Word: optional
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...founding fathers instituted to prevent a dangerous accumulation of power. However, the country is presently poised to neglect past wisdom as Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn. proposed to end the use of the filibuster on judicial nominations—the so-called “nuclear option.” And at stake is more than just a few judicial nominees; this would dramatically damage the foundations of our democracy, pulling partisanship and political extremism further to the forefront and destroying the compromise and moderation that have marked American politics for over two hundred years...
...nuclear option is further troubling because eliminating the filibuster for judicial nominations leads to a slippery slope towards eliminating the filibuster altogether. The destruction of this important check would let a party in control of the Congress and the Presidency—right now the Republicans—approve their agenda until the next election, no matter how controversial their views. Changes made by such a majority in even a two-year-period could drastically change the course of our country...
Filibuster supporters may claim that they are acting only to prevent ideologically extreme candidates from attaining lifetime appointments, but the action serves only to further politicize the judicial branch and increase partisan bitterness. The nuclear option reared its ugly head when special interest groups began distributing lists targeting nominees as good candidates for blocking—lists which were heavy on sensational allegations and light on reasoned critiques. Bill Pryor was accused of racism despite his record of fighting for civil rights, while others were blocked because they did not pass the litmus test on abortion. If the GOP fails...
...League Player of the Year, was predicted to be selected in the fifth round, and possibly as high as the fourth. Heading into the second day of the draft, Fitzpatrick’s name was repeatedly dropped by NFL analysts both online and on television as a good option for any team looking for a smart, talented backup quarterback...
...helped by recent problems at high-profile Western firms, including BP. So the firm agreed to start paying for Eldorado only in 2008. In essence, Dixons has given itself a three-year trial period to determine if it really wants to be in Russia. "It's a no-risk option," says Dixons spokesman Hamish Thompson...