The proposal by Senator Frist to limit debate on judicial nominees to 100 hours is incredibly sensible and upholds the alleged purpose of the filibuster. The Senate is supposed to have the opportunity to debate every issue thoroughly, but once every point has been made and every mind is set, it's time to vote. Filibusters should be used to ensure that the majority doesn't rush through decisions without proper consideration and illumination, but it shouldn't be a tool for the minority to permanently thwart the majority under the guise of perpetual debate.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) Wednesday called on Democrats to limit their debate on President Bush's judicial nominees to 100 hours and then to guarantee confirmation votes on the nominees. In exchange, Frist said he would not change Senate rules on filibusters."Judicial nominees are being denied. Justice is being denied. The solution is simple, allow senators to do their jobs and vote," Frist said in a speech on the Senate floor Thursday.
The Democrats don't want further debate, they just want gridlock. Yes, they are in a position that severely limits their power to screen President Bush's nominees, but they're in that position because they haven't won the power they need through elections. That's how the system is supposed to work.
Meh, let the Democrats filibuster. But make 'em, you know, actually stand up in the Senate chamber and talk the whole time.
RC: There are procedural problems with that, from what I understand, since the Republicans would need to keep 51 senators in the chamber at all times (or 50 plus Cheney) in order to vote if the talker ever shuts up, whereas the Democrats would only need to have the talker present.