In support of the Filibuster

[ThomWV]

I despise how the Senate Republicans are using the threat of Filibuster (extended debate) but the rule that allows it must not be changed.

Extended Debate is the sole protection afforded the minority in the crafting of law. It prevents what has been called "the tyranny of the majority". As such it must be preserved.

[mdmc]

1. I am all for it too

a good tool to use when you have nothin left..

[Mari333]

2. wish the dems would have used it a lot more often

they had so many many chances for so many many years.

[ThomWV]

3. You may recall that the Republicans threatened to remove it during the Bush years

so that we would have no protection at all from them. We didn't use it because the nationally elected Democrats of that time and this are spineless.

[FBaggins]

5. Not quite true

What they threatened to do was to rule that filibusters were not an option on judicial nominees (and, presumably, other confirmations).

That would have removed the filibuster as an option to stop bad judges, but would have had no impact on legislation.

[ThomWV]

6. Good distinction, but a first step toward the same goal none the less

[PSPS]

4. What you are supporting is the "tyranny of the minority"

The filibuster isn't supposed to be a "check and balance" as you describe. That's what the bicameral legislative design with a presidential veto accomplishes. The filibuster should be abolished.

[ThomWV]

7. Yes, you could call it that, but I still see it as a necessary evil to protect the miniority

If nothing else the 8 years of the Bush Administration showed us that a bicameral legislative design with a President holding veto power is no protection at all for the miniority.

[coti]

8. Yes, and in any case there were other things the Obama Administration

could have done if they'd actually wanted to pass a worthwhile bill. They just didn't want to.

[flamin lib]

9. I don't want to lose the filibuster either, but . . .

Make them DEBATE the damn bill. Make them stand there wearing Depends and talk as long as they want to. Do that just once and the filibuster will become what it once was, a last ditch effort to stop bad legislation, not a method of throwing a tantrum with no cost to it.

What's pissed me off are the Blue Dogs who one at a time block the progress of reform. One guy holds out so Reid capitulates only to have some other asshole change his mind and we're back to 59 votes.

Fuck that! Make them put their objections on the line and defend them.

[ThomWV]

10. You can not believe how much I agree with you.