The Death of the Filibuster

A review of Marbury vs. Madison and Powell vs. McCormack in anticipation of the seating of Roland Burris in the 111 Congress is all that can be done to quell the simmering political debate. The Supreme Court's interpretation of the Constitution’s Article 1, Sec. 5, as quoted by Senate Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid, was it meant expulsion by a two thirds majority was the ONLY method for a House to determine the qualifications of its members. Filibustering Burris’s swearing in is the only legal recourse prolonging a process which systematically has been rejected by the democratic populace of America. Although Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is under investigation for conspiracy, without an impeachment by the Illinois Senate the United States Congress has no power to reject Mr. Burris unless they allow him to be sworn in. Then if they so chose and can muster the votes needed, the Senate could expel Mr. Burris by the only appropriate method stated by the United States Supreme Court in these cases.