Some discussion has been occurring about how the filibuster might be reformed or dispensed with. I guess this is welcome, because the more it is generally accepted that the Senate is an utterly dysfunctional institution because it can't be anything else, the better off we'll be, in that there will be a bit less bullshit in the world. The problem, though, is that the only way to get the Senate to be less of a problem is to get Senators to reform the Senate, which is something that will never happen ever, because the Senate is composed of Senators.
So I'll sign on gladly to what Bowers proposes here. But I am skeptical about his points one through three, on the grounds that I have come to think that the Senate has become so insulated from, well, democracy, that it will end up destroying the nation and the world well before anything can ever be done about fixing it via democratic means. In short, I think global climate change is more easily remedied than the United States Senate, and I'm not exaggerating.
But I sure will do everything I can to discredit the Senate and mock it for its absurd self-regard, because, well, the Senate is full of Senators, and I don't like that class of individual, the pompous lot of preening shits.
I think global climate change is more easily remedied than the United States Senate, and I'm not exaggerating.
...except the United States Senate will ultimately block any steps necessary to remedy global climate change, so checkmate!
Luvs,
Joe "I am become death, destroyer of worlds" Lieberman
Posted by: watou | November 12, 2009 at 04:52 AM
What's the cliche? "The most exclusive men's club in the world?" Now w/ a few dames.
Actually, more women (who've worked & had families) in the Senate might be the only thing that will get the institution close enough to democracy to recognize it again.
Posted by: M. Bouffant | November 12, 2009 at 05:15 AM
As long as we don't get more Dianne Banker Butt-Licker Margaret Thatcher Feinsteins (the Dragon Lady with no fucking heart).
~
Posted by: ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© | November 12, 2009 at 07:37 AM
I couldn't agree more. I read that Bowers article and couldn't decide whether I needed to laugh or to cry. It was so hopeful. And it doesn't have a hope in hell of being actionable. I mean--look at the people he has to work with? Senators?
Even the best of them won't give up the filibuster because its their only power over each other. Who gives that up unilaterally or prospectively? No one.
aimai
Posted by: aimai | November 12, 2009 at 08:34 AM