The Senator From Your State is Recognized. So Are The Others.

Compared to your state's legislature, what do you think of the U.S. Senate? Hmm, let's narrow that down a little bit. How do you feel about your state's legislature? Wow. I didn't think the Senate could be that bad. But I don't want to give you the impression that you're alone. Actually most people in this country think our Senate got lower then that movie producer got in the Marianna Trench. Crawling on it's belly on the ocean floor.What's surprising is that about forty years ago it was the most respected body in the country next to Ursula Andreas. Maybe even as well thought of as the Supreme Court. Which has also slipped in the ratings. But not like the Senate. Well how could this have happened? How did it take such a tumble, and the House of Representatives with it? And why are people more disappointed in the Senate than the House? Well the House was always a little more rowdy so it was not unexpected for the House to become so completely partisan. But the Senate? Our Senate? One difference is that in the Senate they have what is affectionately called the Filibuster. I think everyone knows what that's all about. Quaint, but okay. Now of course, a Senator doesn't actually have to Filibuster, he can just warn the Senate of his intention to do it and that bill gets put on hold until---, well until he's darn good and ready to release it or dies. In fact, I'm not even sure dying releases a bill form the threat. And that includes appointments. Even important appointments. So say you're a Senator and you want your sister's oldest daughter's youngest son to get a summer job. Maybe as advisor, to the president? On, let's say foreign policy. He can put a hold on a dozen or so judges until the kid's been hired. But that's an easy one. What if the Senator wants the President to start a war with Texas? Ground troops and the whole shebang? Huh, actually that might not be a bad idea, but what if? He can put a hold on the Defense Budget Bill until he can hear the sound of shock and awe. The Senate is currently designed for complete gridlock. For instance did you know that the Senate is currently set up so that whichever party is in the minority actually rules? Oh it may look like the majority rules, but don't be fooled by those fools.