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Post by HumanSanity on Mar 6, 2013 20:25:36 GMT -5
Well, now that we are on our second filibuster of the Obama-appointments for a second term we get to have the distinct privilege of asking about the validity of the filibuster.
One of the things that I didn't realize is that a filibusterer can talk about whatever they want. I thought you needed to be on topic, turns out you just need to keep talking and not sit down. I could get up there and read Beowolf until I'm done and with my 60 hour filibuster and then I can go take a well-deserved nap.
This isn't about the validity of Rand Paul's or Cruz's recent filibusters but rather the validity of the practice of filibustering itself. I would prefer if the Senate adopted the same rules we use in Texas. You can filibuster if you (a) maintain the floor, (b) don't repeat excessively, just to fill time, and (c) are on topic.
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Post by Benevolent Thomas on Mar 14, 2013 16:57:06 GMT -5
If any filibusterer is to be allowed at all it should only be the "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" style filibuster. Nowadays you don't even have to take the floor to filibuster; you just need to threaten to do one with the support of your party and the motion dies. Hats off to Rand Paul for performing the filibuster as it was intended to be carried out.
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We have it in the UK. The procedures of the House of Commons require that members cover only points germane to the topic under consideration or the debate underway whilst speaking. And Australia have strictly enforced rules on how long members may speak, so filibusters are generally not possible.
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We have it in the UK. The procedures of the House of Commons require that members cover only points germane to the topic under consideration or the debate underway whilst speaking. And Australia have strictly enforced rules on how long members may speak, so filibusters are generally not possible.
Lucky! Our Congress can read the [explicit] dictionary. as long they don't have to use the bathroom and get tired, and get away with it! *mutters some curses about the inept US Congress*
i don't mind filibusters as long as it's actually done and not just threaten. minority party needs some sort of power and if they really feel strongly on that issue they should be able to represent that.
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The modern US Senate filibuster rules are ridiculous. The requirement of the majority party to not only acquire a 51 vote majority, but a 3/5ths supermajority is a joke. While I do think that the minority party should have some power to slow legislation, they shouldn't be able to erect an impassible barrier as they are now. Our system is not built for such stonewalling. I will forever curse Harry Reid for not reforming the rules at the start of the Congressional system.
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Post by Witchcraft and Sorcery on Apr 29, 2013 21:56:13 GMT -5
The filibuster is a bit of a joke. Honestly, it's what has caused all of our problems passing laws at all. I'm definitely for minority rights, but there has to be limits on what can and can't be done to prevent laws from passing. Every time the Republicans don't like something the Democrats propose (or get lobbied the (expletive) out of by special-interest groups), they filibuster. It has caused senators to not want to make deals and move further and further away from the centrist supposed politics they preach in campaigns. It's a completely absurd tactic.
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Post by Witchcraft and Sorcery on Apr 30, 2013 16:16:30 GMT -5
I disagree that it should be completely banned; it started as a useful tool for minority rights that has grown into something that can be leveraged at the slightest problem. Some law needs to be reformed so that it's easier to break and hopefully level the playing field.
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