Nuclear option?

[mkultra]

How is that the GOP asshats are able to threaten the removal of the filibuster. I understand that it takes 60 votes for cloture, but how can they alter the rules of the senate without a 2/3 supermajority?

What am i missing here?

[BillZBubb]

1. The Repugs are being dishonest.

They claim the current rules don't allow a filibuster of judicial nominees. Of course that is a flat out lie and goes against all precedent.

But, since they make this claim, they will ask the president of the Senate (Cheney) to interpret the rule. If he says the current rule doesn't allow filibuster of judicial nominees, only a majority (51) have to agree with him.

It's a total lie by the Repugs, but when has the truth ever stopped them?

[doublethink]

2. .........

"The nuclear option, as envisioned, would allow a Senator to raise, as a point of order, that a particular rule was unconstitutional."-snip-

"The point of order would be ruled on by the presiding officer (Cheney) and, if sustained, would presumably lead to those who oppose the rule change (Dems) filing an appeal. The proponents (Repubs) of the rule change would immediately lay the appeal "on the table" (which is non-debatable) where now a simple majority - as opposed to the historical two thirds majority - would be sufficient to prevail and change the rule." -snip-

So they would change the rule of the Senate and then go onto an up/or down vote 51 needed to confirm Judicial Nominees. In other words the Repubs are just pissing on the Constitution again so to speak, but what else is new? The 'Senate' was never intended to be set up where a simple majority of Senators ruled. The 44 Dem Senators actually represent more American Citizens than the 55 Repubs of their particular States. Even so the Senate was set up so the minority has a say so in things ...... on and on ...... anyway hope this link helps.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_option

note: the 'signing statements' Bush is attaching to passed bills (laws)coming through Congress is another example of these guys pissing on any checks and balances in U.S. Government. Long live the King.

note #2: The 'unitary executive' theory Alito and his pals spew mean ..... 'The President is the Law' so how can he be above it? :crazy: ...... creeps ..... Peace. :)