor are…

Something you and you chickenhawk friends know nothing about….

Don't you worry; after 2008 the Dems will be hard at work cleaning the hall of government up from all that GoP trash that has been sitting around; apathetic over the past few years…

Good deal…way to go Dems. Now, get up enough gumption to start IMPEACHMENT. Do not want to even hear "who will take over" if Bush, Chaney is impeached….how could America possibly be worse off…or the world for that matter!

I think it's absolutely hillarious that Reid decided to do this but gets junior senators to actually DO THE WORK of going to the senate and having the fake sessions. Where are the top Democratic front runners SENATORS Clinton and Obama? Where is SENATOR Reid? Where is SENATOR Pelosi? They have the guts to "stand up" to the administration on paper but then send lap dogs to actually do the standing.

"Bush has not done 1/2 of the crazy stuff Clinton did in office….wanna slightly used cigar?"

Are you kidding with this? Clinton screwed an intern, big deal. Bush is screwing everyone else. Including you, Einstein.

While the rest of the country complains about the ineffectiveness of Congress, I am getting what I voted for.
All I ever hoped for is that a bi partisan congress will at least slow this nation's descent. Doing nothing is preferred to the criminal antics of the Bush administration and a republican congress.

Another point,,,,Look at what must be done to keep Bush in check! What an utter disgrace!

I think it is great! If Bush won't cut deals with the oppostion why they let him off the hook? I wonder how many incumbents want Bush or Cheney to campaign for them next year? I can't find anyone now who will admit they voted for Bush when they are paying $3.00/ gallon for gas. The Dems will expand their majority in the Senate next year. The Republicans can thank Bush for that.Anyone seem Cheney lately??

If anything, it seems that the DEMOCRATS are the ones trampling on the Constitution - the Constitution allows for recess appointments, and, generally, this is a good example of a check/balance. The Senate gets to confirm nominees, but if they aren't doing their job (as they currently aren't), there's a way around it - recess appointments. Senator Webb is not protecting but abusing the Constitution.

Can't believe that someone would comment that this action is a win for the US Constitution. What a shame. We have so many problems here & around the world & our political appointees are playing games in the name of progress. Where does it stop. It is like kids on a school playground with one upmanship. Look what we got over on you! And people are actually responding that they want to see the Democrats doing more of this! It is a sad day when we think that we are getting things accomplished by playing games!

I think it awesome that Democrats are doing this, Still I want them come out and fight harder on the stuff, we been waiting for, GO DEMOCRATS and GO HILLARY!!!!!

When is this Congress going to call a session to order that actually accomplishs something for the American people? Evidently, having empty appointee slots in low level positions at the Justice, Agriculture and Veterans Affairs departments is much more important..

Announcing the latest perversion of the democratic party. Not only do they spend their paid time camPAINing, for years on end. They become poster children for the Do Nothing Congress, by running home for the holidays, while posting junior democraps to stand vigil over a chamber that gets as much done today, as they do any other day. DON'T VOTE FOR ANY INCUMBENTS, UNTIL THEY ARE ALL REPLACED, GET THE MESSAGE AND CLEAN THEIR ACTS UP!

Many presidents have made recess appointments. This is unfortunately what it has come to in order to prevent the Worse President Ever to keep from making more blunders the country cannot afford economically, politically and socially.

Bush, Cheney and crew have completely violated and lost the trust of the American people and the world. It is amazing how 2 men who had the most respect and support in the world on Sep-12, 2001, could have so pompously abused their power and squandered the opportunity to make the United States and world a better place.

Any impediment put in George Bush's maniacal path is a godsend!

Posted By Icarus : November 21, 2007 6:30 pm

So you like minded "clowns", you don't think this reeks of political absurdity?

This is not unconstitutional when a President uses recess appointments, it is purposely written in to give him a method of putting in the people he wants to as is his RIGHT, that way a DO NOTHING SENATE like we have, can't stop every aspect of the Presidents office.

"You go Dems", you morons sound like a bunch of childish third graders and considering NONE of you can grasp that this is his RIGHT and CHEERLEADING a DO NOTHING Senate and Congress, you prove your lack of knowledge as well.

No Bushie here as I think he is an idiot as well, but you people are speaking about something that you obviously can't grasp.

I didn't care if Clinton did this and I don't care if Bush does.

If it is such a horrible thing, let's see if the Senate can do something to change things instead of carting out a writer of childrens books GLORIFYING oral sex to play the "fool".

Do some research on this guys writings before you put him up there as a bastion of democracy.

It's delightfully devious.

Give 'em hell Harry!

