Dear Pelosi and Schumer: Cancel recess. Expand the court. Nuke the filibuster

[babylonsister]

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/6/24/2106087/-Dear-Pelosi-and-Schumer-Cancel-recess-Expand-the-court-Nuke-the-filibuster

Dear Pelosi and Schumer: Cancel recess. Expand the court. Nuke the filibuster
Joan McCarter
Daily Kos Staff
Friday June 24, 2022 · 3:40 PM EDT


Democratic lawmakers’ response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s destruction of reproductive rights for the nation has been, let’s say less than urgent. Less than cognizant of the absolute earthquake that just rocked us. Less than aware that we are all looking to them to DO. SOMETHING.

Start with canceling recess. Start with acknowledging that the nation is on fire and that it is their job to start putting the fire out. Recognize that that is what we elected them to do in 2018 and 2020. Show us that they understand that we put our faith in them to do this job. We’re paying them to do it. It is their responsibility.

Then act. Don’t just hold hearings on how awful it is that we just witnessed the end of federal protections for abortion rights. Put legislation on the floor to codify abortion rights and put everyone on the record. Take Justice Clarence Thomas at his word and put legislation on the floor to codify our right to birth control, and put every Republican on the record on that. Put legislation on the floor to codify protections for same-sex relationships and marriages, and put every lawmaker on record on that. Put legislation on the floor to codify the right to interracial marriages, and make every Republican vote on that.

End the filibuster. Don’t let Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema and Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski off the hook. They all voted once already this Congress to carve out a filibuster exception for raising the debt ceiling. Make them do the same to preserve abortion rights.

Fix the Supreme Court. Nothing this Congress could do to protect our rights will stand as long as the Supreme Court as it is currently constructed stands. Address that fact.

Address the fact that every one of the extremist judges who did this lied to Congress in their confirmation hearings and that we all know that. Show there will be consequences for those lies, including reforms that could end their lifetime tenure on that Court. Including adding justices to dilute their toxic influence. Including imposing a code of ethics that every other federal judge is supposed to adhere to. Including constraining their power legislatively.

While you’re at it, start impeach proceedings—and investigations--against Clarence Thomas. Because there’s every likelihood that he’s as much an insurrectionist as his wife and a danger to the republic.

Most of all, wake the fuck up and recognize that this is war.

Link to tweet

This. Is. War. Republicans declared it decades ago, and too many Democrats not only didn’t acknowledge that—they didn’t even recognize it.

We, the base of loyal progressives and Democrats will continue to fight and will continue to vote and get out the vote and donate and every other thing. But if you’re going to get more people than just us to do all that, you’ve got to show that you deserve it.

Prove that you deserve it.

[Irish_Dem]

1. No matter the crisis or emergency, Congress always takes its vacation right on time.

[babylonsister]

3. Yes, I've

noticed that for years. Infuriating.

[Irish_Dem]

6. But the ordinary person often has to delay plans because of work demands.

[usaf-vet]

34. I agree this is war. The last time I was faced with America was at war was in the 1960s...

... at that time, as a high school graduate and soon to be 18, I had two choices. 1. roll the dice with the draft. Or 2. Enlist in the military.

I chose to enlist as my father did before me during WW ll and his father before him during WW l.

I'm not waiting to be drafted for this "war" either, so I am joining the fight. BUT it is not as simple as choosing a branch of the military.

The only weapons I have now are my vote and my financial support. My votes go without saying, but my $$$ is more complicated.

I am tired of getting dozen of emails a day asking for money. Many of them are lost causes from the start.

So until I can determine who or what entity is going to use my $$$ to fight this war and not simply fatten their own coffers. I will not open my limited checkbook.

Hopefully, Pelosi and Schumer will start by following babylonsister's advice and show us that THEY are in this to WIN.

No MORE NICE civil collegial behavior. We should recognize that that has gotten us into the fix we are in.

[calimary]

43. Same here! All those emails asking for money.

Yeah? What good will THAT do? (Except slowly squeeze me dry by depleting what funds I have to live on?)

And I’m sick and tired of it! You donate what you can and the next day the same emails come at you again, screaming for money (what did you do with the money I just gave you YESTERDAY????”)! Frankly it makes me feel empowered - to disconnect from them one-by-one.

Why were they noodling around all this time and NOT taking this threat seriously and NOT doing anything to head this off in the first place? Or maybe you were still napping while the bad guys were busy getting things done?

Let them start DOING what’s outlined in this OP. Then I might feel differently.

