The nuclear option and the filibuster brouhaha – pay it no attention. It’s just routine politics. Remember, these guys are mostly lawyers so they argue a lot. The “nuclear option” was a Republican bid to render the filibuster to eternal oblivion by deeming it unconstitutional. It is a thorn to the majority and a tool for the minority. Republicans were the majority at the time so they sought to remove the thorn and the Democrats argued to keep the tool. When the tool changes hands the advocates change sides but the argument remains the same.
The most famous filibuster took place when Sen Robert Byrd (D)WV stood for 14 straight hours on the Senate floor reading portions of the Bible and his mothers cooking recipes all in an effort to block the the civil rights bill. At that time a speaker had to hold the floor in order to maintain the filibuster.
Since then some senators have questioned the need to learn how to make grits and gravy before voting on a vital issue. Others felt a Senator should not be required to stand for hours just to obstruct legislation. So they changed the rules. I believe all you need do now is stand up, say “I am filibustering” and sit down. I think they got the idea from Japanese workers who would work their butts off at the job while wearing a button that said “we are on strike”.
Politics isn’t always serious. Sometimes it’s just silly.
Bob B
RANDOM THOTS 