Thursday, January 24, 2013

Turning the US Senate into the Polish Seym

The Golden Freedom, which the magnates defended with every bit of chicanery and power they commanded, was the freedom of the few to oppress the many... ~ James A. Michener's, Poland
In the novel Poland, Michener describes how the "incredible liberum veto, by which one man in a Seym (parliament) of hundreds could negate and prorogue the entire work of the Seym by merely crying 'I oppose!' was a major cause of Poland's disappearance from the map of Europe". 

The Polish-Lithuanian Kingdom was "partitioned" out of existence by Prussia, Austria, and Russia during the 18th century by subverting the Polish Parliament.

Polish Magnates (Representatives) were bought off by the foreign nations to obstruct and Filibuster any and all reforms in the Parliament. Then having stymied and brought the Nation to a standstill they simply moved in and did as they pleased.

Filibuster Reform in the US Senate has apparently being undermined. The current Unconstitutional rules adopted by the Senate allow for secret holds, opposition and obstruction by singular Senators who cry 'I Oppose!'

The Republican Senators abusing this Unconstitutional rule are doing so for the Plutocracy and Powerful Interest Groups who own them.

The Agreement reached this Thursday morning would permit a Senate majority to bypass the filibuster on a motion to proceed to debate with the condition that either a group of senators on each side of the aisle agrees, or the minority is guaranteed the chance to offer amendments.

The new rules limit debate time for sub-cabinet and district court nominations and reduces the number of required hours between cloture and final confirmation from 30 to two. It also lowers the number of cloture motions required to go to conference with the House.

“This does very little to change how the Senate as a body functions,” said a pro-reform Democratic aide. “After these small changes the Senate will operate much the same way as it did yesterday.”

Like the Polish people of the 18th century We, the People are being held hostage to the whims of Rapacious Moneyed Predators. And the Plutocracy's Senators will stand up and oppose any efforts which hamper the efforts of the Rich to sink their talons deep into Us and drain the American populace of their Money and Lives.

Addendum:
Of course, the Partitioning of Poland did have a positive impact on American History as numerous Polish Officers came to the US and provided The Continental Congress and George Washington with an experienced Officer Core. Including, Chicago's favorite Polish Count Casimir Pulaski, the "Father of American Cavalry".

Related:
Arizona Republican White Power! Celebrate the White Man's Burden
Here in Chicago we celebrate Casimir Pulaksi Day. All across Cook County government offices are closed, Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Public Library, Springfield Public Schools, and Illinois state-wide public and private schools are closed as well. Wisconsin (the whole state) also closes on Pulaski Day. According to Arizona Bigot Tom Horne, Illinois school districts are inconsistent with American Values for honoring a foreigner.

4 comments:

Jerry Critter said...

It is a shame they did not do more. The minority should not rule be they republicans or Democrats.

Tom Harper said...

This is great! I knew we could count on Harry Reid to kick some Republican butt and reign in the filibuster. Just think, if it's the fifth Wednesday in a month that starts with "Z," the GOP can't filibuster. Yes! Full speed ahead!

Philo Vaihinger said...

You read Michener? Recently?

Grung_e_Gene said...

Philo V,

I read Poland and Tales of the South Pacific about 15 years ago. I don't moderate comments but there is a 2 week window so I don't get some stealth comments on old posts.