Senate GOP kills disabilities act

Grinch lives.

"Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole (R-Kan.) made a rare Senate appearance this morning, sitting in a wheelchair just off the floor so that members would have to see him as they entered the chamber. Why? Because they were poised to vote on ratification of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, and Dole hoped to send a message.

It didn't work. The Senate killed the treaty this afternoon, with a final vote of 61 to 38, which seems like a lopsided majority, but which fell short of the two-thirds necessary for ratification. Eight Republicans broke ranks and joined Democrats in support of the treaty, but the clear majority of the Senate GOP voted to block it.

The U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities, for those who've forgotten, is a human rights treaty negotiated by the George H.W. Bush administration, which has been ratified by 126 nations, including China, Russia, Iran, Cuba, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.

But most Senate Republicans saw it as a threat to American "sovereignty," even though the treaty wouldn't have required the United States to change its laws. When the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the treaty with bipartisan support in July, Chairman John Kerry (D-Mass.) explained the proposal simply "raises the [international] standard to our level without requiring us to go further."

In other words, we wouldn't actually have to do anything except say we like the treaty -- and then wait for other signatories around the world to catch up to the United States' Americans with Disabilities Act.

The treaty was endorsed by Dole, John McCain, and Dick Lugar, among other prominent Republican figures, but it didn't matter. The GOP's right-wing base, led in part by Rick Santorum, raised hysterical fears about the treaty, and most Senate Republicans took their cues from the party's activists, not the party's elder statesmen."

So, if you are a disabled person in a country where you still cant access certain places in your wheelchair, 38 Republican United States Senators want to wish you a very Merry Christmas. 

Comments

[Gentlemen Rouge]

Hey, what’s another interest group worth? The only constituency they haven’t jettisoned are the Asians, that I know of.

[IQ Tests Are Racist]

You're right Gent, doing the thing that is best for the country isnt nearly as important as pandering to various groups. Oh, except for pandering to white men, who libs hate. They just trash white men, no need to pander to the group of people who are responsible for more brilliant contributions in the arts and sciences than all other peoples combined.

[sparky]

49% of registered GOP voters think that ACORN stole the election for President Obama. Problem - ACORN does not exist. Cue laugh track.

[cloey]

You can't be serious. The Senate is controlled by DEMOCRATS. Blame them. Holy cow, did you flunk math?

[sparky]

No but you flunked civics--and reading. Read the article again.

" two-thirds necessary for ratification." Uh, that would be 66 minimum. 66.6 actually, but three sixes together would freak out the Fundigelicals.

Here is the list of who voted NO..do you see any Democrats among them? Nope, just little men who follow orders.

Alexander (R-TN)
Blunt (R-MO)
Boozman (R-AR)
Burr (R-NC)
Chambliss (R-GA)
Coats (R-IN)
Coburn (R-OK)
Cochran (R-MS)
Corker (R-TN)
Cornyn (R-TX)
Crapo (R-ID)
DeMint (R-SC)
Enzi (R-WY)
Graham (R-SC)
Grassley (R-IA)
Hatch (R-UT)
Heller (R-NV)
Hoeven (R-ND)
Hutchison (R-TX)
Inhofe (R-OK)
Isakson (R-GA)
Johanns (R-NE)
Johnson (R-WI)
Kyl (R-AZ)
Lee (R-UT)
McConnell (R-KY)
Moran (R-KS)
Paul (R-KY)
Portman (R-OH)
Risch (R-ID)
Roberts (R-KS)
Rubio (R-FL)
Sessions (R-AL)
Shelby (R-AL)
Thune (R-SD)
Toomey (R-PA)
Vitter (R-LA)
Wicker (R-MS

[T-S]

This is sort of giving a boot in the backside to former GOP leaders like Bush and Dole. I bet they voted for Obama.

[GOPer]

Good job is destroying this UN treaty. These men need to be applauded for their insight in how bad this treaty meant to the USA. Only people like Sparky who thinks we conservatives blame ACORN would think this treaty was good. Go ahead and say McCain was for it, but since you didn't vote for him in 2008 what changed your mind in 2012 . Oh and Rachelle, if this treaty didn't require the USA to do anything, why should those in wheel chairs need to blame these 38 hero's. Shouldn't they blame Obama for not ensuring our laws are followed.

[Gentlemen Rouge]

Here’s a clue, it’s not pandering when a politician fight for what was promised.

Neil Newhouse, Rmoney's campaign pollster said: ‘We weren’t surprised by racial composition; we were surprised by the partisan composition...The real hidden story here on our side, the number of white men who didn’t vote in this election compared to four years ago was extraordinary.'

