60 vote cloture is a rule of the Senate that can be changed.

Once Franken gets seated, I think this debate needs to be opened.

Due to the way the filibuster has been abused throughout our history, I'm for scrapping it.

But as a compromise..

I'm not really a fan of a 50+1 society.

A 53 vote cloture would be ideal.

Peace

Thats where our Founding Fathers f'ed up.

that the parties elect their leaders and provide slates of candidates without consenting the public directly.

I would say it would be better to be able to throw the bums out, even if a party sends another bum to replace the old one.

At least you could eventually get real representation in a parliamentary system.

Also I dont doubt that system being in place throughout Europe is why they dont suffer from conservative politicians for long.

53-47 is a healthy majority IMO.

It would be hypocritical to be in favor of that now that the shoe is on the other foot. We'll be in the minority again some day, and when that day comes, I'll be glad we didn't destroy the only power of the minority party.

I've long opposed the modern American filibuster- because it's profoundly anti-democratic.

It essentially gives about 20% of the electorate veto power over the other 80%

Not exactly the sort of thing that's conducive to solving 21st Century (or late 20th Century) problems in a timely and effective manner.

Coupled with corporate money = free speech per Buckley v. Valeo, it's a major reason why America's in the sorry shape it's in- and unlikely to improve (other than perhaps slow its rate of decline).

I've given this issue a lot of thought. As I'm sure many DU'ers have. And I know from your reply that you have too.

But then the reality of it all sets in.

The fact is, the filibuster has been abused throughout history and stopped progress in it's tracks TOO many times.

To me, it's an outdated rule that needs to be reformed or scrapped.

No debate should ever be stopped because 41 of 100 think so.

My view is that legislation deserves a vote before the full Senate.

The fact that we need a near super majority just for the Senate to vote on legislation goes against what democracy stands for. Rethugs will filibuster almost everything the Dems introduce.

I'm no fan of the filibuster but I'd settle for 53 vote cloture.

and that Democrats will hold power from now on. Those people will someday be in for a rude awakening.

1 member of the minority party, that's equivalent to 55, or 57, or whatever.

Two thirds majority, and all that?

I'm not exactly sure how many times it has been changed or the numbers. I think I remember 65 but I'm not 100% sure on that.