No Compromise Part 2

This morning I stated that in my opinion the Democrats in no way should compromise with the Republicans on the "nuclear option". My dear friend Bill in DC does not agree.

I think there are big risks for the Democrats in forcing the issue. I don't think it's at all clear that they will benefit. And perhaps having made an effort at compromise beforehand will bolster their case for shutting down the Senate, which may not be at all popular, in the event the Republicans are able to eliminate the filibuster. And who knows? Biden may be offering a compromise in the knowledge that it won't be accepted, so that the Democrats can later say they tried to compromise. Also, maybe the nuclear option should be kept in reserve for Supreme Court appointments. I guess I'm just not willing at this point to second-guess Democratic senators, who are in a much better position than I to assess the strategic considerations. At any rate, I wouldn't necessarily excoriate them for trying to come up with a compromise. After all, the Democrats are in the minority and have to play the few cards they still hold much more carefully than the Republicans.

I remain convinced that compromise is just as risky if not even riskier than no compromise.
You can't trust Senator Frist
In order to reach a compromise you must trust that the other party will fulfill their part of the bargain. The theocrats in the Senate, including Bill Frist have shown a pattern of lies and deception. Recently Senator Frist has lied about the historic use of the filibuster and the origin of the term "nuclear option". The Bill Frist Republicans would feel no obligation to hold up their end of any "compromise".
The nuclear option and the Religious right
There is a growing distrust and even fear of the extreme Radical Christian Right. The battle over the filibuster has become associated with this Radical Christian fringe. Polls show that a majority of Americans oppose removing the filibuster for judicial appointments.
Moral support for rational Republican Senators
I suspect that there are more Republicans than we might think who are uneasy about the nuclear option. Even a wingnut like Rick Santorum realizes it could hurt him in next years election. The Republicans have shown during the John Bolton hearings that they are willing to leave the reservation when the Democratic minority stands united and firm.

A compromise is not without risks but I can't see any rewards. The no compromise stand may carry some risks but the rewards could be great.

NO COMPROMISE