Why is this man smiling?
Despite Republicans
abusing the filibuster at a
record pace, the attempt by Democratic Sens. Jeff Merkley, Tom Udall and Tom Harkin to reform the procedure and thus end the obstructionism was
thwarted by their own majority leader, Harry Reid. For which the Republicans very quickly demonstrated their gratitude by
continuing to abuse the filibuster.
In March, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin said filibuster reform should be reopened, and less than two weeks ago, Reid himself threatened to do exactly that. But does anyone believe he is serious? It's time for him to prove it. It's past time.
Despite overwhelming support, across the nation, the Republicans and a handful of complicit Democrats just killed a proposed new federal background check law. Other widely supported gun safety measures also will be filibustered away. It's time for Sen. Reid to lead or get out of the way and let someone else do it. Harry Reid must reform the filibuster or resign or be replaced as Majority Leader. It's time for the Democratic leader in the Senate to be a leader.