The nuclear option and the filabuster

[mikelewis]

I understand how the filabuster works and the value of its use in protecting the minority view. I understand that the nuclear option may be invoked to end the filabuster on the judicial nominees. What I am not sure of is the scope of the nuclear option. Will the nuclear option apply to all filabusters or just where judicial nominees are concerned?

What constitutional protections exist in respect to the filabuster? Is this the only means of protecting our point of view? What other weapons do we have in our arsenal to combat this aggressive power-grab?

[jmowreader]

1. The filibuster is parliamentary procedure

It's not in the Constitution (debate rules are not in there either; the House has limited debate because it processes more work; the Senate can filibuster because it's supposed to be a more deliberative body) but Harry Reid says he's going to shut down the Senate if Frist goes nuclear.

This will work IF the Democrats can manage to grow a pair and take over popular opinion.

[Name removed]

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[mmonk]

3. The constitution

wasn't written with political parties in mind.

[mmonk]

4. Also, the filibuster

has been used for approximately 200 years.

[Gothmog]

5. Nuclear Option can be used against all filibusters

The nuclear option is a parlimentary trick which can be used on all types of filibusters. Frist is only intending to use on judges this time but future senates could use the same trick on any other or all other types of filibusters.

Once the nuclear option is used, then effectively the filibuster is dead forever.