Put an end to the filibuster
To the Editor:
I’m a citizen and voter from Sylva, and we all know it’s time to put an end to the filibuster, a Jim Crow relic that was created to undermine our voice as voters and slow progress on critical issues. Historically, it’s a loophole to block civil rights legislation and now means that 60 out of 100 senators have to vote for almost all legislation.
There are senators who actually came to Washington to get things done for their constituents, but the filibuster rules prevent any possibility of change. Currently it’s simply a stealth tool of obstruction, directed by a senator signaling an objection.
The filibuster is used to hold all important, helpful issues hostage.
If the Senate rules are reformed, there’s a real chance at voting rights and campaign finance reform, immigration reform, gun safety, raising the minimum wage, action on climate change and police accountability and racial justice.
Our senators must end the filibuster, and do the job that we, their constituents, sent them to Washington to do: legislate.
Sue Resnik
Sylva
