Filibusters And Democrat Tactics?

Question

Here is a thought: Democrats do not like the increased use of filibusters, so my question is two-fold:

(01) Do liberals (or Democrats) believe that Democrats have never used the filibuster?

(02) If the filibuster is used a great deal to delay legislation / votes / whatever and increase debate, is that irresponsible on the part of the party doing the filibuster or is it also an indication of the opposing party intentionally putting forth nominees and legislation that will initiate a filibuster so they can use that as a political tool to attack the other party?

The so-called Party Of No is attacked for going against pretty much everything, but if legislation and nominees are considered bad and damaging to the nation, is it not their job to do so with every method available? If the GOP is filibustering against bad legislation, that is a good thing and should be supported.  A filibuster against a nominee for Treasury who is a tax cheat would be a wise course of action, right?

This is theory, but should be considered: Who is doing more damage?

mommanuke · Accepted Answer

1.  No, but we also do not deny that the GOP has used it four times more than ever before in history to paralyze government and deny the President most of his appointments.  The filibuster was intended to be used in extreme circumstances.  The Republicans use it like toilet paper, insisting that the minority party control the country.
2.  When a party uses the filibuster properly, it is fine.  But Republicans have used it as a bludgeon to the head of Democrats and the President.  If you remember, Mitch McConnell even filibustered a bill he had just introduced because he thought the Democrats would not go for it.  When they did, he immediately filibustered it.  Is that what you consider "responsible"?  

When the filibuster was used as it was intended to be, it was fine.  But for five years now, it has been used to circumvent the system of checks and balances set up by the Constitution.  The Founding Fathers never even mentioned it, and I certainly don't think they intended for the minority party to shut down everything in an attempt to rule without fiat.

Anonymous · Answer

Republicans haven’t OFFERED explanations about why they filibuster nominees.  They just block it.  It’s wrong.  Period.  It was time Democrats did something about it.  Republicans think they can rule by minority, which they’ve gotten away with for years now.  But the fact is Obama won.  They need to get over it.  His nominees deserve a VOTE.

? · Answer

That's BS.  Republicans aren't blocking nominations and much of that legislation on their merits.  They are blocking even legislation that most of the country supports, including background checks on gun purchases.  I'm sick of the way the right keeps giving congressional Republicans a pass for their blatant misuse of the filibuster.

Brian B · Answer

Once upon a time the filibuster was a way for a senator to stand up against a law to force it back to conference. Now it is simply use to prevent the senate from conducting any business.

robzuc97 · Answer

As if both would not be crying if they switched shoes and timeframes... both have used and both have complained about the filibuster.   But only one side feels the need to "streamline" debate today...

Anonymous · Answer

What till the Republicans take back the Senate. Their new will affect them also. These fools have no idea what they are in for!!!

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Filibusters And Democrat Tactics?

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