Quote Originally Posted by Seamus Fermanagh View Post
I agree with this. If you're going to filibuster, then do it -- paralyze everything if you think it is THAT important. If it isn't then don't filibuster. This filibust by proxy thing is a weakness.

As it is now, there is little or no political consequence for obstructionism (saying "no" just cause its the other party's idea). If you believe in something passionately enough that you are willing to physically filibuster it, AND pay the political price (if any) in the court of public opinion, then it's fair.
If I'm not mistaken, Reid (as the Senate Majority Leader), can force them to do it old-school. If he had done this at the start of Obama's term when the GOP first started this nonsense, I'm guessing the physical and mental toll on the GOP senators trying to maintain the block would have exhausted them by, say, July 2009. And then the Senate could actually try to get things done, hopefully with a little civility.

I've said it before,and I'll say it again: Reid and Pelosi need to go. They are terrible Congressional leaders, the sooner the Dems replace them the better.