Reply #35: Whether it's a bluff or not

[davidthegnome]

It's going to piss off the moderates if they are forced to filibuster. I quite like Obama's style and method of negotiating so far. He is just what we need right now - an excellent diplomat who just might manage to bring more unity to the two political parties than we have had in a long time (if ever).

Another thing that runs through my mind here - when the republicans have a majority (as they likely will, at some future date) we're entirely likely to face the same issue they're facing now. In fact we have, on numerous occasions over the last eight years. I vaguely recall from reading "The Audacity of Hope" that we came quite close to cutting out filibusters entirely. Has anyone else considered what the end result of that would be? All well and good when we're the majority perhaps, but not when the ball is in the other court.

Right now, for them, it's either a good bluff or a last resort if forced to it.

I'd prefer to see more open debate between republicans and democrats regarding various ideas, debates that could ultimately reach some kind of conclusion.

Yes, the Bush/Cheney led neocon agenda has fucked us for years, but if we in turn treat them (the right) with the same disregard and contempt with which we have been treated, it's going to ultimately result in yet another cycle of endless bickering resulting in very little productivity.

The more we strive for unity, in the public eye and in private, the greater our chances are of eventually getting things done. Yes it's going to require sacrifices and no we're not going to enjoy or at all agree with some of what is said and done.

Yet I really believe in Obama's goals of unity and cooperation, the idea that, regardless of being largely idealistically opposed, we can make common cause for the good of the many. If he - and by extension we, can successfully negotiate with the other side to bring about positive change, it will be tremendously inspiring and productive.

Time will tell, but at the moment we have the upper hand - and in my view that's the time for healing the breach as much as we can. For clearly demonstrating that we're willing to extend an open hand rather than a closed fist.