I went to a Texans game once. The Rockets won a game later that night. When I go to Texans games, the Rockets win!!!!
The unprecedented part comes from this: <img src=http://newsjunkiepost.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Cloture-Invoked3Final.png width=495 height=231> Keep in mind any previous Senate could have more easily filibustered anything they wanted since they had more members - and yet, they didn't. For most of American history, we didn't require 60 votes for every piece of legislation to pass - this is the first time we've really had that on just about every bill. In the past, you just needed 50 for most things. Cloture has never been used in the way this Senate used it. That's why the GOP is called the most obstructionist in history.
Careful t, Santa's watching, let’s keep it civil As I said at the beginning, say what you want, but you cannot deny the 111th congress has been one of the most productive in American history even with the party of NO blocking everything they can. It says a lot about the political intelligence of Ms Pelosi and Mr Reid.
Actually it was the most obstructionist in history. The number of filibusters used was unprecedented. Instead of making it majority rule, the Dems had to have 60 votes just to bring most measures up for a vote. Dissatisfaction with some of his policies from people who were supporters of Obama or Democrats isn't the same as obstruction. The Obstruction absolutely did come from the Republicans. Disagreement with policy decisions is different than blatant obstructionism.
Responding to you as you were at the bottom of page, but response applies to all who said exactly the same thing. I stand corrected. Thanks for the info. That part wasn't about obstruction, rather the statement that only one side of the aisle is saying he didn't do what he promised and/or are dissatisfied with him thus far as President.
Here's more, and this is from an article in June-- Scholars agree-111th congress the most productive in history "This is one of the most productive Congresses in history." Norman Ornstein, Congressional Scholar at American Enterprise Institute, Financial Times 3/19/10 "… Congress and the White House have completed 16 months of activity that rival any other since the New Deal in scope or ambition… If there is a theme to all this, it has been to try to lift economic growth while also reducing income inequality." David Leonhardt, New York Times 5/22/2010
It's a sad day when we're celebrating passing legislation just because it was *difficult* and not because it was *beneficial*. That is the epitome of partisan politics. "Woohoo! We got one over on the Republicans!"
I am curious what is the normal amount of votes needed? The Health Care bill passed with the Senate by 60 to 39 and the House by 219 to 212. The rules of the House say a simple majority and the rules of Senate say a simple majority, a super majority is only for cloture. That is what is needed to pass legislation.
That pretty succenctly summarizes the motivations of people like you: <object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1CdkUaK6KsM?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1CdkUaK6KsM?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object> ...even if it hurts the country. It's always all about you, brah. Philosophical arguments about supply side economics and other faux-lofty intellectual arguments just make a good cover for your own personal gluttonous avarice. What is actually good for the country is at best an afterthought.
Sorry Donny, your statement just isn't true. There are immense benefits from the work done by the 111th congress. Did we get all we want? Of course not!
Calling people greedy/racist means you don't have to debate them about the philosophy of their/your actions. Kids use the same tactics.
Otto, You've got to realize that virtually everybody is self-motivated just as most people in the lower income areas vote democrat because of the government and entitlement programs that benefit them. Higher tax payers vote Republican to keep more of their earnings. Please don't talk about democrates versus republicans etc. sacrificing anything or doing selfless things.
You are reading more into that. Objectively, which means free of opinion, the only way to measure Congress' effectiveness is amount of legislation passed since the primary purpose of Congress is to legislate.
If we have a president who has signed more legislation into law than anyone since FDR in the New Deal, then he can't really claim to be a centrist/moderate.
What about my statement isn't true? I see a bunch of people in here high-fiving simply because of how much legislation was passed given the circumstances, and not because of what legislation was passed.
Lettuce be reality, brah. You saying "it's good for the country" is just your cover for stealing from the rich and redistributing wealth.