Good for the Democrats. While recess appointments aren't necessarily UNconstitutional, Bush has abused the power by appointing radical ideologues to key positions by sidestepping congressional approval. For the delicate Republicans wallflowers out there who are clutching their pearls and wringing their lace hankies over Democratic "obstructionism", perhaps you should take a look at your side of the aisle. The Republicans have filibustered everything making it nearly impossible for any meaningful legislation to get through this term. It kind of makes me wish they HAD passed the "nuclear option" way back when, when the Democrats has THREATENED to filibuster. Oh wouldn't THAT be sweet. And if you want to know why this congress has low approval ratings, it is because the Democrats and independents are upset with the LACK of accountability for Bush and this administration, not because of it.

This Webb has to be the most ignorant,egotistical member of the Senate.
Its embarassing to watch this low live,
we are not all devoid of ethics, and so bitter and angry out here to be impressed by this so called representative of the people!

If the Republicans wanted to have a few senators show up for one of these pro-forma sessions, could the lone Democrat present stop the confirmation of all of the president's appointments? While they were having fun, could't they ratify a treaty or two as well? Our politicians need to stop playing games like this and work together to address the serious needs of the country.

I thank you 110th Congress. As I share bread with my grandchildren–I thank you for taking a stand and exclaiming patriotically to the Administration–America's democratic and legal processes will no longer be circumvented! Bravo! This President's only remaining power is the veto pen–and soon that will be null.

Go Democrats! I am very proud of what they are doing to stop this CRIMINAL that we call our President. He is a liar, a cheat, and a war monger whose main concern is lining the coffers of his friends in big business and of furthering the objectives of his blessed Skull & Bones society, whose main intent is world domination at the expense of millions of human lives.
Get him the heck out of the White House. Impeach him now!

I'm so glad Congress is taking TWO weeks off for Thanksgiving this year. More time for them to do nothing.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

They might as well keep it in session while they are at home. They have gotten nothing done while they are there. This is the worst congress in the history of our nation. all they are worried about is electing a democrat to the white house instead of getting something done for this country. Bush ain't the only one at fault Congress has the power to pass anything they want they just have to work together and get enough support from both party's But Pelosi and Reid have no leadership skills. They have divided this congress Its Pelosi and Reids fault. In some ways they have more power than the president they just have to unite the congress to have that kind of power.

Webb said in a statement. "This is an exercise in protecting the Constitution and our constitutional process."

Senator Webb needs to actually read the constitution. The Constitution allows recess appointments.

Webb appears to be a nonsensical blowhard. The ignorance of our elected officials is amazing.

Reid, in a floor speech, last week, said he would confirm various appointments if the administration would agree to move on Democratic appointments. "They would not make that commitment."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The GOP can't even pronounce "bi-partisan" - and its a real hoot to see all the kool-aide drinkers line up to kiss the GOP for doing nothing but be obstructionists for the last year and nothing but tax cuts for rich friends for the last 6 - in between defending themselves from a new scandal each week.

It's amusing to no end that many of these people posting here state how they want "their Constitution back," yet oppose the President's ability to make recess appointments per Article II, Section 2 of the same Constitution. But then again, recess appointments must have only been intended for Democratic presidents, right guys?

They must be part of this "now child left behind " stuff,,,,cynthia bisbee AZ,,, Us bush supporters want to teach them how to take tests,but not how to read,write,or think. Hmmmmmm cynthia check your spelling on your comment my liberal bush bashing friend. You and those like you are exactly whats wrong with the world today. your in such a hurry to get your 2 cents in you didn't even take time to " THINK " about checking " YOUR " spelling before you bashed the president for his education policies

WELL SAID,,Tonto from Ventura CA,, This recess apointment power is not somthing George Bush thought up !!! The great and powerful saviors of the people the democrats would like you to believe that if it were not for there mystical 6th sense like abilities, Our president WOULD have used this executive power and reshaped the evil empire for all of time !! Forever daming our souls to an eternal hell. CAN"T WE ALL JUST STOP AND THINK BEFORE WE SPEAK ?

The President is supposed to make appointments with the advice and consent of the Senate. As Senator Reid has correctly pointed out, President Bush has refused to take that advice; Senator Reid is simply refusing to allow Bush to make recess appointments because Bush won't take the advice of the Senate.

In addition, the President does not have the authority to make recess appointments for vacancies that did not occur during the recess. The Constitution is quite plain: "The President shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may happen during the recess of the Senate…" If the vacancy exists already, the President doesn't have the authority to make the recess appointment. Kudos to Senator Reid for keeping the Senate in session to block this theft of Legislative power by the Executive branch; Democrat Presidents and Republican Presidents have both abused it, but it took a Democrat to figure out how to block it and to implement that block!

