Scott Beyer writes that they're disregarding their actions and statements during both Bush presidencies.
To the Editor:
Regarding the discussion of whether a Barack Obama nomination for the Supreme Court should be given a hearing by the Republican-majority U.S. Senate, it would be appropriate to review the history of such a debate.
An easy search reveals what several Democrat luminaries have said, on tape, in the past:
From Vice President Joe Biden, at the time of the quote in June 1992 a U.S. senator: "President (George H.W.) Bush should consider following the practice of his predecessors and not name a nominee until after the November election is completed." Biden also opined that the inconveniences of a high court with only eight of nine justices, "are quite minor ... ."
Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., -- who is poised to become the next Senate Democratic leader -- said in July 2007 that he wanted to block any Supreme Court nominations made during the 18-month remainder of George W. Bush's presidency.
The Democrat politicians making the most noise condemning Republicans for their views, including Obama, Biden, Schumer, Hillary Clinton, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, and Pat Leahy, D-Vt., all voted as senators to support a 2006 filibuster of Bush high-court nominee Samuel Alito. Now, of course, they condemn any such action.
Apparently elite Democrats believe that they can, and should, change their views to suit the political situation, and do so with no regard for their previous beliefs.
Hypocrisy is defined as the behavior of people who do things that they tell other people not to do. Never has a definition been more appropriate than in this situation.
Scott Beyer
Williamstown
Raise N.J. minimum wage to $15
To the Editor:
I see that state Senate President Stephen Sweeney is advocating a constitutional amendment whose approval by voters would increase New Jersey's minimum wage to $15 an hour. I think this is a good thing for working people and the right thing for the state do.
People are working longer hours and still struggling to get by. The current state minimum wage is $8.38 an hour, subject to annual cost-of-living increases. It's just not enough, especially in our state, where costs are high.
I read that Sweeney's proposal phases in the increase to $15 over time and includes a tax credit for small businesses. The plan is well-designed and strikes a balance between paying workers fairly and being fair to small businesses. This would provide people with money to put back into our economy and reduce government costs when fewer people need government assistance to get by.
Increasing the minimum wage is a good thing for workers and our the economy. I support Sweeney taking the lead on this, and I am hopeful others will follow.
John Saban
Clayton