Filibusters

As we write, Canada's NDP Members of Parliament are conducting a filibuster intended to delay passage of a government bill that would order Canada Posties back to work so that Canadians will not be deprived of pizza flyers and overdue notices.

We thought it appropriate to examine the filibuster phenomenon. The term "filibuster" is, of course, named for Phil the Buster, the legendary bomb hurler. 

But seriously, folks, the filibuster can be traced back to Cato the Younger in 60 B.C. In recent times, the record for filibustering was set in 1977 by Texas State Senator Bill Meier who spoke for--get this--forty-three hours.  

The filibuster delivered by James Stewart in "Mr. Smith goes to Washington" is well-known to Turner Classic Movie viewers, but the best filibuster on film, in our far from humble opinion, is Bob Hope's, in the 1941 political satire "Louisiana Purchase." 

Demand this film at your local DVD store. And if it doesn't have it, deliver a filibuster of your own, right there on the mall.