This is a valid tool for stopping recess appointments, however, the democrats will have a hard time complianing about it when it is republicans blocking a democrat president.

I don't know why the President would make recess appointments anyhow. What ever happened to having up or down votes? Isn't that what Republicans stood for a mere year or two ago?

Hypocrites!!!!!!

And fillibustering is so much more Constitutional then recess appointments. Once again Democrats show that if they can't get something done it is better to do nothing at all because judge appointments matter so little….

Posted By Dave, NY, NY : November 21, 2007 4:43 pm

uh, actually that's the point Dave. Because judgeships are so important we don't want someone naming them who has shown such an astounding degree of incompetence in all matters.

Dave NY NY,

The Democrats haven't been filibustering. Rather, the Republicans have been using the threat of a filibuster an unprecedented number of times in order to force the supermajority vote needed to cutoff a GOP filibuster. Normally, a simple majority is needed to pass a bill, but if that were to happen, (a) some work might get done, and (b) the Democrats would win the vote.

I'm not sure where you get the idea that it's Democrats getting nothing done, since it's been the Republicans abusing this technique. They're filibustering at a rate three times the norm and they've gone as far as to admit that obstruction is their new favorite tactic.

Both sides are being immature. It is very unfortunate that it has come to this. It says something very sad about the political system. What Bush is doing may be constitutional but he is certainly violating the spirit of the constitution with his recess appointments.

Why not just appoint the people the president needs to do his job instead of being obstructionists. You people have no respect for the system and this is just another political play for points with no regard for consequences. Stop blaming Bush for your own personal shortfalls. Have some sense of pride and respect for the leader of the free world. You people sound like you belong in a socialist or communist state. I can only assume most of you came from those supressed societies. You want freedom but you cannont accept the blodshed that comes with it. You want civil right but you are scared to defend them. You want all these things but you don't have the courage to stand up for anything. George W Bush has the courage to push forward while you cowards hide behind your computers and spew hateful propaganda. If you want to be a coward thats your choice… but don't have the aduacity to critize the one man who has the strength and the courage to understand that this war will take 15 years to win. The cost of democracy will be millions of lives lost. The consequences of failure will be 6 billion lives lost. You are either with us or against us… there is no middle. "Terrorism is terrible, but we're gonna smoke 'em out of their holes!" George W Bush

This act is certainly a step in right direction. I would to see the same backbone when it comes to getting US out of Iraq.

With all the lies and deception "This President" and his cronies have used against the American people and the "Truth" that Scott McCellen has stated it looks like this is the only way to stop the immoral and law breaking of an out of control predident.

There are people here complaining about the Senate doing nothing. They're mistaken.

The Senate is trying to do something. The only problem is that King George will veto anything they pass for the good of our country. The only thing Bush cares to sign are bills to have more of our tax dollars poured into the black hole he created in Iraq.

Great; our junior senator is standing fire watch. Maybe when the big boys and girls return he might get them to do something about the AMT, the disappearing dollar, stopping illegal immigration, a real GI Bill and winning the war. Or they may just let him hang out the prop wash or watch for the mail bouy.

This just shows what morons Democrats are, You can't get past the partisan politics! recess appointments are made and have been made by both partys not just Bush, But most Democrats on this blog apparently are too stupid or stubborn to admit this. If the roles were reversed and a Democratic president were making the appointments you goofs would be fine with that. People in both party's need to grow up and do their jobs! Democrats think president Bush has done such a bad job, but the Democrats in power for the last eight years have done nothing but obstruct the president every step of the way for no other reason but the fact that their party lost the presidency in the last two elections. Grow up and work together or step down and let someone who care's for the people not their political party do these job's. And I mean Republican's as well as Democrats!!!

Just remember paybacks are hell. If Hillary and her liberal friends have their way with raising taxes on the middle class, actually get socialized medicine, and make Americans have to drive K-Cars again there will be another 1994 revolution and the Senate should stay in session all year long so that we do not get another law making judiciary or someone who would sell out our nation to the UN.

You people are disgusting. Hatemongers, all of you. Do you say or do anything positive? As far as impeaching Bush, unlike Clinton, he has done nothing impeachable. If you all were not so lazy and did a little research you'd find that 80% of the crap you complain about is not true. However, there will always be the sloven among us, too lazy to find the truth they just parrot the loudest voice.

The Democrats should not be allowed to use this tatic as they are the ones who have stalled the nomination progress with politics. The President should be allowed to make appointments during a recess when the process is congested with pointless politics. I am so disgusted at this gridlock that I will never vote for a democrat again.

