Filibuster: A letter to my Senators...

Senator,

Recently I watched Mitch McConnell filibuster his own debt ceiling bill on the Senate floor.  It would have been comic if it wasn't so appalling. I strongly support changing the current filibuster rules. The abuse of this device has paralyzed congress and has jeopardized the confidence of the American public. I understand the importance of the filibuster and I’m not proposing it be eliminated, however I’d like to see it restored to its historic, limited use. It is egregious that a Senator can shutdown debate by merely signaling his or her intent to filibuster, like a coach trying to have an undefeated season by canceling every game!  Instead the Senator should have to verbally make their case on the floor for however long is necessary, like in the movie “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”.  I know the historic filibuster process was painful for all those involved and seemed to slow the wheels of congress, but the current process has brought congress to a complete halt. Please help restore the public’s confidence in the senate.

Mary Jane: A letter to my Congresswoman...

Congresswoman DeGette,

I’d like to offer my sincere congratulations on your reelection as my representative from Colorado District 1. I’d also like to thank you for your involvement in the bipartisan letter to the congressional leadership on a budget deal. I believe that the congress cannot effectively govern without compromise. I know you’ll be working hard in the next few weeks to help negotiate a deal that both sides can live with.

I’d also like to thank you for your work on the “Respect States’ and Citizens’ Rights Act”. While I support the Federal Government’s role in ensuring our rights as individuals are respected by the states, I do not support its efforts in limiting those rights. The citizens of Colorado have decided to take on the risks and responsibilities of legalizing marijuana. As long as that decision does not adversely affect other states, the Federal Government’s job is to protect and uphold that decision, for better or for worse. Federalism is one of the many concepts that make this nation so great.