The New York Times editorial board is asking an excellent question: why is an anonymous Republican Senator obstructing the nomination of Congresswoman Hilda Solis for Secretary of Labor?
Unemployment is rising as mass layoffs grip the nation.
Millions of Americans who need full time jobs can only find part-time work.
Waves of professionals and college graduates are working at jobs beneath the levels associated with their career and educational achievement, which is bad for them and bad for the workers who would otherwise have gotten those jobs…
If there was ever a time the nation needed a strong secretary of labor, this is it. And yet, for the past several days, at least one Republican senator has been using a parliamentary procedure to hold up the confirmation of Congresswoman Hilda Solis (D-California), President Obama’s choice for labor secretary.
Their conclusion? The Republicans are playing politics even at this critical moment:
The delay in confirming Ms. Solis isn’t because the Senate needs to know more. It’s a way for Republican senators to score tough-guy points with business constituents who are driven to distraction by the thought of unions.
The betting is that Ms. Solis will be confirmed. It’s past time to get on with it.
Indeed. If there’s a Senator who believes Rep. Solis is so unqualified for the office that her nomination shouldn’t even be voted on, he or she should come forward and explain why, rather than hiding behind a cloak of anonymity. Let’s hear their argument and see if it stands up to a little sunlight.
Comments (1)
Comments posted to CtW Connect are the sole property of the individual posting them, and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of Change to Win, its affiliated unions, or its leadership.
Catch my radio show: Face the Music 91.3 FM, "All Labor All The Time" next on air February,18, 25 from 8-9:30 PM.
My music is all union & labor tunes both historic and contemporary. My playlists are online @ WCUW.org and Spinitron.com.
I will share all union/labor information with my listening audience which is potentially worldwide.
We must get Hilda Solis confirmed ASAP. Please use my show to speak to people through Worcester Community Radio--WCUW.org & WCUW 91.3 FM.
Mary
Posted by Mary on January 29, 2009 at 9:33 PM
Posted on January 29, 2009 at 9:33 PM