I fear that democracy as we know it, the one that allows all opinions an opportunity to be heard, is disappearing.

We now have in the U.S. Congress a dominant party that refuses to have realistic hearings on the law changes it proposes. In the attempt to remove the Affordable Health Care act (Obamacare), a bill the Democrats spent almost a year holding hearings on, they had one required hearing. In the recent dramatic changes to the income tax, they allowed one required hearing. Now, in deciding whether or not to accept the Supreme Court nominee, they refuse to research the accusations or allow time for other voices to be heard.

When Clarence Thomas was approved, there was a witness to verify the story of Anita Hill, who was not allowed to testify, and the entire panel knew her story, too. Republican panelists on the committee later admitted that had that witness been allowed in the hearing, Thomas would not be on the court.

We repeat that today.

– Dan Shields