Yesterday during the 2pm hour U.S. Senator Ted Cruz took control of the Senate floor and thus far has not yielded his time. It is now going on 10am a day later.
Some people are focused on arguments such as, “This is not a real filibuster.” Others are on the edge of their seats questioning how long the Senator can maintain this course of action. Will he stop at noon? What if he doesn’t?
I am focused a separate set of implications.
- With this event Senator Cruz has continued to develop his personal brand of politics, generating respect among his base (and then some). When he first started yesterday I thought it just a stunt from a speculated 2016 presidential contender. But as the hours have rolled on I have listened to his words and come to see him as a genuine defender of liberty (at least on the issue that he is debating).
- With this event he has essentially hijacked the media. The longer he speaks the more attention he receives. It is an impressive feat to persist for so long on the Senate floor. It demands attention, and the right amount of attention could allow Senator Cruz and his colleagues to take control of the message (mind you, they’ve already taken control of the conversation).
- Aside from reading Green Eggs and Ham on the Senate floor last night, how many Tweets has he gone through during the course of his time on the floor yesterday/today? He has not only taken a voice for his side of the argument on a legislative level, but he has given a national microphone to the citizens of the United States of America via social media. That in and of itself is remarkable.
- Perhaps of lesser importance, but still great to a guy like me, Senator Rand Paul (while giving Cruz a break) began to reference Frédéric Bastiat on the Senate floor. If you don’t know Bastiat look him up immediately after reading this article and read some of his writings.
When Jeffrey Tucker guest hosted The Shill Report with me, Ryan Ripley, and Chris Spangle two weeks ago, he mentioned two things that are applicable here:
- The Digital Revolution – People are increasingly using social media and technology to voice their opinions about public policy. Senator Cruz realizes the importance of that movement and seems to be capitalizing on it – giving a voice to the voiceless in a nation where representation is rarely enough.
- Professor Tucker mentioned that, when the rare occasion should occur that you see someone within the two parties fighting on behalf of liberty, “you should give them your support.” (Listen to the Jeffrey Tucker Interview Here: wearelibertarians.com/shill-report-episode-12-jeffrey-tucker/ )
As we continue to watch, consider those things. Also, consider that in the often apathetic chambers of the Senate, Senator Cruz and his colleagues; the libertarian strain in the GOP, are yet again tackling the issues with passion and vigor. That kind of vigor on behalf of the United States Constitution; on behalf of the people of the United States of America; on behalf of the ideals which made our nation exceptional, can only move us in a better direction.
Do you agree? Feel free to leave comments on this article. Share your feedback as the story unfolds.
