So, will we ever see bi-partisanship, or civility, again?

[30ashopper]

The problem is that no one uses the filibuster they simply threaten to use it and the rest of congress runs in fear. If your going to threaten to do it I suggest you show up on the floor with a stack of newspapers and phone books to follow through.

The Senate rules changed in the 70's to allow senators to simply offer intent.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filibuster_(United_States)

Guess which party changed the rules?

 

[GoodWitch58]

They are politicians with their own agendas, each one only as unique as it takes to keep working at getting re-elected. Democrat and Republican politicians are all in the same bunch in my opinion. I don't see a separation. The only difference in many cases is the names on the checks being written to the thousands of beneficiaries.

I find that if you wait long enough, the politicians' take on things change to the opposite. For example, back in 2005, I listened to Harry Reid give a great speech on the importance of keeping filibustering. Now, he has completely reversed course when it isn't in his own favor, and says that filibustering is bad. If you wait long enough, the earth spins around to a new day.

but, it hasn't always been this way...there was an effort at civility in the 60s and 70s...and there have been many issues passed or killed by leaders from both parties.

 

[GoodWitch58]

Its Krugman. What do you expect? He is one of those journalists who is part of the problem, not part of the solution.

but, that's not the point. it would be the same if it were Rush or Bill Kristol.

so what has to happen for the fear and divisiness to tamp down some? I think the public plays in to it. So many people know so much more about pop culture than they do about how our laws are made...and, not only do they not know, they are not interested in knowing...so, we pretty much deserve what we get.

We can never solve a problem as long as we stay at the level of the problem--something has to cause us to rise above it. It will be interesting to see what does happen.

 

[idlewind]

Most people's view of bi-partisanship is for the other side to agree to do what I want to do. I tend to think we have had too much bi-partisanship: in the last eight years Republicans have acted just like Democrats. All both of them know is tax and spend.
At some point in their histories both parties have been the fiscally conservative party. One of them needs to go back to that platform. I don't care which, but the one that does has my support.

 

[30ashopper]

but, that's not the point. it would be the same if it were Rush or Bill Kristol.

so what has to happen for the fear and divisiness to tamp down some? I think the public plays in to it. So many people know so much more about pop culture than they do about how our laws are made...and, not only do they not know, they are not interested in knowing...so, we pretty much deserve what we get.

We can never solve a problem as long as we stay at the level of the problem--something has to cause us to rise above it. It will be interesting to see what does happen.

Being stuck in the middle of a sour economy isn't helping, but generally I think with the internet and 24 hour cable news, we've simply reached a new normal. The people out there haven't changed, their views haven't changes, we're just interacting more in lots of new and interesting ways.