That was in response to some senators reading a phone book to keep a fillibuster going. In essence the senate altered the rules b/c they do have more than one bill going through the senate at a time.

I am getting to the point that I would like to see the filibuster removed, but first, I think it needs to be reformed. Right now the minority filibusters (and don't think that the Dem's will forget the something like 70% filibuster rate the Republicans are putting up right now) and the majority pays the price in not being able to take action.

Before the filibuster goes I think we need to try it under the original rules, as it were, with the minority having to stand up on C-Span and jawboning for hours on end, publicly and demonstrably stopping all business in the Senate. The YouTube clips of the gaffs from the 4th hour of an all nighter speech should have their own humor value.

As for the SCOTUS ruling, stinks to high heaven. There are legitimate free speech rights to be considered, but they aren't needed for corporations.

I don't see how term limits stop something like Ares sitting down across from a small state Senator, and saying "Sir, we have 10 million to spend on issue adds in your state. However we are troubled that some of the positions you take are inimical to our interests. If you would consider revising your position on these issues, I am sure we could find a way to spend this fat pile of money for you. Or, should you not see the wisdom of our positions, and how they would benefit America, we could spend it to support your opponent."

That suggestion came up on NPR not too long ago where someone asked, "Why the democrats don't make the republicans stand up and actually do the filibustering." I don't recall the response.

Don't forget that as a corporation cannot be jailed, only fined, they can run attack ads that would get others put away.
$500k FCC fine and a $5mil libel suit? Pittance if you allocate $20mil to politically assassinate someone trying to close one of your tax loop-holes. Just run a primetime ad on all major networks stating the candidate is a gay polygamist pedophile and please think of the children (hey, it worked for california prop 8 supporters). When you have to issue a retraction, word it to leave it unsure whether he is or not, and air the retraction during infomercials.

Like Warlord said above - because Congress isn't working JUST on one bill at a time. Imagine You have 20 files on your desk to get done today and the first one has a note saying - "Call me - Won't-Shut-Her-Mouth Sally". You'll probably put that on the bottom of the stack and get back to it.

If you think it's ridiculous that they don't talk during filibusters anymore, maybe you should consider that they don't even read the bills anymore either. By all rights the opposition could demand that these 2000+ page pork-filled monstrosities are read aloud word for word on C-Span. That's why the polititions don't want people to talk anymore- it will air all their dirty laundry. And forget phone books! All the opposition would have to do is read the bill aloud and it would take days.

They did that recently. Went 14 hours, IIRC (and only got half way though).