Joe Manchin and What Influence May Come

Have you heard the News?  Joe Manchin potentially wields unbridled power as the United States Senate represents a 50/50 split between Republicans and Democrats.  Even though it requires a 60 vote threshold to pass most legislation, removing the effectiveness of the filibuster has been the talk of the town these days amongst those randy Democrats in Washington and around the country.  And, if Joe the senator would agree, a simple majority would destroy the filibuster giving any future legislators unbridled power.

Not that wanting to pass legislation by party lines is a bad thing or even new for that matter.  Most Americans can agree the lack of production out of that mess we have in D.C is almost shameful.  But, the reality is, this is America and passing party line legislation to support a biased vision of America should be met with a resounding “NO THANK YOU” from all of us. Recognizing bipartisanship benefits us all, we must grow America together if we are to defend America together.

However, short sided, impatient, angry decisions may very well be the death of a fail-safe that encourages bipartisanship. This could potentially taint any laws coming down the assembly line in Congress from whatever controlling party has American’s permission to abuse the system.  It may sound offensive to some, but laws should not be passed in this country without a super-majority vote.  It simply means the majority of Americans are ready for the next step in the evolutionary process of this great nation.

Critics of the filibuster believe that it holds back America from progress and must be removed; tying it to white power. Removing the filibuster would aim to give the highest population base more power, believing those who live in the most populous states and cities are to retain the most legislative power. But the reality is America does not govern people, she governs land. The laws are meant to represent those within a boundary or border within limits and guidance given by the Constitution.

Does this mean the filibuster will be destroyed?  Not necessarily; however, this new reality is giving Joe an extra giddy up in his step.  It seems Joe can create a great many difficulties for the other Joe and his administration as the Democrats try to rebrand America in their image- like all their predecessors before them. It is by no means a secret all transitions in the government, at every level, participates in change to uphold campaign promises or the new parties vison in the form of governance in their likeness. 

However, the higher the office held, the harder it is to push an agenda through; and rightfully so.  Especially since we all participate in the hyper-divided America that later transfers to our elected representatives.  Most likely, it is the other way around as politicians are professionals at creating issues to retain or seize power.  The problem is worth more than the solution to those sowing division. As an example- Joe Manchin may very well be a racist by virtue of standing firm on his principles.

So, what does this new Democratic power have in store for America and her people?  Well, it depends on how nice the Democrats play together.  Especially with Mr. Manchin from the Mountain State.  Because Senator Joe must balance tricky terrain as a Democratic in a large Pro-Trump state, his leverage against, and courtesies given, may cause issues for his future as a Senator in West Virginia. 

Senator Joe Manchin is up for reelection in 2024 and although West Virginia has a soft spot for Joe, his age, the political climate, and how he votes may spell the end of his political career (a respectable one at that).  Let us be honest though, Joe is hanging tough representing his constituents on a number of potential legislative battles as he is standing firm on such divisive items as; the nuclear option of removing the filibuster, packing the Court, and stronger gun laws.

The Senator made it clear in January, “I do not support doing away with the filibuster under any condition. It’s not who I am.”  Again, when asked by Bret Bair if his commitment to stand against packing the court or destroying the filibuster remained the same, Senator Manchin responded by saying, “It’s all the same. Nothing’s changed,” and it is his job “. . . to do everything in my power to bring this country together, to heal the country, and to work in a bipartisan fashion, which is the reason we have the Senate.”

Publicly, he commits to his word and has a history of keeping it, repeatedly doing so on national television. A quality that is respected by voters and his in state supporters just a short drive away from D.C.. He also said recently, he does not support proposed gun restrictions that the Biden administration believes could have stopped prior gun violence and is needed to prevent further acts from occurring. “I come from a gun culture, and I’m a law-abiding gun owner who would do the right thing. You have to assume we will do the right thing. Give me a chance to.”

Everything it seems in some way or fashion works out, contrary to scorched earth theorists.  I, myself, have participated in an “it’s the end of the world” phobia this past year.  And, with the unknowns with the economy, the divided citizens in a gun happy country, and the still unknown consequences of covid-19 in its entirety, we still very well could be witnessing a point in society that most only read about in history books. But the point is, we cannot control everything; however, we should try to control that of which we can.

For example, does it not strike anyone in this country as odd big Joe has selected little Joe’s wife to a key post of the Appalachian Regional Commission?  A legislator who has the potential to create hardships for President Biden’s agenda is “receiving royalties”- if you will. 

For what, to stay in line?  Maybe it is to assure all cabinet picks make it through, judge vacancies, or other items requiring a simple majority are not “handled incorrectly.”  Whatever it is, favors or “considerations” such of this never hurt legislative success from either side.

Nothing against her nor am I questioning the competency of her skills or professional experience.  I am sure she is quite capable of great things as would other qualified people in her position.  My issue, what bothers me the most, is she really the most capable individual to co-chair the commission? 