And it looks like many white men realized Mittens was doing the pandering, and didn’t show up to vote for him.

[T-S]

The treaty was based on our own Disabilities Act. Hahahahaha. You guys never cease to amaze me in your ignorance.

[Gentlemen Rouge]

Oh and Rachelle, if this treaty didn't require the USA to do anything, why should those in wheel chairs need to blame these 38 hero's.

Upon ratification if they, the handicapped, want to travel to the countries which signed the treaty they would be protected by the same laws we enjoy here at home. But I think I have lost you with this point due to logic, so maybe I’ll think up a stupider way to express this idea. Or maybe not.

[TS]

You are a gent, Mr. Rouge, and I"m enjoying a good laugh here. Thanks.

[Walt]

Hey GOOPr, you lost! I bet you were out there screaming "SUPPORT THE TROOPS" a few years ago. Now you expect the injured soldiers to just suck it up and you call the repukes "heroes."

Yeah you just outted yourself as nothing more than a troll who likes to stir up shit by talking shit.

[Gentlemen Rouge]

{Tip of the hat} My pleasure.

And Walt, you are a man of sterling qualities.

[GOPer]

Wrong. If the other country's passed it, they would already have implemented it. We have our laws. If others want to follow we don't need a treaty to make them.

[Gentlemen Rouge]

Goopr;

Do the words ratification and treaty fit into that small space you use to formulate these fits of illogic you call thoughts?

[EvergreenRailfan]

I was watching part of Maddow earlier tonight, and she as a lead in to covering this story, some footage of Disabled activists doing a protest at the convention of the American Public Transportation Association in San Francisco in 1987. Chaining their wheelchairs to buses, which at the time, did not have to have even a wheelchair lift. It was not the law, and doing it was strictly voluntary. One bus operator that pioneered a wheelchair lift, as early as the 1980s, was the Municipality of Metropolitan Seattle(just want to get the incarnation of it at the time right), and it's bus system, Metro. I was reading about a purchase Metro made of 40ft buses, about a 100 of them, in 1987, only 4-5 other operators in the US bought that type, but only 1 asked for a wheelchair lift, and that was Metro. Today, at the APTA conference, the suppliers of the Public Transportation industry show off their latest products, and in the convention hall, the latest low-floor buses on display. The ADA mandate for public transit operators took effect in 1997, and despite Metro(then and now,King County Metro)'s head start, they were a little late on compliance. The last of their non-lift equipped buses were just reaching their retirement dates.(They get 12-20 years out of them).

The ADA seemed to create a whole industry to cater to it. My late father was in a wheelchair in his later years, and I was amazed with what the Hoveround could do, and the various lift-equipped vans he tried out. Although the only place in another country he went after being in his wheelchair, was Victoria, and I am not sure, the Canadians might be doing it better than we do.

[nameless]

the GOP out did themselves this time. and now their followers can't seem to muster a good excuse to bail them out.

[EvergreenRailfan]

North of us, in Vancouver B.C, from 2005-2008, the Mayor was in a wheelchair as result of a skiing accident early in life, got over a bout with depression and substance abuse, to represent his city when they picked up the Olympic banner from Torino at the 2006 Winter Olympic closing ceremonies. I remember hearing a story when he left office, that something he liked to do was on foreign trips, visit the local city hall. They said, many mayors would have to come outside to meet with him because they had no access for disabled people in their buildings.

http://www.samsullivan.ca/bio

(He's making a move to get back into politics after being denied renomination for a second term in 2008 by the Non Partisan Association, his party. He is mounting a bid for a Liberal(which in BC is a Center-Right party) nomination in a Vancouver-area Legislative district, for Next May's Provincial Election)

[KS]

This country already passed an ADA act back when HW Bush was President - remember ? Do you people have amnesia ?

Why in the hell should we pass a Rouge Nation controlled UN Disabilities act when we already have one in effect and it is working well in the eyes of big government ? (Maybe they do it better in Canada though, but certainly not because of the UN)

Show us what is contained in this act that wasn't in the original ADA act, so there can be an intelligent discussion. Until then, sorry this does not pass the smell test.

[Walt]

KS your smeller is blocked. We were merely supposed to ratify this --IT HAS ALREADY BEEN PASSED! It was a move by the UN to tell the rest of the world that the USA has their act together when it comes to providing access for all--ramps for wheelchairs, directions written in braille for the blind at your local ATM machine, payslots on gas pumps for those in wheelchairs--and that OTHER COUNTRIES SHOULD DO THE SAME. You know, like when one of our wounded soldiers travels somewhere else. You guys are so Fox brainwashed to be HELL BENT on finding evil under every rock, you just look ignorant. You should find out about something before you start ranting. You would look more intelligent.

