Your View of the Filibuster

[OmahaBlueDog]

Is my brain rotting, or didn't Mitch McConnell make a move to get rid of the filibuster just a few short years ago?

[shotten99]

1. It's a necessary evil.

The Democrats will be the minority again one day.
Could you have imagine the further damage done to the country without it under the Bush regime?

[jody]

2. Filibusters are the only protection a minority has against the tyranny of a simple majority. n/t

[Prism]

3. In theory I don't mind it, but . . .

The problem hasn't been the rule so much as the differences in political will. Republicans have the temerity to employ it early and often. When we were in the minority, Democrats just wouldn't stand up in the same way. If Democrats had filibustered the most egregious Bush atrocities, I'm not sure we'd even be having this debate.

But as long as only one political party has the fortitude to use the filibuster, we're going to forever wonder if it's a good idea.

If only one party ever gets to use it, then I think it should be scrapped.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

4. Other.

The filibuster should be kept with a time limit.

If a Senator wants to take the floor to illustrate/expose what they perceive as a travesty, fine. However, it should not be used as a mechanism to kill or endlessly delay legislation.

This could be achieved with an ever-diminishing cloture count or a simple time period- say 48 hours.



Yes, the Pugs will pass horrible legislation because of this in the future. That's what elections are for.

[fifthoffive]

5. Keep it, but...

Make them actually filibuster, not just threaten it. Make them stand and speak in order to sustain the filibuster.

[3324SS]

6. Filibuster are Fine

Not Allowing the non-standing up in Congress and talking till you can no long talk Filibuster is the problem.

The Pubs have used the Filibuster over 40 times already this Congress and not once have they stood up in Congress and told the people why they are for protecting corporate profits.

Kill the current form of the filibuster, bring back he real filibuster, you know when that fine Pub Strom Thurmond filibustering against civil rights....funny how things never change, Pubs are still against civil rights.

[Toots]

7. I understand the term "Tyranny of the Majority" but still, everything can be abused.

Republicans have no regard for America or it's principles. They need to be shamed into accepting America ideals once again..When a large majority of Americans vote one Party into Power it is so that Party can enact it's principles. It is our Democratic heritage of Majority rule.. Republicans are having a National Hissy fit because they didn't get their way and are basically lying on the floor pounding their fists and screaming...Spoiled children having a tantrum....It needs to end..

[OmahaBlueDog]

8. Why not simply ammend the Constitution to say everything has to pass the Senate by 60 votes

...as a practical matter, that's how it works now.