Unhinged Ed Markey Calls ACB Nomination ‘Illegitimate’ [OPINION]

From calling police officers "murderers" to referring to the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court as "illegitimate," United States Senator Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts) has come completely unhinged.

Not that long ago, Markey – like his good friend, United States Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) – were backbenchers. They kept pretty much to themselves and were, for the most part, ignored. But now Markey's radical views are mainstream, and thanks to a lifeline tossed him by U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York), Markey has relevance within some circles.

Markey's radical stance on defunding the police led him recently to refer to Louisville Police officers involved in the death of Breonna Taylor as "murderers," even though a grand jury saw things quite differently. Markey falsely stated recently that police in Portland, Oregon "routinely attack peaceful protesters" and said, "We must disarm these officers." His anti-police stance has led to demands for his resignation by thousands of police officers.

Markey is unhappy that President Donald J. Trump has nominated Judge Amy Coney Barett to the United States Supreme Court. Coney Barrett is a proven jurist who supports the Constitution, including the First and Second Amendments. She is the mother of seven children, including two adopted Haitian children and a special needs child. She is a Roman Catholic.

Markey refers to Coney Barrett's nomination as "illegitimate." Coney Barrett is not illegitimate, nor is her nomination. Article II of the Constitution requires the president to nominate someone to the high court. Trump is doing his job.

Markey is upset that Trump has been given another opportunity to make an appointment to the Supreme Court and is sulking. He tweeted on Friday that he "will do everything in my power to block this illegitimate nomination."

Markey has become more and more divisive in his rhetoric and tone. Perhaps 44 years in Washington is enough for Markey. Perhaps it's time Ed Markey spent more time with the family and working in the garden.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.