"Option two was for the Republicans to kill the filibuster and get everything they wanted. Anybody who thought Republicans would compromise some of their positions for the good of the country was foolish. Republicans do not compromise; they do not care about the good of the country. Republicans break things and blame others for the mess they leave behind. That's all they know how to do."
"Somewhat predictably, eight Democrats in the U.S. Senate chose the former option and folded like cheap chairs. The statements drooling out of the mouths from these treacherous Democrats are beyond pathetic. Maine Senator Angus King said, "Standing up to Trump didn't work." New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen said, "Hopefully the Republicans may hear us." I'm reminded of The Onion headline from Trump's first term: "GOP Lawmakers Watch Silently As Trump Strangles Each Of Their Loved Ones In Turn.""
Two possible endings to the government shutdown were a Democratic capitulation to Republican demands or Republicans abolishing the filibuster to secure their agenda. Republicans refused compromise and pursued maximal outcomes, blaming others for resulting damage. Eight Senate Democrats acquiesced, issuing weak statements and enabling Republican victories. The Senate filibuster permits any senator to extend debate indefinitely, requiring 60 votes to invoke cloture and end a filibuster. The filibuster functions as an anti-democratic tool that empowers a minority to block legislation and undermines majority-rule governance. Democratic loyalty to the filibuster contributed to the failed resistance during the shutdown.
Read at The Nation
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