To Filibuster or NOT to Filibuster

The filibuster in the US Senate is a legislative and political procedure designed to delay &/or prevent legislation from receiving a vote. Today, only a vote by 60% of (or 60) Senators (a super majority) can stop a filibuster. Although its origins go back to ancient Rome, it was only in recent times in the US Senate that the filibuster has been weaponized as a partisan tool to routinely obstruct any legislation that might reflect favorably on the opposing political party.Traditionalists and idealists argue that the “real problem” is extreme partisanship and animosity, and eliminating or modifying the filibuster so senators in the minority can’t talk as long as they want, would only exacerbate the problem.On the other hand, realists point out though that may be true, today in America it would be suicidal for a party put in power in the House, Senate and Presidency, by the people, to solve a series of crises, NOT to kill or modify the filibuster. It would be a betrayal of trust and render all promises to solve problems meaningless. Bipartisanship can also mean agreement and support from a majority of all Americans, and a majority of both Democrats and Republicans.The framers of our Constitution believed in a simple majority to conduct its business, and to fail to correct this procedural roadblock would be unilateral disarmament and do great harm to our nation.