Ask yourselves these questions? Does the President have the right to make recess appointments (YES)? Does the President have the right to present appointments to the Senate for confirmation (YES)? Has the President received an Up or Down vote from the Senate on these appointments (NO)? What is the appropriate course of action? Do we not fill the positions or do we wait for the Senate to actually do something instead of delay, delay, delay, delay…. it would be one thing if the President did not provide appointment candidates and the surprised everyone with recess appointments… but work in this country needs to go on, even if the Senate work goes undone…

"A single Democrat senator pounding the gavel in an empty Senate Chamber - Quite appropriate symbol for a do-nothing Senate with the lowest approval rating in history! This will make a great Republican campaign commercial in 2008.
Posted By Roland Olsen : November 21, 2007 5:35 pm"

"It's the Holiday Break, Congress is not even supposed be in session anyway, you clown"

Based on the Dem Congress approval rating that have so far they have a better chance of getting something done with one person sitting in Congress than all of them combined.

Good for Congress. They've done something useful for once.

Even though this makes me mad, I gotta hand it to those leftys, they are determined…
http://democratequalssocialist.wordpress.com/

"A single Democrat senator pounding the gavel in an empty Senate Chamber - Quite appropriate symbol for a do-nothing Senate with the lowest approval rating in history! This will make a great Republican campaign commercial in 2008.
Posted By Roland Olsen : November 21, 2007 5:35 pm

It's the Holiday Break, Congress is not even supposed be in session anyway, you clown

Posted By Icarus : November 21, 2007 6:30 pm"

This is my favorite argument from the republican bush supporters. The reason the senate has done "nothing" is because everything they pass bush vetoes without even reading it. he tells them he will veto it before it is even brought to the floor for a vote. The man is simply doing one thing: Making the democratic senate look as though they accomplished nothing so that the Republicans will have a chance to win back the majority. if we got rid of partisan politics and just acted in america's best interests ALL THE TIME, WOW, the possibilities are endless…but now that's just crazy talk, why would we do that? Why would we care more about america than political parties??? Money, money, money, mon - ey!

stop defending a broken system, a corrupt president (see reports on Scott McClellan's upcoming book), and money hungry politicians. Pick up a book, educate yourself and stop watching Reality TV…IGNORANCE KILLED AMERICA!

"So is Senator Webb a liar in saying that he is protecting the Constitution, or is he just unfamiliar with what it says ? And the last Democratic President did not make recess appointments, eh ? Oooops !!

All this is is evidence of further Democrat obstructionism. They won't give the judges hearings to get an up-or-down vote, and then they strut out a clown like Webb. How low can the approval ratings for the Democratic Congress go ? We will see !

Posted By Jim in Orlando, FL : November 21, 2007 5:52 pm"

THE POINT HERE IS NOT THAT HE IS MAKING RECESS APPT'S , THE POINT IS WHO HE IS APPOINTING. THE MAN CONTINUES TO PUT PEOPLE WHO HAVE ABSOLUTLEY NO BUSINESS BEING INVOLVED IN THE OPERATION OF ANY PART OF OUR GOV'T, INTO POSITIONS OF AUTHORITY. THIS IS THE MAIN ISSUE.

TYPICAL OF A BUSH SUPPORTER TO COMPLETELY MISS THE ENTIRE POINT.

I think that this is the an icredibly great way of showing President Bush that this will be one occassion that he will not circumvent the constitution to do as he pleases. I guess Dick Cheney didn't see that loophole, otherwise the president would have already gone around it.

thanks …democrats from letting bush do as he pleases

Why not do it if you have the majority to. Not like the GOP didn't pull tricks like this when they had the gavel. How about Iraq, though?

http://www.political-buzz.com/

Somehow I don't see anywhere in the story that they actually DID anything productive, like feed the poor, or find an alternative to our oil dilemma, or even stop one child from being abused.

Thank God we have a Democratically dominated Senate!!! Thank God for Nancy Pelosi!!!

If they can do it, what's to stop them? Not like the Republicans never pulled tricks like this when they were holding the gavel. Can they do the same to Iraq?

http://www.political-buzz.com/

I love it how people bash legitimate Reagan appointees b/c they can't get past their hatred for Dems. This is special, the same people who carry on about Web are the same one's who will vote for a liberal Giuliani just because he's "their liberal". And these would be the same people would support a Zell Miller if he was blocking a potential appointee from a Dem Prez hypothetically.

The only thing that impresses me about the Republican Party is that there are many who have come out in good conscience to take a stand against what THEY KNOW IS UNEQUIVICALLY WRONG AND ABSURD.

Kudos to all the Republicans taking it on the chin from fellow Republicans who can't face the obvious truth.

