Paralysis by Filibuster

Paralysis by Filibuster
Published: December 10, 2010


To the Editor:

Re “9/11 Health Bill Blocked in U.S. Senate, but Backers Hold Hope” (news article, Dec. 10):

Like most Americans, I am completely disgusted by the state of the Senate today. As long as the possibility of a filibuster exists, nothing will ever get done. The Senate Republicans have made it abundantly clear that they have only one agenda: to stop the Democrats from doing anything at all. It has to stop now!

The Republicans have completely paralyzed the legislative branch, and consistently put their own selfish agenda ahead of the welfare of the nation. There must be some way to do away with filibusters so that the Senate can actually vote on things that matter.

If the Senate cares anything about this country — and I believe some senators do — its members will get together and eliminate the filibuster once and for all. The future of our nation depends on it.

William H. Carey
Ferndale, Mich., Dec. 10, 2010


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/11/opinion/l11filibuster.html?ref=opinion

File this under: Elections have consequences. Senate gridlock isn't a new problem...it's what's messed this country up for the past 4 years and is about to kick into high gear in January. The GOTB deliberately obstructs and they were rewarded for this "strategery" last month. People claim they like "divided government" and many voted for such...well here you go. Enjoy!!

the problem is that we are so frightened by the idea of a filibuster that no one actually has to filibuster anymore - just threaten the act. Change the rules to force filibuster action (make the filibusteros have to WORK for their lunch) and you will see less filibustered bills.

It's so fucking easy - so why is it so hard?

Side note on the comment "Work for Lunch."

I already did work, and was not paid, when that is corrected, you can talk about working for lunch.

You are full of crap and you know it.

Because the reference was to the Senate.

was to the group that thinks Work will set you free. and those that believe in unjustice without compassion, not even knowing what work is.

I have often wondered if the reason Moses went to the mountain not across the river Jordan, is he thought about the better part, not having some promise land that they would have to kill for. But that is another story. and just a thought on perspectives.

I was only commenting on the phrase 'work for lunch' not any other part of your post.

There are groups that pick that verse to hang their hat on, the verse that says those that wont work wont eat.


But what is work? Not much work in letting money make money for you, or trusting on huge inheritance. :shrug: although if I can I will share my food with those in that position.


I got a can opener. :)

and you sound like you need some serious rest.

Why would you think I am not rested?

If anything I have to much rest.

that was used in a manner that was only marginally agressive, and was not directed at you personally, nor anywhere near you.

Your response was unprovoked, and over the top. Honestly, your subsequent explanation was rambling, disjointed, and oblique (yes, I meant your words were "oblique" - in the sense that they slanted to the right, and slightly distorted).

Saying you might need some rest was a polite way of responding to all of the above.

You can't just make a lengthy speech, when there isn't a matter coming up for a vote, and call that a filibuster.

It may have made sense at the country's founding. Two Senators from each of the 13 states.

Now you have the same representation for a large state with more cows than people, as a smaller state packed with four times the population.

Shit like ethanol gets subsidized to benefit corn growers in a couple of less populous states. Not to mention ADM. Clean coal? another joke to benefit a couple of states.

they only threaten, which is enough