Posted on 04/26/2005 10:26:04 AM PDT by BlackRazor
Nuke the Filibuster
These are confusing days in Washington. Born-again conservative Christians who strongly want to see President Bush's judicial nominees voted on are leading the charge against the Senate filibuster, and liberal Democrats are born-again believers in that reactionary, obstructionist legislative tactic. Practically every big-name liberal senator you can think of derided the filibuster a decade ago but now sees the error of his or her ways and will go to amusing lengths to try to convince you that the change of heart is explained by something deeper than the mere difference between being in the majority and being in the minority.
At the risk of seeming dull or unfashionable for not getting our own intellectual makeover, we still think judicial candidates nominated by a president deserve an up-or-down vote in the Senate. We hardly see eye to eye with the far right on social issues, and we oppose some of these judicial nominees, but we urge Republican leaders to press ahead with their threat to nuke the filibuster. The so-called nuclear option entails a finding by a straight majority that filibusters are inappropriate in judicial confirmation battles.
But the Senate shouldn't stop with filibusters over judges. It should strive to nuke the filibuster for all legislative purposes.
The filibuster debate is a stark reminder of the unprincipled and results-oriented nature of politics, as senators readily switch sides for tactical advantage. Politicians' lack of consistency on fundamental matters the debate over the proper balance of power between Washington and the states would be another case in point is far more corrosive to the health of American democracy and the rule of law than any number of Bush- appointed judges could ever be. For one thing, it validates public wariness about politicians professing deep convictions.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
I read it all and agreed with it.
I understand that the House of Reps also practiced unrestricted debate in its early years, but got rid of it because the House continued to grow in size and it became counterproductive to permit unlimited debate. In other words, the concept of unlimited debate is not something that is written in stone.
It actually is a silly, untenable idea. At some point, the speaker has to decide what his points are are simply state them. If he cannot do that then he's not the right guy for the job.
There's not a lot of value in unending debate in my opinion. There eventually comes a time to act.
Vote it up or vote it down.
Wow!
Okay, which Freeper substituted the intended LA Times editorial at the printing press in favor of this fair and truthful account?
I am absolutely shocked.
Is there a paved road to there?
Okay you guys .. fess up .. which one of you gave the LAT a brain transplant ..??
Obviously, Susan Estrich has gotten to Michael Kinsley..
The filibuster is a reactionary instrument that goes too far in empowering a minority of senators. It's no accident that most filibusters have hindered progressive crusades in Washington, be it on civil rights or campaign finance reform. California's Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer, one of those recent converts to the filibuster, embarrassed herself by hailing Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.) as her inspiration at a pro-filibuster rally. At least Byrd is being consistent in his support he filibustered the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
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LOL I didn't hear about this... What do the NYT and WP think about all this?
I was having trouble sleeping last night. Could this be a side-effect of travelling into a strange, parallel universe? I don't remember tripping over a vortex, but it was dark. No one around me has suddenly grown a goatee, so I'm having doubts about the parallel universe theory.
Damn. From the LA Times. I had to click through just to make sure this wasn't a satire piece.
Somebody wearing a biohazard suit should see what the DUmmies think about this. They've been sold out by the west coast Pravda.
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