An ACTUAL GUTSY BALLS-TO-THE-WIND STEEL TOE to the Bush midsection by the Democrats.

About time. Geez. Do it again. Please. What took you so long?

Happy Thanxgiving, Democrats. For one day at least, you're not weenies. Enjoy your holiday.

Try #2
What I said earlier and was not posted is that it seems to me that the congress rather than posting a Sentry in the Hall of Congres to make sure nothing Our President wants get done!!

Yes lets post Sentrys (ie congress person not getting anything done) by our borders to protect our Great Nation. No nation bar none can have the kind of no boarder control that we have in not have real serious problems. And what about that fence that was voted to be built to control our Mexican Border.

Our congress and president have failed misserably in not getting the laws of the land enforced. It is time for the voters of America to take to the polls and lets get rid of all the Dems & Repubs. All they do is stand and bicker
Vote Independat next time. For the Person and not the Party. Term limits/ Congress on Social Security/ Provide their own health care/ Then they will know what the people they represent are going thru/ Now they are soisolated from reality in their own world/ The two party system can't get anything done!! We just need representation of the people/ by the people/ They work for us and don't even ask for a raise/ They are just stealing it from Middle Class Working Americans. They are out of control and need to be stoped.

Dave from NY: "Once again Democrats show that if they can't get something done it is better to do nothing at all because judge appointments matter so little…."

Judge appointments matter so much to Democrats and to people like me that the Dems are blocking Bush from appointing more religiously-stupid, anti-science, pro-corporate fascists to critical federal positions. So you're mistaken. They're doing a hell of a lot.

It's the gutsiest thing they've managed to do since they won a [albeit non-veto proof] majority last November.

Wake up and smell the coffee, Dave.

Just out of curiosity,has anyone else noted that the only person in the world with a higher American body count since september the eleventh 2001 is Geirge W.Bush?I was only wondering how many Body Bags must tearfully return before we as a Nation scream UNCLE!!!!!!!!!

Bush Lied, (and still does)
He should have Died.
The President from "AWOL"

This beats the 3 day work week the Dem-led congress has been working. CNN wants us to feel sorry for who? Hopefully Americans elect more non-incumbents (Rep., Dem and Ind. alike) that actually like "doing their job" vs. feeling like we owe them one for working (granted one at a time, taking turns for a political stunt) like the rest of America does. Next…getting them to pay the taxes they impose.

Way to go Jim! We support you!

Hey, what's that sleeze ball George Allen up to these days?

Thanksgiving…what a perfect time to say "Thanks!" to the Senate for finally doing something resourceful. A toast!

Webb is a good senator. If he was just a little stronger against illegal immigration he'd be amazing.

He voted against increasing the national debt limit of the U.S. and he voted against war mongering against iran (a pointless bill that did nothing but make the U.S. look aggresively stupid, but passed because senators (not Webb) were too worried their patriotism might be called into question).

I hope he maintaines his fiscal conservatism.

Thank you Senator Webb and have a happy Thanksgiving.

For those who said recess appointments are constitutional…that's technically true. In the 18th century, COngress would be in recess for months…not days.

Neocons seem to always ignore context…

There's so much wild information and self appretiation here… It's like watching an episode of kid nation.

Fact: Sen Webb is not here because he wants to be here. He's low man on the totem pole, so he gets the lame job.

Fact: If Bush wants to make a recess appointment, he's not breaking any laws or violating the contitution. Thus, the Dems aren't protecting anything except their ability to prevent anything from getting done.

All I see are some overstuffed Democratic peacocks strutting around crying "wolf"

Bless you, Senator Webb. Who knows what would have gone on without your vigilance. Keep up the great work!!!

I'll volunteer to stand guard, too. Impeach Bush. 9/11 was an inside job.

I praise the intent behind the maneuverings here. We should not allow Bush to recess appoint controversial justices, etc.

However, the Republicans can and will someday do this to a Democrat president.

You've got to wonder if this isn't the lowest form of desperation for the Democrats! They have been trying in vain to get at Bush, even losing big time on Iraq, and will eventually lose to the Republicans in 2008! Why? They have no real agenda other than to engage Bush. Where is their own agenda to show how they will do better or different? There's none! It's all about petty politics and they hope to make news with petty politics. Watch how Giuliani is going to sweep the country. America needs someone with a vision and guts. That's Giuliani.

Yea ! ! !

Justice for…rather "from" the American people.

"because judge appointments matter so little"

Really… they don't especially if they are nothing but rubber stampers for Bush Co.

