What's with the petitions to "re-open" the filibuster issue?

[truebluegreen]

As I understand it, that ship has sailed. The filibuster rule can be changed by simple majority vote, but only on the first day of a new session--i.e. every two years. That day has passed.

Tragically, Harry Reid let the opportunity to redress some imbalances slip, and now the country will suffer at least two MORE years of gridlock and inaction.

At the very least, we should require talking filibusters. If a senator opposes a bill or action, let him stand up and show it, and be judged for it. As it stands, 40 senators from our 20 smallest states, representing roughly 10% of the population, could block legislation from even coming to a vote. Or the minority party, working in lockstep, can block anything at all. Without effort, or a price to pay for obstructionism.

Secret holds are even worse. One senator can prevent a bill coming to a vote.

The Senate is already profoundly anti-democratic, with a senator from California (pop. 38,000,000 or 11%) having the same voice as one from Wyoming (pop. 576,000 or .18%.

We desperately needed reform in the Senate rules, Harry Reid needed to get that done, and he didn't. Instead he walked away with a "gentlemen's agreement." As if anyone on the other side of the aisle could be trusted to keep it. IMHO Reid should step down and let someone who can actually do the job take over.

[davidpdx]

1. I hate to say it, but this late in the game we are stuck with Reid and the fillibuster

People should be just as mad at the 7 fence sitting D senators who are cowards, 2 of which were from California.

Both of my senators were for the reform and Merkley was one of the ones leading the charge. I'm still pissed at the senators and people in the states that couldn't get the shit down.

[truebluegreen]

2. I AM just as mad at the fence sitters,

mad enough to chew nails, in fact. But Reid is in charge (hah) so he gets the brunt of it.

What I wouldn't give to see the likes of LBJ on the scene.

[davidpdx]

3. I just want to remind people who the senators are that helped put us in this situations

They seem to think they are above reproach because they have been in the senate since the dark ages. I plan on writing papers when each of these 7 are up for reelection.

[pnwmom]

4. I read somewhere that "holds" are not part of official rules, just a custom,

and Reid has already said he would ignore a hold on the nomination.

That's probably what they were intending to do, which is why they're now in the ridiculous position of pretending that they're not filibustering.

[truebluegreen]

5. I believe that is true.

It's all about the World's Greatest Deliberative Body being collegial, and stuff.