Should the Democratic majority in the Senate attempt to abolish the filibuster rule in order to be able to pass legislation without Republican obstructionism? At first glance, it seems tempting. The Senate is broken, incapable of doing much of anything at this point. And yet, something as drastic as getting rid of the filibuster may be shortsighted.

Democrats are unlikely to retain their majority for long (especially when so many seem determined to alienate their progressive base). A Republican majority could steamroll the Democratic minority without a filibuster option in place. Of course, this is exactly what happened under Bush even when their was a filibuster rule.

It makes sense to be apprehensive about abolishing the filibuster if we can assume that the Democrats would actually have the courage to use it to block Republican legislation. I'm not convinced that this would be the case. Come to think of it, I'm not sure the Democrats could muster the courage to kill the filibuster in the first place.

Assuming they could do it, should they? Maybe it is time to get rid of the filibuster. What do you think?