How is it that with a minority in Congress, Republicans are able to pass, almost without fail, legislation that they want to pass?

I think it's because: a) lobbyists pressure the Democrats to pass the same legislation; and b) conservatives beat them up politically if they don't play along.

Time after time, they've had opportunities to stand on their principles and vote for legislation that the majority of the public supports. The revised FISA bill and the financial bailout are the 2 most recent that come to mind.

Yet both times, they didn't get much from either piece of legislation. No checks and balances. And no regulations or oversight. (BTW - Kudos on the Dianne Feinstein financial bailout proposal - that is the kind of legislation they should have passed the first time).

In order to accomplish something in the Senate and break the filibuster, Democrats need to:

1) Take a stand on principle (Here's an example: Well-regulated markets are essential to our economy.)
2) Market this principle as critical to getting the economy back on track
3) Paint Republicans as obstructionists if they work to block

Because otherwise the conservative negotiating position is strong. They have the ability to make the Democrats look inept by blocking efforts. Fortunately, right now, their philosophy doesn't have much to stand on and this is a great opportunity for the Dems to market a progressive approach.

Happy New Year!
Dave

...Stan