It's Back

Republicans revived the filibuster today to stop the non-binding Senate resolution opposing the troop surge in Iraq:

The resolution needed 60 votes before the 100-member Senate could begin debate, but it got 49, with 47 voting against. Although it would not have been binding on the president, the measure was the first serious effort in Congress to confront Bush over the unpopular Iraq war.

And, right on cue, the filibuster goes from an essential part of the American fabric back to a miscarriage of justice:

"It's obstructionism," said Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. "This is not tolerable in a situation where it's the number one topic in the nation, and the Republican party prevents the Senate of the United States from debating."

Actually, it prevents the Senate from voting, not debating, but understanding the filibuster and how it is used has never been the strong suit of Democrats.