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Racism = pragmatism = whatever it takes to gain and maintain power.

I believe racism is more a tool, as opposed to a deep conviction, when wielded by those in positions of real power. I do acknowledge the Stephen Millers and Steve Bannons of the world, who are certainly true believers. They may be within the gates of power, but they are not in the palace.

Racism is but one of many facets upon the implement of a scorched-earth quest for power.

I firmly believe the Manchins and Sinemas of the world hold no beliefs. That's right. None. Just a primitive drive to dominate and control all.

These "people" are so absolutely vacant of human nature that even the ugliest of beliefs cannot exist - only the awareness of such beliefs in others, and the willingness to use them to strengthen their grip on power.

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Whether it is the carrots (money, power, or future “employment” opportunities) and/or the sticks (threats of blackmail, getting primaried, or other forms of coercion) that motivate Manchin and Sinema, they are nothing more than corporate toadies who do things adverse to our rights and our communities’ interests. They are in the Senate to serve oligarchs and no amount of pushback or reasoned logic will change that. And it should come as no surprise that they choose to use racism (the gold standard of wedge issues) to manipulate our poorly educated fellow citizens. Although it would be interesting to understand why they are whoring themselves out, if they were to leave the Senate you can bet they would be replaced by other Manchin/Sinema-like legislators who would work for the same morbidly rich psychopaths. And the replacement senators would work for the same oligarchs because they will still have the power to use the same kinds of carrots and sticks that control Manchin and Sinema today. These two senators are just another symptom of a backsliding democracy caused by the powers of corporate personhood.

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My personal opinion is that Kyrsten Sinema is and has always been a poser, an opportunist and I'll go as far as calling her sociopathic in her quest for power and wealth. She was a poser Green party candidate, she was a poser atheist (refusing to swear on a Bible during her swearing in ceremony), she's a poser bisexual who now claims not remembering coming out, and now she's a poser Christian, with her crucifix on display during her last public speech before President Biden's lunch meeting this past week. She's only in it for the money. So the only way you can get her to vote for voting rights would be to cut her a very large check, just like the rest of her corporate donors....or is it owners?

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Sinema and Manchin have had a front row seat for the shitshow the Republicans have instigated. They have seen how they acted concerning the virus, how they have treated Dr. Fauci, and most of all how they have put their stamp of approval on Trump and the insurrection. Collectively and for years, there is not one honorable thing the right-wingers have done for the American people. Why on earth would Sinema and Manchin think their intentions are acceptable concerning voting rights? EVERYTHING points to the fact the Republicans want to thwart the democratic processes that helped elect Sinema and Manchin. They must have come for a future payday and not for the future of our country.

These two senators act bizarrely. I wish they knew how stupid they look playing ball with the kind of Republicans that are in office at this time.

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Wow. At least they said what they meant. Nowadays this would be called the "Safeguard the vote especially for Minorities" Bill!

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