Well, They Began It

From the West Side Story Song Tonight


BERNARDO AND SHARKS 
We said, "O.K., no rumpus, 
No tricks." 
But just in case they jump us, 
We're ready to mix 
Tonight. 

ALL 
We're gonna rock it tonight, 
We're gonna jazz it up and have us a ball! 
They're gonna get it tonight; 
The more they turn it on the harder they'll fall! 

RIFF AND JETS 
Well, they began it! 

BERNARDO AND SHARKS 
Well, they began it! 


Ah, yes!  Politics!  It's turned into some kind of ugly gang fight.

Only the politicians don't look as good when they dance.

It's true.  The tit for tat drives us crazy.  Even people whose views may differ wonder why can't just compromise and get along.

In theory, at least.  In practice, the mess we have is the mess, we the voters, have created.

Yes, the Supreme Court nominee that Trump has selected is highly conservative, and will contribute to a majority that will cause damage and resistance to the progressive change that is needed for years to come.  Corporations are people with superior religious rights to individuals?  Ugh!  Just great.

But you know what?  Elections have consequences.  Even thin electoral college victories that are aided by the FBI and Russia.  Not to mention that Republicans control the House, Senate and most of the states.

But you know what?  All of that changed in February 2016.  All civility fell out the window, any sense of respect for constitutionality and the other side, that all vanished.  The Republicans decided that they would deny a President the right to select a new Supreme Court Justice.  They had no hearings.  They held no vote.

They changed the rules of the game, and shredded how our government is supposed to work.  It was unprecedented.  It was wrong. 

There was even noise among the Republicans that when Hillary won (and most thought that - I mean, who could imagine someone as horrible and as unfit to lead as the P-Grabber actually winning?) they would block her nominations - four years, eight years, whatever it takes.  They would let the Supreme Court dwindle to zero if necessary.

So, yes.  On paper, we should eventually let the White House Occupier have his way, barring some great scandal of the nominee (scandal - that's a quaint notion which we're now only allowed to use when talking about Democrats). But in reality?

Well, they began it.

And, like it or not, I don't want the Democrats to be the ones to surrender.

So when my conservative friends howl and wail and shout at how intolerant and obstructionist the Democrats are being, remember this -


THEY BEGAN IT!

The other side will inevitably win.  They will take way the filibuster.  Or some cowardly Democrats will abandon their post and let the barbarians swarm in.

But please, Democrats.  Not without a fight.

Tonight, we fight.  As long as we can.