What was the last successful act of true political will that you can recall at the Federal level?

[Orrex]

That is, when was the last time someone at the Federal level acted in a way that seriously risked his or her electoral health but which was, regardless, the right thing to do?

I'm sure that lots of little examples exist, like Olympia Snowe opting to use the last sugar packet in the kitchenette instead of getting a new box from storage, but I'm looking for an example of someone taking the risk of standing up for a just cause in spite of the possible repercussions.

[slackmaster]

1. The southern Democrats and the Republicans in the Senate who voted for the Voting Rights Act

In 1965.

[babylonsister]

2. The President stating his opinion on the mosque controversy in NY

despite the criticism he got/continues to get.

[Orrex]

4. That's a good one

Didn't even occur to me because, you know, Obama's a Muslim and all that.

[EstimatedProphet]

I was going to put that myself

Say what you want about Obama, the easy thing to do would have been to duck his head. There was no political benefit right now to stating what he said, even if he was vague in his follow-up statement.

[LiberalAndProud]

3. Oh dear. GHWB raised taxes.

read my lips.

[nevergiveup]

5. Alexi Giannoulias defending the mosque in New York City

This was very gutsy and may very well cost him a U.S. Senate seat in Illinois but it was the right thing to do. I would also add Everett Dirksen's stance on civil rights legislation in 1964. He saved the legislation when it was at an impasse. It was his finest hour and perhaps one of the most courageous acts by any Republican in contemporary U.S. political history.

[DrDan]

6. This 2003 speech by Rob't Byrd

To contemplate war is to think about the most horrible of human experiences. On this February day, as this nation stands at the brink of battle, every American on some level must be contemplating the horrors of war.

Yet, this Chamber is, for the most part, silent -- ominously, dreadfully silent. There is no debate, no discussion, no attempt to lay out for the nation the pros and cons of this particular war. There is nothing.

We stand passively mute in the United States Senate, paralyzed by our own uncertainty, seemingly stunned by the sheer turmoil of events. Only on the editorial pages of our newspapers is there much substantive discussion of the prudence or imprudence of engaging in this particular war.


http://www.counterpunch.org/byrd02132003.html

[ThomWV]

10. +1

[Golden Raisin]

7. Senator Russ Feingold

who was the ONLY one in 2001 to vote against the so-called "Patriot Act".

[OutNow]

8. Gerald Ford pardoning all the draft resisters

He allowed thousands to come home from Canada and resume their lives. Of course he also pardoned Nixon which was a travesty.

I'm certain he would not be welcomed in the Republican Party of 2010.

[Octafish]

9. President Carter pardoned the draft dodgers.

Unelected president Ford did doctor the Warren Commission report.