Senate Filibuster: Use the Nuclear Option Already

Enough is enough!  Enough of this tyranny of the minority.  Enough of the endless  blocking and sabotaging of every nomination and every law just because somewhere, a radical “Christian” sect or a corporate donor might be offended.

Today the teabaggers are targeting Mel Watt, nominated to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency; and Attorney Patricia Millett, nominated for the United States Court of Appeals.

Tomorrow it’ll be the two nominees for the FCC.  After that, God only knows how many bills and nominees will be derailed by the Government Shutdown Party (formerly known as the GOP).

Regarding Patricia Millett, Sen. Patrick Leahy said:

“If the Republican caucus finds that despite her amazing, stellar legal reputation and commitment to her country, that somehow a filibuster is warranted, I believe this body is going to have to consider anew whether a rules change should be in order.  If Republican senators are going to hold nominations hostage without consideration of individual merit, we will have drastic measures…”

The filibuster is NOT protected by the Constitution.  It’s been a long tradition which was originally intended for extreme cases.  It was never intended to be standard operating procedure; a weapon for every Biblehumper or corporate prostitute who wants to bring the Senate to a halt.

Get rid of it.  Use the Nuclear Option.  If Republicans take the Senate next year and Democrats are unable to use the filibuster, that’s the way it goes.