Kill Switch, Adam Jentleson

 

Kill Switch:  The rise of the modern senate and the crippling of American democracy by Adam Jentleson came up in a magazine I read, but I cannot remember which one.  It spells out how the filibuster is a huge problem.

Started: 9/2/2021
Completed: 9/17/2021
Recommendation: Recommended
Recommended By: Nobody

Review:

It seems that the filibuster is largely a tool of the white South.  It has been used to its fullest extent by the Republicans and one might argue that is because, as the author puts it, conservatives "stand astride the river of time and yell, 'Stop!'"  It should be a no-brainer for Democrats to kill the filibuster--it is a tool that does not serve them well.  Jentleson suggests that concomitant with the death of the filibuster should come a requirement that senators spend 5 hours on the floor daily.  I cannot imagine that happening, but do think it would be a good move.  Meanwhile, with the death of the filibuster should come statehood for DC (which would help Democrats now) and probably Puerto Rico if they want it.

This book does have an interesting look at the history of the filibuster and the Dixicrats role in its creation.