Every two years, the U.S. Senate can cure its dysfunctional status by neutering the "silent" filibuster rule with a simple majority vote.
One senator now can stymie a nomination or piece of legislation by simply blackballing it anonymously. No reason is required.
And it takes a supermajority of 60 votes to override the covert blockade. The concept of 50-plus-one majority rule no longer routinely exists in the capitol's upper chamber.
The "talking" filibuster rule change proposed by Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) would embrace rules in place for the classic motion picture, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.
As long as solons keep talking, the filibuster lives. When they stop, the debate ends and the matter proceeds to a majority vote for or against approval.
The Senate's present Republican minority would lose its biggest weapon for blocking the Obama Adminstration.
But wait. Senate Democrats might lose their majority in 2014 or 2016. They would need that "silent" filibuster to paralyze Republican legislation.
Oy vey. (6 JANUARY 2013)