Good for the Democrats! Reid tried to make a deal with the President and Bush refused, so drastic measures may be called for. Bush is refusing to make appointments to three panels that by law have to have Democratic appointees so why is the President dragging his feet?
I remember watching Republicans and also reading about it, that when Clinton made a recess appointment of an Ambassordship, Republicans threatened to never confirm another judicial appointee he put forth for the rest of his term if he ever made a recess appointee again without the republicans okay.
Nice to see at Thanksgiving that what was good for the gander is also good for the goose.
Happy Thanksgiving to my neighbours.

I just wish I could get a Nevada land deal like Sen. Harry Reid got.

BUSH IS TAKING THIS COUNTRY TO THE BIGGEST CRISIS IN THE HISTORY, HE'S MAKING BILLIONS WITH HIS OIL AND WEAPONS COMPANIES, WE HAVE TO STOP HIM!

Nice to see the Dems are finally accomplishing something in Washington; they haven't done much of anything else in the past year. If this is the best that Pelosi and Co. can can brag about doing in Washington, their time as the majority party will (hopefully) be a short one.

The Bush administration is reaping the rewards of arrogance and hubris and the dirty politics engineered by Karl Rove. Vote for Hillary and end the nightmare in Iraq.

BJ made recess appointments. So why was it OK for him to do it? Why was there no talk of "protecting the Constitution" when BJ made recess appts.?

Considering the list of accomplishments that this Congress has achieved in the past 11 months is somewhere between zero and minus one, is there really any difference between a fully-attended Senate and one which only has a single member showing up?

"Not much news here. As a Virginian, it is not surprising there is no one around to listen to this hot head. Hopefully, he can add "one term Senator" to his resume.""

was "Posted By Anonymous, Hampton, VA "

Spoken like a true chickenhawk hypocrite…Webb may be a one term senator, kind of like the sound of Vice President Webb think about it. All the power that now goes to Dick Cheney would go to Webb!!!

the majority of Americans DON't get Wednesday before Thanksgiving off. Why do the Congress get it off?!

Another example of a do nothing Congress, and the feeble minded that support this action.

The President is to appoint nominees, and the Congress is to vote on them up or down. They refuse to act in what is their express duty. They have the majority in the Senate (the two indies lean their way), so why are they afraid of votiing on the nominees? If they pass, it would be by a majority of the nations Senators, or get his, representatives of the people. So they stall, stall, stall, in the mean time these posts stay vacant, and the jobs that are suppose to be getting accomplished are not. And they pull this ridiculous juvenile stunt and there are feeble minded people cheering it. Vote on the appointees. If a majority of the Senators elected by the people vote for them to serve, so be it. It the majority votes against, so be it too. Then we can have others a nominated. But this is continuously a do nothing Congress posturing for elections the day they were sworn in. No wonder nothing gets done.

I am proud of you guys (gals)!
Keep up the good work!

democrats are the 4s'es: socialist, segragationist, secularist and special interest. Down with them all! Conservatives are the only hope for this country

Typical hypocritics, didn't hear a word from these that are now applauding during the Clinton years. We are certainly in the age where partisian hacks show no shame or class.

Why isn't that war criminal Harry Reid standing guard over his empty Senate? Is he too busy "protecting the Constitution" by jousting with radio talk show hosts and the Ottoman Empire?

And the absurdity of a do-nothing Democratic Congress continues ….

Here's for amusement of our "representatives" at work ….

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/26b0d09397

When does Bush take the page out of Pakistan's playbook…and suspend the Surpeme Court, declare Martial Law and be KING GEORGE.
Watch…this SOB has it in his eye.

It is pretty sad that the Democrats have to resort to this, but Dubba is so determined to do his worst, that it is necessary. Cheers to all of you! And thanks for containing Bush in at least this small way. Bush too shall pass!

I wonder what you would have said if Pres. Bush fired all of the U.S. Attorney's.

—

For the historically challenged: Bush DID FIRE ALL of the prosecutors when he took office. Republicans NEVER mention that FACT.

Bush has now made 20 more recess appointments in 6 years than Clinton did in 8 years. In addition, Bush's fellow Republican Ronald Reagan made 100 MORE appointments than Clinton.

We need to get rid of the recess appointments or modify the rules, but one party has obviously taken more advantage than the other.

Hey Mark,

First I'm not a Democrat nor a Republican and sadly have had to cast my vote for the lesser of 2 evils in most elections.
The things Bill Clinton did in office didn't ruin the economy, isolate the middle class, kill thousands and wound 10's of thousands of Americans. They didn't abandon the rest of the world's perspective and destroy our standing and credibility in the world. Get over the cigar thing once and for all. Don't be a fool! That had zero relevance to governing the country. Ask yourself this and maybe the picture will be simplified for you. Are you or the country better or worse than 7 years ago?
Clinton is shady and surely did questionable things, but they did not cost us like the decisions of George Bush. He is a joke and the biggest embarassment to the office in our history. We will be paying for his mistakes for many years to come. Scary to think there's people out there so blinded to the facts thet they still support the cokehead , alcholoic, brainless idiot.