[Bobby Hill]

HAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

On another thread KS posts THIS:
"Constantly demonizing anyone and constant fear-mongering is boring boring and is like trying to catch flies with vinegar... Shit happens and then its time to move ahead. "

and then he posts that shit above about the UN.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[TS]

This from another commenter on Huffpo: NEWSFLASH:
Believers believe, and Thinkers think. The trouble begins when invariably, believers start to believe that they can also think.

In a nutshell.

[Kimmy]

KS, don’t worry about the rest of the nay sayers here. I think your right; we’ve already passed the ADA. The UN should concentrate on countries like China and Saudi Arabia. I think they should work on a treaty which will duplicate the ADA and have all nations ratify so it will be the law in many other countries.

[GOPer]

Is that the new progressive defense for everything these days. "Wounded Warrior" what a laugh. It's bad enough these brave men and woman became disabled, but to be used as fodder for an agenda that would make the US bow to foreign pressure, absurd and 99 percent of those same veterans would agree.

[BlackRhino]

I’m a vet and I don’t agree. If the United States can extend the ADA laws throughout the world utilizing the UN, it’s a good thing. As a matter of fact, KS and his ilk are arguing from the point of the opposition. For example; the Chinese who see the AMERICAN Disabilities Act laws as foreign interference in their public policy. We are the agent spreading the policy (AMERICAN Disabilities Act) through the UN, not vice versa.

[Kimmy]

“Believers believe, and Thinkers think. The trouble begins when invariably, believers start to believe that they can also think”

Can you say that again, Candy?

[TS]

Say it again? Do I really have to? Really?

BTW, who is Candy? I think you're confused.

[Preston]

Don't you remember the debates when Candy Crowley had to school Rmoney on a point?

[T-S]

Okay. I get it. Duh, huh?

[T-S]

I should say "sorry, Kimmy." So I will. Sorry, Kimmy.

[Merciful Nate]

Just wanted to post this off-topic here - bump to Bla'M

3 RIPs. One for real.

http://orbusmax.com/

On November 8th, Jim Walker (a.k.a. "The Orb") passed away peacefully in his sleep. Jim had many passions in life, he was deeply committed to his family, his faith, friends, music and politics just to name a few. He was a good and honorable man, and he will be deeply missed.

For those of you just finding out about Jim's passing, we're very sorry to have to break the news to you in this way. Jim had so many friends, acquaintances, and followers that we were simply unable to contact everyone directly.

Orbusmax.com will return as the news portal so many of you have come to rely on. We think Jim would have wanted it that way.

We'll try and be back up and running around mid-December.

Sincerely,

The family and friends of Jim Walker

I still have some very angry email exchanges between me and Jim. Despite all political differences, my condolences to his family and his memory.

[KS]

Rachelle - you missed the big picture !! Walt, Bobby Hill, T-S and BR. You obtuseness is unbelievable. Are you really serious with your comments or is that just your hatred for an opposing viewpoint coming out ? Your ignorance sticks out like a sore thumb, but will give it the benefit of a doubt. Mr. Dole was a decent public servant, but he is naive here and the Senate (including 15 Dems) made the correct call.

The UN can draft a law similar to the US without having the Senate vote on it. Sovereignty is a BF Deal to many ! Why did the UN ask them to vote ? Have them vote on Canada's treaty then ask Canada to vote and see how that turns out. That is simply a political ploy to try to put themselves in position for eventual jurisdiction over the US to make it look legitimate. The Senate killed a UN Treaty yesterday that attempted to control the internet 98-0 - Thank you, US Senate. There is also a Treaty of the Seas which even more oppressive. BTW, Treaties are forever !! This issue does not merit any further argument. Consider being more open-minded and tolerant of opposing views and show some curiosity - you may learn something new. You might even surprise the hell out of some others...

[TS]

Treaties are forever . . . ask the American Indians about that one.

Talk about naive.

[nameless]

all treaties need close scrutiny. that is why they are voted on in the congressional houses. voting up on one dosen't make a yes on another. face the fact, the republicans screwed up. by the way, treaties don't relinquish sovereignty. except in black helicopter land.

[nameless]

bush broke the ABM treaty and withdrew the United States from the Kyoto treaty...

