HERE WE GO AGAIN

The term “filibuster” is once again rising to the surface so I thought this would be a good time to bring a few facts to the surface:

1. It is a permitted procedure.
2. It has been and continues to be used by both political parties to block legislation they don't want passed.
3. In the United States, a filibuster was used for the first time in 1853 by Albert G. Brown (D-MS).
4. When Democrats used filibusters to block Republican legislation, it was perfectly acceptable to do so.  When Republicans use filibusters for the same reason, the Democrats yell ‘foul’ and seek to change the rules. 
5. So, with number four in mind, Harry Reid (D-NV) wants to change Senate Rule XXII to make it more difficult for Republicans to use filibusters.
6. In the final analysis, IMO, Senator Reid is a bit short-sighted...if he is successful in changing Senate Rule XXII, that rule will make it more difficult for the Democrats when the Republicans are in control...it seems that so many folks do not have the ability to look down the road and draw conclusions.