Ever child learns that rules are designed to make a game fair and because of that you can't change the rules just because you're bigger or stronger. It seems this is a lesson that the Massachusetts Democrats failed to learn.
In 2004, the rules in Massachusetts were that if one of the Senator's seats became vacant before the end of a term, the governor could appoint someone to fill that position. John Kerry abandoned his Senatorial seat in order to run for president that year. The Democrats who controlled the state legislature changed the rules so that rather than the governor appointing a replacement, a special election had to be held. It just so happened in 2004 Massachusetts had a Republican governor and the Democrats were afraid he would name a Republican replacement. So being bigger and stronger, the Democrats in the legislature changed the rules.
Fast forward to 2009. Once again a Massachusetts Senate seat is open. SURPRISE!! The Democrats want to change the rules again because now there's a Democratic governor. They now want the governor to have the power to appoint someone to the Senate position. I have little doubt they will make this change.
Isn't it great to be bigger and stronger than your opponent, so you don't have to play by the rules and you can just make them up as you go along? Is it any wonder that there is a growing lack of respect for authority and the rule of law in our land? When those empowered to make the rules will change the rules whenever it is to their advantage the lesson is clear, playing by the rules is less important that getting whatever you want.
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