At News Views, we’re always trying something to get y’all out here talking. This week, I’ve presented an issue that affects all of us, the filibuster.
So, what exactly is the filibuster?
- The filibuster is a loosely defined term for action designed to prolong debate and delay or prevent a vote on a bill, resolution, amendment, or other debatable question. Prior to 1917 the Senate rules did not provide for a way to end debate and force a vote on a measure. That year, the Senate adopted a rule to allow a two-thirds majority to end a filibuster, a procedure known as “cloture.” In 1975 the Senate reduced the number of votes required for cloture from two-thirds of senators voting to three-fifths of all senators duly chosen and sworn, or 60 of the 100-member Senate.
Normally, I would find great articles or something of historical value to compel you to dig deeper but I can’t; I’m beyond disgusted. Personally, I cannot believe that our country has come to a point where we must choose between democracy, free elections, our voices being heard and mattered or one party rule that is drunk on power..authoritarianism/fascism. This is the same party that has ZERO interest in governing; they just want to pit people against one another, start culture walls, and implement policies and a government similar to Sharia Law but for white people, mainly white males.
So, what do we do? Do we end the filibuster and hope it doesn’t bite us in the ass at a later date? What happens if these fascists take control of the Senate again and our side gets sent to the back of the bus and their fascist agenda moves forward? Sure, President Biden could and probably would veto their nonsense but they could pass legislation with a simple majority if we ended the filibuster and the GQP took control of the US Senate.
So, your task, as the intelligent lot you are, is to discuss the dilemma. Answer any and all questions you want but share your ideas with your fellow News Viewers. Feel free to share your thoughts on what to do about the filibuster/minority rule.
Hope you enjoy- Please understand that this is not a free chat thread. Please post to the topic; share your ideas, answer the questions I asked, and offer up any solutions/ideas, etc. you may have.
