The Far Left and the Filibuster: Why Democrats Might Not Want to Abolish It

Once the filibuster was used sparingly, mainly when a senator passionately opposed a piece of legislation. Now, it only takes an announcement of intent to filibuster, and no need for the procedural talkathon as it did before, to block legislation unless 60 senators support a vote to proceed. This means that a 41-vote minority can effectively kill any bill.

Why Wouldn't Anyone Want to Abolish the Filibuster?

The filibuster might be a way of explicitly denying the democratic process, but why would anyone be against it? After all, when we talk about the 'far left,' we often mean people who share different political views. This practice was designed to protect minority rights, but its application may not always align with what those who use the term 'far left' truly want.

Disadvantages of Abolishing the Filibuster

One of the main arguments against abolishing the filibuster is that it protects minority rights. For instance, it allows for the possibility of a vocal minority to block legislation that they consider is against their interests. However, the application of the filibuster may not always reflect the true intentions behind its use. As someone commented, its purported passion for protecting minority rights does not extend to opinions they do not agree with. In essence, it's a tool that can be manipulated to benefit those in power.

The Curious Case of 'Far Left' and Party Ideologies

Another point to consider is the concept of 'far left' in the context of American politics. Biden is often categorized as a right-of-center corporatist, and Democrats, with a few exceptions, like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), are typically left-of-center. There are no truly 'far left' political parties left outside of fiction. Even parties that once identified as Marxist or communist have moved far away from the ideological spectrum proposed by Marx.

A Missed Opportunity or a Necessary Evil?

There's a missed opportunity here. If Democrats could muster the courage to push for the abolition of the filibuster, it would make it harder for Republicans to block their agenda. The current situation is such that once Republicans gained control of the House, any push for reform would be futile. Democrats should consider a change of stance and actively engage in discussions about reforming the filibuster. If they win back control of the House, Senate, and Presidency, the abolition would give them a better chance to push through their agenda.

While the filibuster is often perceived as a barrier to progress, it's important to consider the underlying reasons for its existence. Protecting the minority voice is crucial, but the method of doing so should also be scrutinized. A reformed filibuster could serve the interests of all parties, ensuring that the democratic process remains robust and fair.