Comments on: Definition of Cloture: An Agreement to Limit Debate NOT to Begin Debating

By: Michael D. Long

Michael D. Long — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:27:48 +0000

Great overview, Will. However, it looks like LittleDEM has the problem the left always accuses Independents and Republicans of – an inability to comprehend what he is reading.

The rule on cloture is just another example of the abuses that are leading to the collapse of this once great nation. It was implemented during time of war to allow votes on issues having direct effect on American lives. As with any emergency measure, there should be restrictions on use to only those times where lives will be lost should debate continue.

It turns out that Woodrow Wilson was not the legislative expert he purported to be, just another in a long line of fools chipping away at the Constitution.

By: LittleDEM

LittleDEM — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:57:03 +0000

Hey, Will, Thank You for the kudos on my interpretation at LittleDEM.com, but I have a follow-up question . . . WHY exactly did they have to vote for Cloture? Was that the only alternative to the Majority Leader’s request for ‘unanimous consent to lay a bill before the Senate’?

It may seem overly detail-oriented, but I think it’s worth nailing down exactly why 60 votes were even needed just to — effectively — START the debate on Healthcare Reform.

By: audiegrl

audiegrl — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:58:46 +0000

Great point Will. With your permission, I would like to cross-post this on The 44 Diaries.

By: LittleDEM

LittleDEM — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:56:14 +0000

Will, Thank You for your article — It actually sparked me to write one of my own on the matter of Saturday’s Senate vote. But reading your explanation, particularly your opening, I think they did effectively vote to ‘begin debating the bill’. I know that’s perhaps not technically what the vote was, but isn’t it just the difference of which end of the (same) tunnel you’re looking through?

Curious on your thoughts — FYI, my article is posted here . . .

http://littledem.com/2009/11/what-actually-happened-on-the-senate-floor-last-night-vis-a-vis-healthcare-reform/