Treason

I seem to remember that "The Gentleman from Kentucky" claimed that he would not even consider an appointment to the high court was based on his desire to "let the people have a say" even though this runs contrary to the description of the process in the constitution. Now, he has gone on record saying that he will not consider ANY Supreme Court Appointees made by Hillary Clinton, should she be the winner of the election. WHAT!? What happened to "letting the people have their say!?"

Some of the more extreme voices on the Left have suggested that this highly unconstitutional behaviour is tantamount to treason. I am not sure I can agree. The sentiment is understandable, it is the semantics I question.  

trea·son [TREEZ en]
noun

1. the crime of betraying one's country, especially by attempting to kill the sovereign or overthrow the government.

"they were convicted of treason"

synonyms: treachery, disloyalty, betrayal, faithlessness

2. the action of betraying someone or something.

plural noun: treasons

"doubt is the ultimate treason against faith"

synonyms: treachery, disloyalty, betrayal, faithlessness; More

Treason may be a bit strong, I would suggest that a better word might be available: 

fraud [frahd]
noun

1. wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.

"he was convicted of fraud"

synonyms: fraudulence, cheating, swindling, embezzlement, deceit, deception, double-dealing, chicanery, sharp practice

2. a person or thing intended to deceive others, typically by unjustifiably claiming or being credited with accomplishments or qualities.

"mediums exposed as tricksters and frauds"

synonyms: impostor, fake, sham, charlatan, quack, mountebank

By claiming a salary to perform the business of the country and then NOT doing the business of the country, the obstructionist Republicans who have already gone on record saying that they will spend the next four years litigating a potential election of Hillary Clinton - and obstructing anything and everything (including her constitutionally mandated role of appointing judges) are committing fraud by taking a salary and providing nothing in return. 

Wherever you are today, no matter what your political bent please, be a bit more concise in your selection of words. The election is nasty enough without the hyperbole. 

Don Bergquist - November 05, 2016 - Lakewood, Colorado, USA