There’s an old saying that Republicans play by the rules and Democrats play to win. This old saw was on display big time last night in the United States House of Representatives. For the lowdown, here’s a news release on the shenanigans put out by Rep. John Shadegg, Arizona Republican.
DEMOCRACY OVERRULED: Democrats Abuse Power – Alter Vote Count
WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Democrats last night overruled a clear vote showing that the Republican Motion-to-Recommit on the Agriculture Appropriations bill had passed. Democrats ruled, instead, that the motion failed.
With the vote total boards at each end of the House Chamber clearly showing the Republican motion prevailing by a vote of 215 to 213 and the word “FINAL” displayed beside that count, the Democrat Chairman gaveled the vote closed, announcing the Republican motion had failed on a 214 to 214 tie.
“I have been here almost 13 years and I thought I had seen it all, but tonight’s display of corrupt, raw, partisan political power was stunning,” said Rep. John Shadegg (AZ-03). “I honestly didn’t think this could happen in America. This is a sad day for the U.S. House and a tragic day for our nation.”
Following a protracted period of chaotic protest and procedural wrangling, Democrats altered the displayed vote total two more times. However, when Democrats refused to acknowledge their abuse of power and accept the passage of the motion, Republicans walked out en masse in protest.
“If my vote doesn’t count, what point is there in voting?” Shadegg said. “I owe it to my constituents and to this nation to demand integrity and fairness in the operations of this institution.”
Chuck Muth writes at http://citizenoutreachblog.com/?p=441
