Democrats should not rush to change the Republican rules of the House...

[kentuck]

Let the Repubs sweat under the rules of their own making. No need to permit equal time for debate. We can simply have closed debate on any bill we want. We can "pretend" like the Republicans did. The Congress must operate unde the rules as they presently exist, unless they vote to change them. I say, do not be in a hurry to change them. It's obvious what their intent if the rules are changed. Tread slowly Democrats..

[RC]

1. The grown-up are in charge now.

The Democratic controlled Congress will act in a much more mature manner.

[Desert Liberal]

2. Yes, it amazes me...

I watched slack-jawed with disbelief yesterday as some Republican or other whined about Dems closing them out. It was truly pitiful to see how we evil Democrats were just doing our own thing and not even listening to the poor, downtrodden Republicans...:sarcasm:
I don't think the Dems should be too quick to start changing all those malodorous rules. I think it would be a terrific object lesson for the bullies to have to live by the rules they set down for the minority. Let them writhe in frustration as each of their avenues is slowly closed off. Let them scream in anguish as the real 'moral majority' takes full control. Then, when they've finally been brought to heel, when they understand what they've done to the democratic processes in this nation, they can be allowed back in incrementally. I know we can't just keep them out completely. We'd have just sunk to their level if we do that, but I think a dose of their own medicine is definitely in order.

As much hope as I have though, I have to say I'm worried. Unfortunately, the famous Democrat 'spine' has already been showing itself. Before we even start looking at rule changes, we need to convince our representatives that supporting escalation in Iraq is NOT what we intended when we voted them into office.

[Atman]

3. At least for a while

Taunt them, play with them like a cat with a mouse. Batter them around, make them sweat. Use the rules to our advantage for a year, just to make a point if nothing else. Or go right to committee with the rules changes now, but don't allow the republics in on the debate, and string it along for months and months.

The freeps will pick up on posts like this to point out how evil and unfair and hypocritical we are, all the while ignoring the fact that THEY wrote the rules. There is nothing hypocritical about following the rules as they were written, is there?

.

[underpants]

4. Although it does play into the Republicans hands but I disagree

It is the right thing to do the right way to do it and that is what they should be after. I know this will allow for Repub. soundbites on the news but that is how it is supposed to be.

They just need to have the votes and let all the rhetoric fall away as it will.

[kentuck]

5. But the Repubs will not permit the Dems to pass their agenda...

after they used the rules to pass the big tax breaks, etc by using these rules...

[underpants]

6. Forgive my ignorance

but since there are no filibusters in the House (so no need for cloture votes) what rules can they use? Will they not be seen as simply obstructionists or are we the only ones who really pay any attention to it? / Will that provide them with some "WINS" and play right into their hands?

[kentuck]

8. The "rules" were passed by the last Congress...

..and are the rules of the House until the new Congress passes new rules...Why not use the same rules they rammed down the throats of Democrats and the American people? Why the big rush to "fairness" at the expense of getting anything passed?

[Zorra]

7. The adults came home and found the house was completely trashed.

Now the naughty children have to be sent off to day care while the adults completely remodel the house. Can't have the naughty children getting in the way when there is so much important work to be done. Because the children were so naughty, mommy and daddy can't play with them anymore, at least until the house is repaired.

Maybe the naughty children will learn a lesson from this, but it's doubtful; they seem to be, well, uh, kinda slow.