Dear Senator Reid,
I know you've been trying to deal with the filibuster since the beginning of this session. I know that there are recalcitrant Democrats who may be preventing the simple majority necessary to change the filibuster rule.
Senator McConnell's pledge to join the filibuster of background checks provides a golden opportunity to reform the filibuster based on a popular issue.
As you are no doubt aware, 90% of Americans support background checks -- Few if any other issues present that nearly unanimous sentiment. That's why this issue is ideal as a rationale for passing an effective limit on the filibuster. I realize that the main focus of reform now is nominations, especially of Judges. While that issue is critically important, it does not have the power of the background check issue, especially in the wake of Newtown.
Americans are already catching on to the extremism and obstruction of the Republican Party. Opposition to a nearly universally-favored gun law, especially through the already abused filibuster will lay bare the dramatic disconnect between the Republican Party and majorities of voters in this country.
Let's force the Republicans to answer:
Whose Side are you on? The Gun Lobby or 90% of Americans?
Thank you for considering this.
Sincerely,
[Upper West]
(Also sent to my Senators, Schumer and Gillenbrand.)
(Link is to Steve Benen at The Maddow Blog)