Senator Murray,
As a loyal constituent of yours since 1998 (would have voted for you in '92 but I was only17) I have long been an advocate of your brand of pragmatic progressivism. I know that you have always been a legislator who has sought to reach across the aisle to find compromise and common ground whenever possible, and I generally appreciate that approach to governing. However, having been in the Senate as long as you have, my hope is that you can't help but recognize the increasingly dire affects wrought by the gross misuse of obstructive tools. For 28 years you have had a front row seat as the number of filibusters has skyrocketed to unprecedented levels, reducing the ability of the once proud deliberative body you serve to get anything done. The ongoing consequences for democracy should you fail to act to change this are alarming.
As to now, I have been extremely troubled by your lack of voice on this issue. As the third ranking Democrat and second highest ranking female member of the Senate, you have a unique opportunity to lead on this issue. Thus far, you have been virtually silent, to a degree to which I am at a loss to understand. Your taciturn approach to this issue makes it feel particularly disingenuous when you comment in support of progressive legislation that you know has ZERO CHANCE to pass as long as the filibuster is entrenched in the Senate. Case in point, your pinned tweet features remarks on racial justice, yet you must understand that any meaningful Civil Rights legislation is DOA as long as the filibuster is preserved?
I understand that the filibuster can be used by both sides, and has prevented some truly horrific policies from passing over the previous four years. However, simply put, democracy DEMANDS that the majority have an opportunity to legislate. The remedy for disagreeing with policies enacted by the majority is the ballot box. Progressive policy is much more popular than conservative policy. When in the majority, Republicans should be forced to take meaningful votes on unpopular ideas rather than being given the cover of a Democratic filibuster. And when in the majority, Democrats should be held accountable to enact policies their voters support.
Senator, I am not a radical by any stretch of the imagination, but I know that I am not alone in my outrage over this issue. It is clear that our nation is teetering on a perilous precipice. We are in a situation that demands bold action; action that is simply not possible as long as the filibuster remains in place. It is time for you to step up and meet the moment and forcefully call for its immediate end. Please know that as much as I continue to respect and admire you, you will lose my support and my vote and I will actively campaign against you should you continue to stay silent on the need to eliminate the filibuster. It is increasingly clear that loyalty to this Jim Crow relic accomplishes nothing but to continue to erode the increasingly gossamer fabric of democracy.
Sincerely,
PNW Progressive