What's blocking gun violence reform, voting rights and a slew of other democracy-protecting and civil rights bills from becoming law in America?
Dear MoveOn member,
What's blocking gun violence reform, voting rights, and a slew of other democracy-protecting and civil rights bills from becoming law in America? It's always been the filibuster, an archaic procedural tool in the Senate that's been weaponized against progress and has entrenched conservative minority rule for generations. The filibuster is another vestige of white supremacy that's allowed senators to protect the interests of racist segregationists, the NRA, and those who oppose democracy.
Many people assume the filibuster has always been around (it hasn't) or that it's been used for good (not true). So we need to help folks understand how it's been abused for decades and the obstruction it's causing now. For much of the filibuster's history, its primary purpose has been to protect a racist minority dead set against passing laws that protect voting rights, civil rights, and democracy. It was routinely used to stall or block civil rights bills despite majority support, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The filibuster blocked over 200 anti-lynching bills and dozens of civil rights bills.1
It's past time to abolish the filibuster, because it gets in the way of the relief and progress we need to create an America that works for all of us. Everyone in America needs to know about the racist history of the filibuster, so watch and share the video today. Let's end the legacy of segregationists in the Senate before the filibuster inflicts more harm.
–Mana, Olga, Emma, Stephen, and the rest of the team
P.S. You don't need to be on Facebook to watch the video there!
Source:
"The Senate Filibuster Is Another Monument to White Supremacy," The Atlantic, June 27, 2020
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