Thursday, May 19, 2005

Gizoogle Gizoogle: Give it a try, snoop! 11:41:17 PM  permanent link  Reader Comments []  Google It! Filibuster For ChiBurns Dirty Politics [posted by Troy] Well, ChiBurns has threatened drastic action unless I post something about the stupid filibuster debate. (For an interesting look at the Filibuster, checkout this NPR story about the history of the Filibuster.) The Senate is historically the place of compromise. This is why it is difficult for Senators to be elected president. There are just too few Senators, so if our government is to run, then Senators must compromise. (Their lack of numbers also gives them each a great deal of power...so they can be bitchy.) They temper the extremes of our political system. Senators by nature must deal with each and many times vote for things they may not like. It is give and take. The filibuster has evolved to give the minority party power. It is a tough tactic that often makes those who employ it suffer as much as those to whom it is employed upon. It is a measure that keeps the simple majority (50+ senators that are in either party) from dominating the agenda. The Republicans now threaten to take it away from the Democrats over six judges (despite the fact that 200+ judges have been approved and the fact that the Republicans did something very similar to Bill Clinton). My take is that both parties have been talking tough, and now, they have painted themselves into a corner with no way out. Nothing useful will come of this. It is distracting us from real issues. It is politics at its worst. The extreme right is pushing the issue because they want extremist judges on the bench, and the Democrats are sick of being pushed around so they are pushing back. The filibuster is a useful tool of our government that gives the minority power. It is a check against the system. This Yahoo story sounds optimistic that a compromise may be reached. A fear that grows stronger within me is the fear of the power of any side of the political spectrum to silence the other. Our system must be a place where minority voices are heard. When voices stop being heard, then people seek other ways to get heard. Increasingly, we are polarized on both sides. Increasingly, we need moderates to step forward and show us that our system can still function...This post has been in honor of ChiBurns. 11:35:53 PM  permanent link  Reader Comments []  Google It! Dance Video Instructional Video [posted by Troy] As some of you know, our wedding is getting closer and closer. If you need dance lessons, here is a video for you. Unfortunately, many of you may not need it. 11:19:45 PM  permanent link  Reader Comments []  Google It!

© Copyright 2006 Troy & Kim . Last update: 10/29/2006; 11:42:25 PM. This theme is based on the SoundWaves (blue) Manila theme. The title and description for this blog are quotes from Cameron Crow's 2000 film Almost Famous.