"So is Senator Webb a liar in saying that he is protecting the Constitution, or is he just unfamiliar with what it says ? And the last Democratic President did not make recess appointments, eh ? Oooops !!

All this is is evidence of further Democrat obstructionism. They won't give the judges hearings to get an up-or-down vote, and then they strut out a clown like Webb. How low can the approval ratings for the Democratic Congress go ? We will see !"
"Seems like someone forgot to read the whole article, President Bush was/is not the only President to utilize this procedure, Buddy Bill even used it."

… and the Republican Majority Senate that SHUT DOWN THE GOVERNMENT during the Clinton Era, they weren't obstructionist!?! It wasn't obstructionist to try and impeach our president over a marital indiscretion; but, it's unpatriotic to want W impeached for Iraq and defacing our Constitution!?!

Fire the Lier! Fire Congress! Fire EVERY Appointee! AND

FIRE PARTISANISM!!!

"This is an exercise in protecting the Constitution and our constitutional process."
What a crock. This does not protect the Constitution. The Constitution provides for recess appointments. Clinton even did 140 of them. These politicians (both parties) have gone so overboard on turning politics into a game that they have to win no matter the cost to this country. It sure would be nice to see them work for the citizens of this country for a change rather than for their party or for their re-election. Vote on nominees and judges. Be done with it. What are they all afraid of? This is not just now, but also when the Republicans controlled Congress. It seems so much of "you did this when you were in power" or "you won't approve ours so we won't approve yours". Grow up. Can't we call a truce and start over? Get the nominees a vote and have the president approve whoever is voted in. These people remind me of an elementary school playground. Neither side is truthful in how they present the issues in an effort to paint the other guy as evil and them as the do-gooders. Pathetic. Really pathetic. Oh, and a lot of you posting comments here are pathetic as well. Bush is evil, democrats are perfect. Let's not forget that the other major nations thought Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. Saddam even said he was purposely giving that impression in an effort to keep Iran from attacking Iraq. Bush didn't lie. A lie means you knew the truth and said what you knew was not the truth. He might have made a blunder in believing what his intelligence was telling him. Impeach him? for what? What crime did he commit? He led us into a war that at the time most people were in favor of.

Hey everybody, don't get all worked up! This whole thing is just political granstanding. Whom do you think is filling the "key spots in the departments of Justice, Agriculture and Veterans Affairs" during the vacancies? It is deputies of those departments. For whom do those deputies work? President Bush!

Things are not looking very well for Republicans these days… even in red states like Alabama. The latest genearl election poll from Alabama out today has Clinton very competitive, and within single-digits in a state Bush won by 26 points.

Protecting the Constitution?

Whast about the Constitutional authority of the President to make recess appointments?

Oh, protection is only valid for Democrats playing this out like spoiled little brats who throw tantrum because they don't like being shown up as idiots.

“Not much news here. As a Virginian, it is not surprising there is no one around to listen to this hot head. Hopefully, he can add "one term Senator" to his resume.
Posted By Anonymous, Hampton, VA : November 21, 2007 4:50 pm “

My thoughts exactly(one-term)! Remember Democratic Senator Webb from Virginia (Virginia- one of the largest military instillations) only won by less than 10,000 votes (over 2 million were cast). I’d bet my last dollar there were 10,000 military(home of records VA) serving overseas, who would have changed the out-come of that Senate race, had their votes been recorded. For those who don’t understand the “Military-Way” : Sometimes when your caught up in the middle of a WAR and your hunting the enemy, trying to avoid hostile fire , things like “absentee ballots” take a back-seat to survival in a combat zone. No surprise! Democratic politics as usually.

George Bush has stuck his middle finger up to the Democrats and to the Constitution during his entire time in power, and his supporters have the nerve to come on here and describe the Democrats' actions as childish and do-nothing. I have a message for them; this is how our system of government is supposed to work. Certain branches of government must protect our Country from the irresponsibility of other branches. To use one of your lines - if you don't like it, then leave - there are other countries where dictatorships are waiting to welcome you with open arms.

How is this protecting the constitution????? It is written in the constitution that he is allowed to make recess appointments. Even your golden boy Bill Clinton did it. You democrats are so backwards in your thinking

Imagine, if you will, high-noon on January 20, 2009. Imagine…

Israel is the only Middle East country with nukes? How about Pakistan and India? And Iran is most assuredly working toward nuclear weapons.