[KS]

Yes, TS. Treaties are forever. Ask the Indians - for one they can use gill nets for catching salmon locally where no one else are able to, thanks to a treaty. Don't rewrite history, but have the guts to display the whole story.

Talk about being naive and chasing your tail.

Kyoto Treaty - we never signed onto. Oh - I get it,this is different because Bush did it.

[T-S]

Sometimes I wonder how you get out of bed in the morning, KS. Anybody who doesn't know the story of the American Indian and treaties deserves to lose his right to vote.

[Preston]

I don't think KS votes

[BlackRhino]

“have the guts to display the whole story.”
Posted by: KS | December 07, 2012 at 09:15 AM

??? KS, you were the one that stated the absolute. Here’s your quote…

BTW, Treaties are forever !!
Posted by: KS | December 06, 2012 at 11:05 PM

KS, Most of us understand treaties and their existence are more nuanced than your absolutist understanding. When your argument is disproved you assert the whole story should be told. You’re literally contorting your argument to negate your own point.

[KS]

Your paranoia runs deep. Sometimes I wonder how you ever made it through college or high school, T-S.

You would screw up the story, so do us a favor and keep it to yourself. For those who are curious, here's a big hint T-S, le Rube - Indian Treaties had varying results depending on the circumstances. UN Treaties and Indian treaties are like comparing apples and oranges, but in general and I repeat - Treaties are designed to be forever.

Preston and you should lose your right to vote just from the misinformation you spew - LMAO !!

[KS]

BR - You conflated the argument splendidly. keep reading.

[TS]

BTW, Treaties are forever !!

Posted by: KS | December 06, 2012 at 11:05 PM

Yes, TS. Treaties are forever.

Posted by: KS | December 07, 2012 at 09:15 AM

For those who are curious, here's a big hint T-S, le Rube - Indian Treaties had varying results

...Treaties are designed to be forever.

Posted by: KS | December 07, 2012 at 04:16 PM

That's so much clearer. Hahahahaha. Can we all say it together now . . . KS is an id***.

[BlackRhino]

Can you say that again, Candy?

Maybe three or four times.

[KS]

Is that all you've got ? Just more verbal vomit and more abyss for substance. T-S is stuck on st**id.

[BlackRhino]

I don’t think I needed anything else KS, you supplied it all.

[Bobby Hill]

This ain't Sound Politics, KS. Keep your name calling over there where it's encouraged. TS you too.

[Bobby Hill]

So much for "Treaties are Forever"

PORTLAND — The biggest revamping of lower Columbia River sport and commercial fishing regulations in 80 years began Friday, when the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission approved the shifting of gillnets into off-channel areas.

Washington's commission will hear public comment on Dec. 15 in Olympia on the plan to make sport fishing the priority in the main river and move gillnets into spots like Youngs Bay and Blind Slough near Astoria.

Washington is scheduled to make its decision Jan. 11-12, also in Olympia.

"Our fishery has been designated for execution,'' Robert Sudar of Longview, a fish buyer, told the Oregon commission.

But Trey Carskadon, a member of the Northwest Sport Fishing Industry Association, called it "a better future for the Columbia River.''

The fisheries overhaul — the most sweeping since fish wheels were outlawed in the mid-1930s — was jump-started when sport-fishing and conservation interests got Measure 81 on the November ballot in Oregon. The measure would have outlawed gillnets and tangle nets in Oregon waters — and much of the lower Columbia is on the Oregon side of the boundary.

In August, Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber advanced a compromise proposal to continue use of gillnets, but only in the off-channel areas, plus prioritizing sport fishing.

[TS]

And we should have signed on to the Kyoto treaty as well. So what's the point? Whether it be Bush or the Republicans in the Senate, the right seems to hate doing good in the world.

Your point doesn't make sense. Bush did it? Yeah, exactly.

[KS]

Except that it is a gawdawful treaty. So, you are saying that doing good in the world by you is for money-grubbing rogue nations that export terrorists to extort money from the USA - you and Barrack-a-mole - another distraction thwarted...

BTW, Treaties by the UN will be forever. Stop and think (for a change) - do you think the UN would let the US void their treaty ?

I amend my original statement to say that for the UN, Treaties by the UN involving the USA are forever. I do not recall any exceptions since the UN has been in existence - can you ?

[Bobby Hill]

KS, this treaty does not make the uS do anything. It is telling the rest of the world to follow our lead. That's it. Period. Fini. Why does the right insist that this is some malevolent evil secret pact of some kind. What is evil about suggesting to other countries that they create ramps for handicapped people. Honestly, your paranoia is just silly.