A filibuster-free Senate’s needed today, but what about tomorrow
OK, the filibuster’s dead and it’s about time.
President Barack Obama has the right to make executive and judicial appointments–with hard opposition reserved for extreme cases.? With historic vehemence,? Obama’s opponents raised the bar so high. Even former President Ronald Reagan’s choices couldn’t have cleared it.? The blockade against three D.C. Circuit Court judges twisted Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s knickers so tightly that he had no choice, but to change the rules.
The filibuster’s time had come. But, change is a rare commodity in the U.S. Senate. That change could have an even greater impact, if the roles are reversed. What happens when Republicans control the Senate and/or the presidency? Why wouldn’t newly empowered Republicans make another rule change to toss out the filibuster for Supreme Court nominees as well? Has the stage been set for a Republican majority bent on revenge?
It’s fair to assume the Republicans’ current vindictive attitude could get worse. Thus, the risk of retaliation is all but guaranteed. If the Senate changes hands in 2014 and Republicans take back the White House in 2016, this liberal would love to think things would be bearable. After all, with conservatives like Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas sitting as confirmed judges on the bench, how bad could it be? How about a nominee to the right of Robert Bork?
The grass-roots strength of the Democratic Party is paramount. We should focus on 2014 and 2016 electoral challenges — legislative achievements and the Supreme Court could depend on it.? We’ve got little time to benefit from this long overdue maneuver — let’s use this time wisely.
