Why have a Filibuster at all?

creature6 · 10-18-2009, 10:27 AM

The ability to Filibuster is the cause of much annoyance as it turns the political fight from (in the senate at least) a battle to have 51 votes, to a battle to have 60 votes. This seems undemocratic to me as a 59% majority can be indefinitely stopped by a stubborn minority. The way I see it, the only reasons a vote should be delayed are:
1. If new arguments/facts have just come out that need to be taken into consideration
2. If there is a study/event that would make new facts/information readily available and these new facts/information may influence the way some people vote.

So why do we allow a filibuster? Is there a reason there should be one? Or is it not possible to make a rule that limits how long each Senator can talk about one Bill?

CptSternn · 10-22-2009, 12:19 AM

It's all about checks and balances. A filibuster is not easy. Anyone attempting it much be well motivated to even try. To stop one is also not easy.

Think of it like a fail-safe for legislation.

Joker_in_the_Pack · 10-22-2009, 12:41 AM

It's a dick-headed move, and it's amazingly childish. Instead of discussing the issue, they can spend 23 hours discussing what their children did all week, and if they do it long enough, the bill dies. That's absurd. It's akin to someone covering their ears and yelling, "Nah Nah Nah" repeatedly and actually WINNING the argument.

HumanePain · 10-22-2009, 03:37 AM

Strom Thurmond read from the phone book during his filibuster of civil rights legislation for crying out loud. They get absurd.

Despanan · 10-22-2009, 08:25 AM

I think there was a vote to pass a law banning fillibusters, but it got fillibustered.

Seriously though, I think they're allowed because the alternative (ie: time limits on discussion) would have more serious negative effects on the democratic process. The law is a blunt instrument, not a scalpel, and people are going to find ways to exploit procedure either way, so it's better to err on the side of greater liberty.

Despanan · 10-22-2009, 08:57 AM

Found a blog on it!

http://www.themonkeycage.org/2009/09...tering_or.html

turns out Sternn and I were both partially right. There are apparently lots of reasons why Filibusterin is important.

CptSternn · 10-26-2009, 01:13 AM

Hasn't anyone seen Mr. Smith Goes To Washington? It has an important purpose. Watch the film. Sure its older than feck and in black and white, but it has a point when it comes to filibusters.

KissMeDeadly · 11-14-2009, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CptSternn

Hasn't anyone seen Mr. Smith Goes To Washington? It has an important purpose. Watch the film. Sure its older than feck and in black and white, but it has a point when it comes to filibusters.

I remember watching that in high school, I liked it so much I got my own copy, good movie, and Jean Arthur is absolutely stunning.