Ready For Filibuster Reform?

A quick filibuster reform update. From Greg Sargent at Plum Line Blog

With the internal debates among Senate Dems over filibuster reform moving very quickly on the Hill right now, some people seem worried about the fact that Harry Reid is reportedly seeking a delay on introducing reform, in order to negotiate with Mitch McConnell in pursuit of some kind of deal. This has folks nervous that Dem leaders will cave on real reform in the quest for compromise with the GOP.

But a key Dem Senator pushing reform tells me that this may be the wrong conclusion to draw. Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon, one of a number of leading young reformers, argues that this could actually be a positive — it could lead to a drawn out public debate that could increase organizing time and increase pressure for real action.

Daily Koz campaign after the jump.

Filibuster Reform Article

Daily Koz Campaign Keeps Reform Pressure On

A remarkable thing has happened on filibuster reform. Republicans are so scared Senate Democrats are going to pass real filibuster reform, they are begging the Democratic leadership to cut a deal.

Republicans never come begging for a deal. Usually, it’s the other way around. The reason it’s happening now is because your efforts resulted in all 53 Democratic Senators signing a letter demanding filibuster reform. Republicans know we have the votes, and are desperate for a way out.

We need to make sure that Senate Rules Committee Chair Chuck Schumer, who has been given responsibility for crafting the reform package, stands tall for real reform. He should not cut a deal with Republicans just to try and look “bipartisan.” Call the Rules Committee office right now and tell Senator Schumer just that:

*Senator Chuck Schumer: 202.224.6352* (Rules and Administration Committee number)

Say your name. Ask Chairman Schumer to pass reform that makes the filibuster real and clears the way for nominations. Tell him not to give away the store to Republicans.

We’ve come a long, long way on this campaign. Daily Kos has brought it all the way from the fringe, to the mainstream, to the brink of victory:

Among the reforms proposed Senators could no longer just make a phone call to start a filibuster. They would actually have to stand on the floor on the Senate ala Jimmy Stewart in Mr. Smith Goes To Washington

I think filibuster reform is long overdue. It may happen this year because the GOP overplayed its hand. As Ezra Klein said recently: elections have consequences – so does obstructionism.

There may not be a quick decision. If you think filibuster reform is overdue keep informed. See Huffington Post: Rules Delay

Image Credit: Jeff Snow

Posted by Gypsy Chief

Outside a debate between candidates for the Senate in Kentucky, Rand Paul (R) and Jack Conway (D), a gang of apparent supporters of Tea Party favorite Rand Paul brutally assaulted a woman representing the progressive organization MoveOn.org. The progressive activist was seized by Paul supporters, thrown to the ground, beaten and kicked; at least one Paul supporter is shown on video stomping on her neck and head with violent force.

Southern Hospitality

From The Washington Monthly Details of Assault in Kentucky Come Together

KY Stomper Wants An Apology

Tim Profitt, former Bourbon County Coordinator for Rand Paul Senate campaign, wants an apology from the 23 year old female activist he curb stomped. Good luck with that. Here is an update from Talking Points Memo Stomper Interviewed on WKYT, Wants Apology

Posted by Gypsy Chief

Reality Show Material?

G4 Network Announces New Series – Bomb Patrol Afghanistan

The article is from Broadcasting and Cable Magazine. I think the show, approved by the United States Navy represents a new low in tastelessness. What happens if one of our troops is killed on live tv? I am writing my congressional representative to protest. This series presents war as entertainment all for the sake of making a few bucks.

Robert E. Lee got it right when he said

It is well that war is so terrible – otherwise we would grow too fond of it.

Thanks to The Rachel Maddow Show for bringing this to our attention.

See also Navy OKs EOD Reality Show

From that article is the following

The announcement avoided any details surrounding how the show intends to deal with possible EOD casualties, and a G4 spokeswoman told Military.com that she did not know how the company would handle those situations.

Photo Credit: Adam Henning on Flickr

Posted by Gypsy Chief

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