I think Scott Lemieux has the last word on the GOP's unprecedented filibuster of the National Defense Authorization Act yesterday, over the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell" and the DREAM Act:
And finally, I would once again like to note that this is exactly the kind of “minority” that the filibuster protects. Minorities who don't believe lynching should be punished, minorities who don't think African Americans should vote, minorities who don't think gays and lesbians should be able to serve their country openly — if you think these kinds of minorities are underrepresented and democracy in enhanced by giving them an extra voice, then by all means support the filibuster. For the rest of us, it should be obvious that it should be done away with at the first opportunity.
Again, the notion that Democrats were trying to rally their base with DADT repeal and DREAM Act passage does not in and of itself justify filibustering the NDAA. If you agree with the basic policy objectives, and several Senate Republicans are on record as doing so, then the only reason to filibuster is to deny the Democrats a political victory. How is that any less petty or cynical than Democrats trying to accomplish two major legislative goals right before the midterms? At least the Democrats' political interests are, in this instance, operating in service to a greater good that most Republicans agree with on principle if not in practice.
