On Tue, 24 May 2005 07:26:43 -0400, Bert Robbins wrote:


Established rules and procedures like the filibuster? Unlimited debate
has been a hallmark of the Senate since it's beginnings. The filibuster
can be ended with cloture, if the Republicans have the votes. The
system has worked for over 200 years, quit your whining.

The filibuster is a US Senate rule. It is not based upon law nor is it in
the US Constitution. The rules of the Senate can be changed by the
Senators at anytime as the US Senate has done for over 200 years.

BS. The filibuster is not a rule. Unlimited debate is the rule. A
filibuster is the name given to the process of holding the floor to
prevent a vote. The Constitution dictates the Senate "Advise and consent"
the President's judicial appointments. Would you have the Senate abrogate
their sworn duty? Where were your complaints when the Republicans
filibustered Clinton's Paez nomination? Or when they blocked 16 of his
appellate court nominees? The system has worked for over 200 years, now
you want to change the rules?

The US Senate should return to being comprised of members elected from the
several states legislatures rather than being popularly elected. This will
remove a tremendous amout of money out of politics as so many on the left
desire to happen. And, the biggest reason is we are the United STATES of
America not the United PEOPLE of America.

That was changed for one reason, a direct vote is more democratic, small
d. Democracy is a bitch isn't it? The checks and balances our
forefathers put into this system mean this country will be ruled from the
center, not from the right or the left. Why is it the Republicans always
want to change the rules?