DEMOCRATS NEED TO GET OFF THEIR BUTTS AND PROVIDE AN UP OR DOWN VOTE, THEN BUSH WOULDN'T HAVE TO DO THIS.

Quit talking about this as if Clinton didn't do this 140 times himself. Bush is no more violating the Constitution than they are.

Cry baby Dems.

I'm no Republican and i'm no fan of Bush but jeez, you folks that want Bush impeached obviously haven't read that section of the Constitution very well. There are specific guidelines regarding what violations a President must commit before he's allowed to be impeached and technically, there's nothing to prove that he violated any of those guidelines. As much as yall want him impeached, it just can't happen, legally that is, and until anything can be proven, impeachment would be unlawful.

One wonders how the great country called America became great and continues to be great with silliness such as this. Arent some of these appointments required to keep the business of government and law moving forward.

Pelosi promised a new government but this looks just like the old government. Instead of an elephant (republican) we have an ass (donkey) (democrat).

I am not saying that Bush is great - far from it. But this 22 second session is just being silly and immature. games will not make our country great again and competitive.

Undecided - all the candidates seem weak. http://www.what-a-world.com

I don't see how this prevents President Bush from "circumventing the Constitution." A recess appointment doesn't circumvent the Consitution at all — it's written in black and white in Article II, Section 2.

As for the Democrats having guts, why don't they actually stand up to the President on the war funding if that is what they truly believe? The answer is they are just too plain scared of the political repercussions.

What a bunch of children, this is the Commander-in Chief you idiots!

Thank you and God Bless You.

Bush is NOT how Democracy works.

Secrecy is how the Nazis handled Germany and Bush should never be allowed to turn us back as a Free people according to his own mainly liarfull agenda.

Thank you.

Peace to you and yours.

Thank you Lord.

It's about time the Dems grew some "kahunas." I was beginning to think only Hillary had them at this point in time.

I love American politics…sounds very bureaucratic! Happy Thanksgiving!

Gotta love that self rightious wing! Keep the ignorance flowing, go back to your fair and balanced fox news, and wallo in your hatred! Like spoiled children, you all whine like babies when you do not have it your way. Welcome back Constitution! Where have you been the last 7 years? Oh yeah, almost forgot, Hijacked by that self rightious wing

It seems that to the Democratic controlled congress, this is all just a game. While the President has taken extreme measures to ensure that all Ameicans are protected from radial terrorists, at home and abroad, the Democrats appear to be protecting Americans from the President! It's no wonder they'll go down in history as the do-nothing congress, playing their little games, while the country is at war with fanatics that want to hurt the American way of life by any means and any way they can. No thank you Democrats. My Thanks go the our President for his courage.

I welcome any motion to stop the Bush agenda.

Virginia has always provided men of leadership, from the birth of this Republic straight through to Sen. Webb. Our Constitution demands the same protection that it provides.

Yes! Yes! Way to go Democrats! Im proud of them. Bush REALLY needs to GO! He is an incompetent president and leadership. Bush should be impeached.

A single Democrat senator pounding the gavel in an empty Senate Chamber - Quite appropriate symbol for a do-nothing Senate with the lowest approval rating in history! This will make a great Republican campaign commercial in 2008.
Posted By Roland Olsen : November 21, 2007 5:35 pm

It's the Holiday Break, Congress is not even supposed be in session anyway, you clown

I have to say this is a surprising measure that democrats are taking but I do support it fully. I don't trust GWB and we all know how sneaky he is.

I am suprised there are still people supporting Bush and the republicans. They must be part of his "now child left behind" stuff. Teach them how to take tests, but not how to read, write, or think.

Wow. It's pretty sad when we are trying to block our own leader for the good of the nation… Seriously, if this is a real Democracy then WHY is he not impeached yet???

I would like to retract my previous post. I suppose it helps to read the full link.

I think it is a disgrace that a president would do this behind the American people's back.

Maybe we should write what we are thankful for and invest time with family and friends rather than diving into this bipartisan bull.

No one was begruding Bush's right to fire and hire U.S. asst. AGs at the START of a term. Every president does that as they do with the cabinet posts, etc. What peopkle were upset about, my dear Repugnantcan pukes, is that Bush did it for no reason other than the attorneys were acting independent and weren't taking orders from Rove, Cheney and that sorry sack Gonzo. They were fired for political reasons…nothing more.

The article might have more impact if there was a list of positions the president planned to fill via "recess appointments." Did he plan to appoint 10 people? 0 people? As far as I can tell, this act by the senators appears to be a waste of time. Not surprising considering the nature of Congress.

I'm impressed that there are still people who are willing to criticize the Senate over this. Is