Schumer Channels His Inner Winehouse

This is what's known as raising the level of political discourse.

Having tried charts, speeches and even all-nighters to protest what he sees as Republican obstructionism in the Senate, New York Democratic Sen. Charles Schumer took to quoting British songstress Amy Winehouse Thursday, hoping to drive home his message.

“It’s sort of like that song,” said Schumer speaking to reporters Tuesday afternoon, "Democrats say, 'Let’s legislate,' and [Republicans] just say, 'No, no no.'”

Winehouse — whose struggles with substance abuse caused a media firestorm — won six Grammy’s last year on the strength of her song “Rehab,” which containes (sic) the hook Schumer took such glee in repeating.

“They need rehab, I guess,” said Schumer with a laugh before turning serious to decry what he sees as constant filibusters from the GOP, which is preventing serious issues like energy independence from being debated.

Senator Schumer prescribes a hasty ouster for filibuster addicts:

Although he later corrected himself to say he was referring to "political rehab" and not anything more nefarious, Schumer warned that by refusing to vote to debate bills, "Republicans are filibustering themselves out of their seats" and would pay a price in November.

No stranger to the condition, Chuck's been open about his own struggle with filibustaholism in the past.  Much like his pop idol Ms. Winehouse, Schumer spent some long, dark years in denial, during which his habit was so strong, he blamed his own failings on his inability to get that next fix.

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) declared that his decision not to lead a successful filibuster in January 2006 of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's nomination was one of his "greatest failings" as a senator.
...
"Every day, I am pained that I didn't do more to try to block Justice Alito."

The born again legislative teetotaler has come a long way since he was in the Senate minority, when he used to glorify filibuster use as a "good American tradition."

This is a much healthier message for the kids.