Do what babylonsister has outlined, and show you’re worth the trust we all placed in you to represent us, Dammit!!!!!

[usaf-vet]

45. A quick reply to ... "Why were they noodling around all this time"

Because the money kept flowing in even while they noodle around.

Now let me pose a question.

WHERE IS ALL THE DEMOCRATIC DARK MONEY?

The republicans say Soros is funding it. I don't believe it.

Where are the billionaire Democrats? Just one check could balance the weaponry in the war.

[rubbersole]

47. On my 18th birthday the Kent State students were murdered.

Looking back, that event was a major crossroad in my life. This SC ruling might be a major motivating event for today's youth. I hope so.

[Demsrule86]

7. There is nothing they can do. And they need to campaign and win.

[SallyHemmings]

2. At their local town halls

Tell them to go back to DC!!!

[Demsrule86]

8. Sure lets bash democrats. That will help.

[Steve Canuck]

22. Its called critizism.

As much as democraticunderground might be a site for democrats, self criticism is a necessary and HEALTHY element to bring about change. We ultimately are talking about politicians, who are not our friends.

[Novara]

26. Criticism for not acting like this is the emergency that the rest of us see

Ho hum, we probably can't get anything passed so let's not bother ourselves to try. This is the way Schumer seems to operate. At least Pelosi tries to get legislation passed.






EVERYBODY! CALL THEM:

https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm

https://ziplook.house.gov/htbin/findrep_house

[Laura PourMeADrink]

42. +1

[bucolic_frolic]

4. If only we had the political power (majorities) to fulfill those wishes

We don't. But we can make hell at the ballot box.

[Farmer-Rick]

29. But to most voters, we do have the majority of both Houses

Last edited Sun Jun 26, 2022, 10:05 AM - Edit history (1)

And the presidency.

To most sleeping voters this looks like the Dems did it or at least turned a blind eye to it. It happened under the Dem's leadership

They need to take immediate action, not words. They have to counter this with a very liberal, not tax cuts, not measly Covid checks, large action or they will lose most all future elections.

It makes the Dems look bad unless they actually counter with something..... anything, hugely liberal. I'm not saying this is the Dem's fault. This falls squarely on Christians and the GOP. But on the surface, to people who are sleep walking, it looks back because it happened on their watch.

It really doesn't have to be about the Supremely Religious Court. It can be anything liberal, that will upset most any conservative. Because then they will look strong and the sleeping voters will notice.

[Septua]

38. That's the only solution and...

..unlikely to happen?

Memo to Dems:

Vow to end the filibuster, codify Roe, and reform SCOTUS so that codification can't be struck down.

And pressure GOP candidates on whether they support a national abortion ban.

Vows are toothless and GOP politicians don't cater to majority opinions.

[Demsrule86]

5. We don't have the votes. So we Need to get off our butts and help with the election.

more Democrats. Congress needs to campaign.

[Demsrule86]

9. None of what you suggest will help. We need. More Democrats.

You know what the country didn't deserve? Trump. And fuck those who claim to be on our side but only if they feel Democrats `deserve` their vote. I call that blackmail.

AND IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO PLEASE EVERYONE. It is becoming clear, we may have to move to the middle to win reliable voters. As a progressive who votes in every election, I find that heartbreaking. Progressives and all others must vote Democratic in every election or face the consequences.

[dixiechiken1]

36. We don't just need *more* Democrats, we need *better* Democrats.

I appreciate their fiery words in front of the cameras but I want - no, I NEED - to see some fiery action. I need to know that they are as pissed off as I am right now. I am a lifelong Democrat and never miss a vote. That's not going to change. But is it really too much to ask for them to show me they've got my back like I've got theirs? I'll do my part, they need to do theirs.

[3Hotdogs]

10. It will take 2/3 of Senate and Congress to raise the number of "justices."

Or any other change to the Constitution.

We ain’t got it and we ain’t gonna have it for at least 25 years.

So we need to come up with different plans.

[gab13by13]

11. I just read Article III, and it says nothing about 9 SC justices.

[Cheezoholic]

14. Thers no rule on number of justices

can have 500 if congress and the prez want

[3Hotdogs]

15. Yes. But there is a rule on how to change that number.

[PTWB]

48. That rule doesn't require "2/3rds" of the house and senate as you wrote in your earlier post

[OnDoutside]

17. Correct but you need 50 Senators to kill the filibuster. They aren't there.

Elections have consequences, putting up the wrong candidate has consequences... between Gideon in Maine and Cunningham in NC, and I'm sure there are others.

