There’s been a lot of turmoil and excitement about the filibuster since Thursday. Most all of the excitement seems to be generated by the “netroots” – those liberal and progressive bloggers who think enough shit is enough, let’s stop before it covers our noses. A whole cottage industry has emerged in the last two days over here on the oxygen-breathing side of the Internet. Everyone should make a point of contacting their own Senators and Congresscritters, the DNC and the DSCC. Don’t bother trying to contact the DLC, though.

Lost Cause.

The RNC and their paid ideological tools in the “media” have been carrying the theme that the Democrats are so divisive and obstructionist. It’s amazing on first look. But remember: the talking heads only know how to read scripts. That’s why there’s a great big teleprompter screen over the TV camera. Karl tells ‘em what to say.

On Thursday, Harry Reid seemed to think they didn’t have the horses, and that they should save their ammo for when they can win. I’m not sure that’s the right philosophy. Many of us have had some practical experience with shooting weapons at unfriendly people. I was taught that you don’t hold back your firepower; the idea is to make the other guy afraid of you, and make him want to go away.

I think the right position is to show willingness to fight at the drop of a hat. Many of us have had past experience with schoolyard bullies. They always back down when they’re confronted. I think the Republican Party is basically a RICO enterprise of cowardly thieves and pickpockets, and when you push back, they fade away. Some might call this smart strategy, a la Chairman Mao’s precept of “two steps forward, one step back.” But if you push back, and he moves – push the bastard again – immediately. Keep pushing. A man on defense is too busy warding off blows to organize a counterattack. You push two or three times and he loses his balance and falls on his kiester.

Wax on, wax off.

But, as for speaking to fainthearted Dems, there are lots of ways of putting your point across: If not fight, why not? If not now, when? Do you like your job? Want to keep it? Say, you’re up for re-election this year, aren’t you? I forget; do I work for you or do you work for me? You can be as suave as Slicky Joe or as blunt as a Morningstar, but honey is usually a better mousetrap than kimchee.

One point I think was useful was the observation that ScAlito lied several times, both when being interviewed for SCOTUS and the Circuit. I just mentioned that I’m not sure a documented liar is the best person available for SCOTUS. I wish I’d seen this early enough to have sent it out on paper to some various Congresscritters.

If you remember, Mr Bush’s ill-fated attempt to destroy Social Security fell apart when the net roots loaned some spines to the Dems. I think we can make it work again, even at this late hour. There’s no point in calling anyone tomorrow; every Democratic politician’s voicemail box is full to overflowing. Faxes can be sent. And calls can be made Monday morning, after 830 AM, Eastern time. And calls should be made, regardless of whether you sent a fax or email.