Although, out of the 13 states, included in the Appalachian Regional Commission, is she really the most qualified to be in that position? Maybe I am being a bit harsh. But hey, I also believe most politicians should represent the best of us, yet we fail to see that every election cycle, do we not.

I also believe no individual is above reproach.  If we give credit where it is do, we must also highlight the questionable.  Further, the Manchin family in general has a history of some controversial acquired power, influence, and to be quite honest underhanded dealings within the state. 

It was not too long ago the Governor of West Virginia, Joe Manchin, almost took it upon his self to elect himself to the seat of the longest running senator in the history of the United States Congress.  But to Senator Manchin’s credit and his integrity, he resisted the temptation to appoint himself; kudos fine sir.

In addition to the gracious networking as witnessed by Gayle Manchin’s appointment by President Biden, Manchin’s daughter too, benefited from the influential position of her father.  A wonderful and fantastic individual by the name of Mike Puskar gave Senator Manchin’s daughter the start at Mylan after the two discussed the possibility of employment.

Yes, this is the same Mylan where she later became CEO.  She and Mylan Pharmaceuticals were the center of controversy surrounding the EpiPen back in 2016.  In fact, her mother, Gayle Manchin, was also brought into the national spotlight. In a position she was appointed to by her husband, then Governor Joe Manchin, she later created a policy for schools in West Virginia to carry the EpiPen allowing them to stock a supply of the medication supplied by Mylan.  This occurred about the same time Mylan launched its EpiPen4Schools program offering its product Nationwide, convenient right?

Even before the improprieties surrounding the lifesaving EpiPen, favors and networking created an issue for the Manchin family in a different way.  It would seem the CEO of Mylan was awarded credit on transcripts to obtain a degree she never earned.  At what point can we call this pay to play or reason that this behavior is unacceptable and highly corrosive to the integrity of our political sphere, especially for individuals at their respective levels.  At the very least make interfamily benefits of a political nature illegal.

Lawyers are required to stay away from even the smallest perception of improprieties or risk sanctions, including up to a full removal of the privilege to practice law.  Negating countless hours, thousands of dollars and a skill that one hones through the years becoming a professional. 

Should politicians not be governed by the same standard?  It is necessary to hold the privileged accountable.  If the Bar Association has the authority to remove such a privilege by stripping the very thing that allows lawyers to feed their family, why are Americans unable to hold our elected officials to an even higher standard for the perception of improprieties. It is nothing more than insider trading.

In all reality, the American people have the power and authority, we choose not to exercise it.  We choose instead to be voyeurs from a distant.  We are taught that we cannot engage in any further actions other than voting.  After that, the 240 million registered voters in America lose their voice. 

Thomas Jefferson doubted the viability of a self-governing people because we are lazy and will get comfortable with behavior unbecoming of government actors.  I get upset, angry, and quite frankly disappointed with my fellow Americans for the laziness and laissez-faire condition they all have grown so comfortable being part of.

Americans must understand the importance and purpose of the Constitution. Americans must understand protecting the integrity of our system is of the upmost importance. Americans must understand the need to refrain from picking a side in counterproductive factions of irrelevant power grabs by a Republican or Democrat as America must operate irrespective of party lines. 

I continue to express anger and frustration at a system that allows a continued double standard extended by us to those with money, those in the entertainment industry, and those with influence.  Whether it be politicians or CEO’s of large pharmaceutical companies, we let those who are supposed to represent the best of us participate in behavior representing the worst of us.  It seems as if I am not the only one who recognizes a scent of backdoor dealing in the air.

My cousin, in a conversation we had a few weeks ago, seems to think Patrick Morrisey, West Virginia’s Attorney General, will run to unseat Manchin in 2022.  I arrogantly scoffed at the notion as West Virginians love Manchin, including his power, influence, and the potential to bring much needed money to our state. 

I would hesitate to vote against West Virginia’s Joe but the more I see unscrupulous behavior in the form of indulgences from his cohorts and those around him, maybe it is time for accountability by the way of change.  Maybe it is time for West Virginians and all voters across this nation to nail a Ninety-five Theses on the doors of Congress.

But by 2024 he will be 77 and the likelihood he decides to stay is slim to none unless he wants to follow in his predecessor’s footsteps dying in Congress. The effects of a little Joe influenced by a big Joe may create a shift from, Senator Manchin “may not go along” to Senator Manchin is on “board”. What happens if Senator Joe Manchin votes to remove the filibuster on his way out? The damage will likely be done. 

In any event it seems as if the benefits of influence will continue to work best for those who influence instead of those who are influenced.  The status-quo likely wins again but little Joe is a game player and an underdog from way back: He may be playing chess while big Joe is playing checkers.