WTF?

What the filibuster?

This week we are joined by Dr. Bart Lambert, associate professor of Political Science at St. Bonaventure University. Dr. Lambert helped to explain WTF - what the filibuster? What is it? Why we have it? Will we ever get rid of it?

Dr. Lambert is also the professor who spearheads the Congress to Campus program at the university each year. Congress to Campus "brings former Members of Congress together with students to increase civic literacy and participation. A bipartisan pair of former Members travel to college, university and community college campuses for two-day visits." (from the website) He hopes to bring it back this year after a postponement due to Covid. For information about Congress to Campus, please visit the website.

It is one of my favorite events because it shows students what civility and civil dialogue look like. You can disagree but you can find common ground and you can be respectful in conversation and debate.

Dr. Lambert uses his own notes, research and resources to explain the filibuster so I encourage everyone to listen. I specifically reference the Senate website (found here) for this week's ARS (Arbitrary Random Stat) as well as other information. Spend some time on this website. There is some pretty cool and interesting information.

I also made a joke based on a New York Times article (found here). What do you call a bunch of black holes? (A bunch of crows is a murder, you would have a gaggle of geese, etc.) At least one person suggested that a bunch of black holes is called a Congress.

This week's podcast comes on the heels of conversations and news stories we keep hearing and reading about the stagnation in the U.S. Senate because of its composition - it's as evenly divided as possible. An article appeared today noting that the Senate is filibustering legislation related to the Equal Pay Act.