[Cheezoholic]

12. We ain't gonna have shit if we lose anything in Nov

If we can GOTV and hold the house AND grab 2 or 3 more seats in the Senate we can claim a mandate AND thereby give shelter to some honest repukes, yes there are a very very few, and 2/3rds this court into oblivion. But, like Joe said, its up to us. Mommy and Daddy can't do much more.

[gab13by13]

16. Won't need 2/3 to add 4 more justices.

The Constitution will not need to be amended. We need to win more Senate seats, abolish the filibuster, add 4 more justices by majority rule.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

44. +1

[3Hotdogs]

51. Filibuster --- that's why y08 need 2/3

[gab13by13]

13. Democrats need to run on expanding the SC.

We may need to win a couple more Senate seats to be able to trash the filibuster and expand the court. We should do it, run on expanding the SC to protect our freedoms.

I wanted Democrats to expand the court right after Joe Biden won, but too many thought it a radical idea, it turns out that it was a sensible idea.

[Cheezoholic]

18. I think that would be harnful

They should say its an option but if they get control they should do it in a NY second

[OnDoutside]

19. Actually they don't. They need to run on "bringing back" Roe v Wade.

That's what the great unwashed understand. When you get an increased majority, then you say "to bring back Roe v Wade" we need to expand the court, and you do it. Don't have a debate on the wrong ground.

[PortTack]

20. Absolutely!

[onlyadream]

21. If only the Dems had the nerve... but we always play by the rules.

And the Republicans bend and change the rules, and then they lie and cheat.
I’m hoping this removal of freedom lights a fire and makes those in red states realize they need to vote blue or else those first episodes of The Handmaids Tale is going to become reality.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

41. More socially liberal people I know in my red state are mad

But enough to do something? Hope so

[SheltieLover]

23. Absolutely!

But, I doubt they will.

[The Jungle 1]

24. We are a fascist nation.

Fascism is a form of far-right, authoritarian ultranationalism, characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and the economy. wiki

[bigtree]

25. dear whoever. Count the votes.

...and stop pretending Democrats have the power with their slim majority to do any of these things right now.

[DownriverDem]

27. It's all about the votes!

When you have a slim majority, the minority can stop, stall and hold things up. My frustration and anger is at those who would not listen to the warnings. Just vote Blue in November.

[Traildogbob]

28. It is too near

The 4th of July. Lots of repubs have a required rally in Moscow they “must” attend on the 4th. Rand Paul has to hand deliver a “Message from the Office of the 45th President, Donald J Trump” to pootie poo. So a recess is required for GOP (Given Over to Putin) to go acquire marching orders and cash. Maybe ask dear leader for pardons since his puppet let em down.

[Ferrets are Cool]

30. We can hope

but I will not hold my breath.

[Bettie]

31. No matter what the issue, no matter how important it is

there is no way Manchin and Sinema will agree to nuking or even altering the filibuster.

So, those two items are off the table.

Hopefully, people are angry enough about this to vote more Democrats into the senate and into the house so that those changes CAN be made.

But right now? Zero Republicans will vote with Democrats on either of these things. Because they are all part of the death cult. They enjoy the idea of women suffering, of women being second-class citizens, of having no right to bodily autonomy.

[Roisin Ni Fiachra]

32. Manchin and Sinema will not deviate from their agenda, no matter what.

The only way to end the filibuster is to elect enough real Democrats in November to the House and Senate to override the votes of any Democrats who will side with Republicans and refuse to act to end the filibuster.

Manchin and Sinema are just crying crocodile tears over the destruction of Roe, and they will never, under any circumstances, vote with Democrats to nuke the filibuster.

[yaesu]

33. Yes, this needs to happen. This country is in a constitutional crisis, we are at WAR with fascists

Do the right thing, its hard but it must be done or democracy is lost, period.

[Pepsidog]

35. Absolutely. Why should they go home, stay and fight. I don't care if Manchin and Sinema won't budge,

make them stay there and show Dems are willing to fight. Biden should issue executive orders regardless of their legality. Make republicans go to court and challenge them. Time long past fighting fair. Dems need to show that they will fight and not just accept getting shit on by republicans.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

37. Better late than never

[Magoo48]

39. Yes, yes, and yes.

[spanone]

40. K&R

[myohmy2]

46. +1...

...

[BannonsLiver]

49. And do it with maaaaagic

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

50. K&R