Free and open debate on the Senate floor ensures citizens a say in their government. The American people are heard, through their Senator, before their money is spent, before their civil liberties are curtailed, or before a judicial nominee is confirmed for a lifetime appointment. We are the guardians, the stewards, the protectors of our people. Our voices are their voices.
If we restrain debate on judges today, what will be next: the rights of the elderly to receive social security; the rights of the handicapped to be treated fairly; the rights of the poor to obtain a decent education? Will all debate soon fall before majority rule?
But now here's an indication of Byrd's opinion about "majority rule" in the Senate back in 1975:
In 1975 the Senators changed the filibuster requirement from 67 votes to 60, after concluding that it only takes a simple majority of Senators to change the rules governing their proceedings. As Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield (D-MT) said at the time: "We cannot allow a minority" of the senators "to grab the Senate by the throat and hold it there." Senators Leahy, Kennedy, Byrd, and Biden, all agreed.
Apparently Senator Byrd's position on filibusters is directly proportionate to Democrat numbers in the Senate.
(via GOP Bloggers)
Update:
More on Byrd here, including details about his filibuster of the 1964 Civil Rights Act for 14 hours, his votes against both African American supreme court justices, his use of the word "nigger" in a 2001 interview and his proclamation from 1947 that he would rather see "Old Glory perish" then serve in a racially integrated army.
Now you have to ask, why do Democrats keep this guy around?
Update:
In the post above I had Sen. Byrd making his comments about a racially integrated military in 2002. I was mistaken. He made the comments in 1947. I have edited the post to reflect the correct date.