Archived Opinion

Put an end to the filibuster

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

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.