How They Killed the Filibuster in the House of Representatives

Out-frickin'-standing essay about how 19th-century legislator Thomas Reed got sick of the Democrats' use of the "silent filibuster" in the House and finally broke it.

With even more shouting and screaming than we're witnessing today. There was even the possibility of actual violence breaking out:

When a Democratic member appealed the ruling, Reed firmly denied the appeal. Every Democrat was on his feet yelling, except for a Texas representative, who was conspicuously sharpening a Bowie knife against the sole of his boot while sitting quietly in his seat.

Even Teddy Roosevelt was impressed:

Theodore Roosevelt, who would later break with Reed over the annexation of the Philippines, was in awe. He called the breaking of the silent filibuster a reform "of far greater importance" than any piece of legislation.

The parallels with today are thick, and a bit hopeful.

Interestingly, just as Bush has been likened by a former KKK Kleagle to Hitler, Reed was called "Tyrant," "Dictator," and "Monster," all because he held to the controversial principle that, in a democracy, the majority ought to actually rule once in a while.

Great stuff. Thanks to NickS for this fun bit of secret history.

posted by Ace at 04:21 PM

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