Senator Ted Cruz’s non-filibuster filibuster, monopolizing the Senate floor for the ninth hour as I type these words, is easy to characterize — if you are Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbert.
Easy to make fun of, especially when the senator read Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham as a bedtime story for his children — via C‑Span.
It’s not a filibuster, since it stops no vote. It’s not even a speed-bump on the way to a vote. It’s something of a demonstration by one senator and a few of his allies to highlight the dangers of the Democrats’ Affordable Care Act, and the necessity to repeal it. Marshaling emails, tweets, and open letters, Cruz hopes to pressure the unmovable Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to allow a vote on an amendment to defund Obamacare.
The point is this: Attacking Obamacare can’t help but seem quixotic. Like Don Quixote tilting at windmills, we who want less government — who want to limit government — often find ourselves jousting with giants who don’t budge, or (ahem) budget.
So of course we do appear comic, now and then.
But there’s also a reason that when Broadway and then Hollywood turned Cervantes’ classic into a musical, Don Quixote became something of a hero. The dream of justice, of economy, of equality before the law, of humility before the forces of nature, and resilience before the hordes of delusional politicians, does seem impossible.
But not fighting it, whatever peaceful way we can, would be disgraceful.
Ted Cruz is heroic.
This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.
10 replies on “To Dream the “Impossible” Repeal”
“Ted Cruz is heroic”
The line reminds me of the saying, “In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.”
Mr. Cruz is simply exercising his rights as a U.S. Senator. Because of that fact, he might be seen as heroic, but only by virtue of the fact that there are so few that are willing or able to perform the duties as a representative of their respective state’s constituents.
Let us not aggrandize the Senator’s actions too much. For doing so legitimizes the inaction so many are guilty of within the buildings up on the hill.
Don’t often disagree with you Paul, but this time I do- big time.
There is nothing heroic about Cruz’s windmill tilt. It is simply a personal show for his own personal ambitions. Even the House Republicans effort is grandstanding with only ill effect. we’ve all gotten the point of their pointless demands long ago.
If Cruz and House Republicans want to effectively deal with Obamacare, they should simply let it fail, then have full public support for the necessary changes. OR, they could be offering specific changes and amendments now, but they are squandering any credibility to do so.
Less Don Quixote, more Ignatius J. Reilly — without the charisma.
Ted Cruz is a national embarrassment. He even embarrasses us down here in Texas, and we put up with John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchinson, two know-nothing do-nothing lapdogs for the GOP!
…and one more thing. If Ted Cruz wanted to spotlight Obamacare, why doesn’t he spend 24 hours reading the whole ACA? Well, because Green Eggs and Ham gets him on TV, and the objective is NOT dismantling of Obamacare, its the canonization of Ted Cruz.
Amen! ! !
If more had the same courage of their convictions, he could not be accused of self — aggrandizing. Ted Cruz is a true hero.
Ted Cruz ran on a campaign promise to stop ObamaCare.
Like it or not. Watching a politician actually keeping a campaign promise is refreshing.
Yes in today’s day and age, keeping your promise is heroic.
.… Ted Cruz is heroic.
.… This is Common Sense .…
It is, indeed.
.… I’m Paul Jacob .…
Thank you for your life!
Wish my senators here in Georgia had even half as much gumption and fealty to the Constitution. They would say that they do but are quiet about it. (Which is similar to not having it.)
I admire anyone who stands for their convictions instead of silently making back door deals. Our government is a den of thieves & I am grateful that once in awhile a patriot rises. Thank you, Ted Cruz.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
― Margaret Mead