Mendte: Rand Paul 12-Hour Filibuster

NEW YORK, NY. (WPIX) – If you watch my commentaries, you know that I have not been kind to the members of congress.

I think most, if not all have sold their values and America to whomever will give them the most trips, campaign money and/or the promise of a lobbying job on K Street.

Which is why I am pleased to point out a rare moment of conviction and heroism in the senate.

Now I don`t agreed with Rand Paul all of the time, in fact a lot of the time when it comes to foreign policy.

But Paul took on a one man crusade after hearing that the Obama administration not only uses drones to kill Americans overseas, but reserves the right to use drones to kill Americans in this country in extreme situations.

Rand Paul was so incensed at that notion that he filibustered the senate, speaking for 12 hours straight. He had to stay on his feet. He had to keep talking and he couldn’t leave the room.

 His position was not popular as most in his own party disagreed with him, but as he spoke he gained admiration and even support from senators on both sides of the aisle.

Many would ask long questions that were more like speeches to give Paul a break.

It reminded many of the American classic, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, when Jimmy Stewart playing a regular guy who becomes a senator, filibusters because he believed in a cause that was being ignored.

After 12 hours Rand Paul had to stop and then something amazing happened, a spontaneous show of support and unity from the U.S. Senate.

Some discount what Paul did as grandstanding and they are right. But he was grandstanding for a cause for something bigger than themselves.

And today people were talking about and know more of his issue than they did yesterday. Tomorrow I reserve the right to criticize Rand Paul again, but today I join in the applause.

Watch more on the Filibuster on YouTube