It’s been a long, long time since the Senate has seen an actual, honest-to-God, traditional filibuster; you know, where a Senator stands behind the podium and speaks for hours and hours. That’s part of what Sen. Bernie Sanders’ filibuster so interesting. Republicans lately have simply taken the easy way out- they say they’re going to filibuster something, and Democrats curl up into the fetal position and pray for rain. Seeing Sanders vent his anger and dismay at length over the proposed tax cut deal was refreshing…or it would have been if Sanders was actually a Democrat. Still, the fact that someone- ANYONE- besides a Republican could put something more than lip service behind their outrage was wonderful to behold. Whether or not it will change anything, or whether it was merely delaying the inevitable (the most likely scenario), remains to be seen.
For those of us outside the Beltway, we still have the ability to make ourselves heard…and perhaps it will take millions of us registering our dismay and outrage to make a difference. Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA) has set up notaxdeal.com to help give those of us opposed to this “deal” a voice. In the meantime, we should all be thanking Bernie Sanders for showing Democrats what it means to actually stand up and fight for the principles you profess to believe in.
Mr. President: this is what you get when you confuse compromise with capitulation….
