This is not a big "if", but can be Reid's legacy

[Guest 6.8 AR]

Harry Reid screwed up when he changed the rules about the filibuster. If there is a Republican majority in

the senate, well, just read it.

 

http://www.americanthinker.com/2013/12/how_the_gop_can_repeat_1994_thanks_to_harry_reid.html

 

He has put the Democrats on the defensive, with no real way out if it plays out, and Obama will lose more

popularity. I wonder if Reid thought about this when he decided to do it? I doubt it. He isn't that smart.

[tnguy]

Sadly, the Repbublicans aren't that smart either.

[Guest 6.8 AR]

That filibuster rule change was a strategic blunder that I'm sure one or two R's will have figured out. I think they will still compromise too much,

though. If they get the senate and alter it to include everything in the kitchen sink, the Democrats can't blame anyone but themselves. It would

make them eat their words if they said anything. Personally, I think the filibuster is an important piece in the senate and everything should be

allowed to be filibustered, including appropriations or budgets, whichever it was before. I forget. But since they play games with the rules, the

opposition should, also.

[tnguy]

Unfortunately, I agree with you that it's important and that means that it is bad for us no matter who can take advantage of it. There were many of us who weren't too happy when the patriot act passed, warning that even if Bush didn't abuse it (and arguably he did), it leaves the door open in future.

 

The filibuster, like so much else that has fallen, was an important protection for the people of this country. It's not like Republicans don't get up to crazy crap from time to time. It's loss should damn Reid's name in the history of the fall of the USA.

Edited December 14, 2013 by tnguy

[Guest 6.8 AR]

What's unfortunate is that the Democrats will spin(lie) and
make this thing into a Republican having done it, and the
sad part is that many will believe it.

[Guest TNSovereignty]

What's unfortunate is that the Democrats will spin(lie) and
make this thing into a Republican having done it, and the
sad part is that many will believe it.

Yep.  Here's the way it will play out ... GOP gets power, they start using the same tactic, but will be called out by Dems & media for bullying.  GOP will whine, "Well this is the doings of Democrats, and we're just playing by their rules!"  Dems will fire back, "We used the power so very responsibly, but the tea-baggers are recklessly taking us back to the dark ages."  Etc etc.  

 

I think the article assumes a politically savvy, ethically principled, & cohesive GOP ... none of which I believe to be true.

[Garufa]

That is exactly what will happen TNSovereignty.  If the republicans ever do again gain power they will take great advantage of this new rule.  They will not change it.

[Guest 6.8 AR]

With the batch in the senate, it's definitely a tool
that will be abused by both sides. Even if the Republicans used it to reverse a bunch of stuff
that's bad, the abuse potential is high.

Reid should never have gone there. It just creates
a stronger "payback is Hell" system. That doesn't
work.

[Mike.357]

isn't he dead yet?

[tnguy]

He was in the hospital today. Just exhaustion apparently. It's hard work ruining a country.

[kieefer]

Somehow the Dims will change it back before the Repubs get a chance to use it.

 And yes, the evil Repubs will be blamed for changing it in the first place.