Senators go to Washington DC to talk. As a Senator, and also the majority leader, Harry Reid talks a lot. He talks a lot, but he is definitely not very inspiring – boring would be a better adjective to use. Not all of what he says makes sense. Conservatives would say none of what he says makes sense, but let’s skip that for now.
Harry Reid ended up back in the headlines Monday, when he accused Republicans of being partially responsible for the Russian annexation of Crimea. His shocking remarks came prior to a test vote on a bill authorizing more U.S. sanctions on Russia and $1 billion in loan guarantees to Ukraine.
Reid told Republicans they should consider “how their obstruction affects United States’ national security as well as the people of Ukraine.”
The senate was stunned by whispering Harry’s words.
Sen. Reid continued his quiet waffling, saying, “Since a few Republicans blocked these important sanctions last work period, Russian lawmakers voted to annex Crimea and Russian forces have taken over Ukrainian military bases. It’s impossible to know whether events would have unfolded differently if the United States had responded to Russian aggression with a strong, unified voice.”
Reid is known for his quirky comments, often at inappropriate times, but this week, it was actually a straightout accusation that Senate Republicans colluded with the Russians to take over the Crimea.
It was a strange speech, because most Republicans and Democrats in Congress already support providing Ukraine with much-needed economic assistance. – So threre was no need to
The really interesting thing about Senator Reid’s comment is that it was he who rejected the legislation that already passed in the House of Representatives. Senator Reid and the Senate Democrats blocked the Senate from taking up the House legislation before the recess. Republicans could have used Reid’s own argument against him, but they didn’t.
When the bill that Harry Reid was waffling about comes to the Senate floor, it should easily pass with 60 votes or more. Reid’s bizarre words may have been designed specifically to irritate Republicans, and likely will nix a compromise with the GOP-controlled House.
The low quality of leadership in Congress and the bloody mindedness of both parties is a big reason for the Congressional gridlock we see and hear about every day. With luck, Senator Reid will lose control over the Senate gavel this November.
Just in time, because he seems to be losing his marbles as well.
