TOM UDALL: “THIS PLACE IS COMPLETELY CONSTIPATED.”

For one day every two years, the Senate can change its rules. Tomorrow is that day and Tom Udall (D-NM) is planning to reform the filibuster.  The filibuster is a grotesque perversion of the original once-in-a-while tactic against a majority action.  In other words, so movements don’t . . . er, pass.  Now the Republicans have seized on it as a way to block legislation.  This is a big reason so much has been broken, blocked and crippled in Washington.

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TOP NEWS STORIES, 2011

With gratitude to the LA Times, Susan Brenneman, Wesley Bausmith, Cherry Gee.  Happy New Year!

FORGOTTEN STORIES OF 2010

Here’s my Year End Review for Need to Know.

Edited and animated by Jacob Williams and Bryan Brinkman, respectively, of The Refinery.

Here’s to a wakeful 2011.

Watch the full episode. See more Need To Know.

In 2010 some of the most significant stories played out as if they weren’t.

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