Oregon Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley is becoming Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.
Senator Merkley has a plan.
On January 5, 2011, Senator Merkley and like-minded Senators will make a motion to alter the rules of filibuster.
Under these rules if you want to filibuster a bill, you cannot merely threaten to filibuster; you must do the work and stand on the floor of the Senate and talk for hours. When you stop talking, the bill would be put to an immediate vote.
In Senator Merkley's memorandum about Senate Reform, he cites the following "perverse effects" of the filibuster on the governing process:
** Deepening of Partisan Divide: The minority party’s use of the filibuster power to paralyze the senate creates enormous frustration between the parties.Merkley describes in detail the reforms that he and others would like to see insituted. My personal favorite:
#5) Require filibustering senators to hold the floor: "The public believes that filibustering senators have to hold the floor. Indeed, the public perceives the filibuster as an act of principled public courage and sacrifice. Let’s make it so."
Gentlemen, that is how the business of government should be done.
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Cranky Cuss
john tapley
Catnlion
WriteNOWMom
Colony of Losers
Jane Gideon
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Comments
If we are to allow filibusters because of an unlimited debate concept then let them debate. This idea of theoretical filibusters has stopped all useful process in the Senate. I have no issue with unlimited debate, but feel this perversion of the concept is very bad for our country.
I like your comment:
"As it was before let it be again."
I agree that the way filibuster has been used and abused recently has stopped all progress.
Thanks for coming by.
stop the advance of the 451s
Maybe more than a dream. He has a group to push it and there will still be the old Senate. Hey, maybe the teapartiers might like it though. You know?
Elijah,
It gives me hope.
They should all be slapped silly with wet noodles.
I will help you with that noodle slapping!
^R^
Merkley is calling it the 'magic 51'. Before the new TPers move in, there could be a chance. Maybe the Repubs will think it work to their favor.
I love him for trying.
His memo on this is a very good read.
Maybe it's the water. I know it makes good beer!
Scanner,
Wouldn't that be a gas to see! I actually went on Amazon last night and ordered Mr Smith Goes to Washington. The poster made me homesick for exactly this thing.
I thank you and greet you and your winsome baby. Love that picture!
The hardest one to do so far has been on Salmon. I found so many great pictures.
Tom,
I think if McConnel tried to talk that long he would fall over in a coma just listening to himself.
Maybe Bernie is setting them up for this. Looks like an old fashioned filibuster.
Yeah, we got lucky or just smart with our choices.
Wyden has really proven himself over the years. Putting together a deal over water in South Oregon was masterful.
The Middle Class is well served here.
I thank you for your civic service. Yeah, the other guy is best forgotten.
I also love our DeFazio. Pregressive to a fault.
In comparison, there is no contest. Trees, water and great politics!
Unsure of the "this" in your comment but agree with the thought that the Senate is in trouble as far as doing work.
I hope Reid does hold them until Christmas Eve for their footdragging.