ChristianKl comments on Rational Repentance - Less Wrong

36 Post author: Mass_Driver 14 January 2011 09:37AM

You are viewing a comment permalink. View the original post to see all comments and the full post content.

Comments (150)

You are viewing a single comment's thread. Show more comments above.

Comment author: ChristianKl 28 January 2011 03:46:18PM -1 points [-]

The US is essentially a zero party system. Passing laws in the senate requires 2/3 of the votes with usually means that politicians from both parties have to support the legislation.

US politicians have no problem with having discussions in private. They all believe in doing realpolitik. It's their public rhetoric that differs.

Comment author: jimrandomh 28 January 2011 05:38:54PM 3 points [-]

The US is essentially a zero party system. Passing laws in the senate requires 2/3 of the votes with usually means that politicians from both parties have to support the legislation.

Not true; laws can pass with as few as 1/2 of the votes (51). However, this is increased to 60 if the opposing side chooses to filibuster (which non-selectively blocks all legislation), and it's increased to 2/3 if the President chooses to veto it. Use of the filibuster was rare before Obama came into office, at which point the Republican party adopted a policy of using it constantly.

Comment author: ChristianKl 02 February 2011 10:58:33PM 0 points [-]

Okay 60 isn't 2/3 but it's still the votes that you need to prevent a filibuster.

To prevent the opposing site from filibustering you need to be able to speak with them.