Grist's David Roberts On Busting The Filibuster

[Joanne98]

Run time: 05:05 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHCW4CXpT88   Posted on YouTube: July 23, 2010 By YouTube Member: UpTakeVideo Views on YouTube: 16   Posted on DU: July 23, 2010 By DU Member: Joanne98 Views on DU: 387

 

[tabashco]

1. I'm not opposed to the filibuster in its original intent...

the Senate by its very nature is supposed to be a check on the (sometimes)over-zealous house and therefore by its very nature will be slower. I do think that the filibuster would fit much better in the context of this role if Senators were required to stand in, and actually perform the filibuster from their desks. Now merely by saying "We will oppose" the Senate can grind to a halt without the opposition being held accountable for why. That is not to say that I don't share in the outrage at the procedural games that the Republicans have played in the 111th session, I just believe that the filibuster should only be used for the most dire, serious, well-thought-out purposes.