Matt Wuerker for July 17, 2013

Did MW feel the same way during GWB’s 2nd term ? The Democratic minority in the senate stopped a lot of crazy things from being implemented.

The cartoon is pointing out that while the minority used to use the filibuster to block outrageous nominations, like a life-time judgeship for yahoos who felt that women should not have the legal rights that men do; now the GOP uses it to block perfectly reasonably nominees to executive positions that do not outlive the president. Note that more than 2/3 of the senators voted FOR our new head of the consumer financial protection board. Yet the GOP have blocked that nomination since 2011. Now the board will finally have the power that the senate gave it when they made it law.

“…Peter Principle Senators…”

Excellent characterization.

The filibuster was originally designed to lead to compromises (after a lot of jaw-boning, of course). That was back when “compromise” wasn’t a dirty word, though……Next election I hope we can put a few grown-ups (from both parties) in Congress.

IT may not be eliminated altogether, but maybe limit it’s use to 3 or 4 each year. That way if it could be used on whatever was the most important and not enough to stop government in it’s tracks. Until Obama was elected the filibuster was rarely used.It shouldn’t be completely banned but it has to have more limitations on times used.I also hope next election will put some in some people who give a care to be responsible, and know right from wrong, and know that compromise is what politics is about. Also will help if they have strong integrity to put the nation-the people 1st!