Libertarians were loudly protesting. To no effect of course, because Republicans were behind their guy and Democrats were primarily complaining that it wasn't expensive enough.
if beating your domestic enemies is more important to you than improving the country, you are hurting the country.
I agree completely. Please mention that to the President if you run into him: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE69929420101101
RE: Obama, you must be kidding. The man is a born compromiser, the problem is that Republicans haven't been willing to compromise on anything. They voted against their own deficit commission, for crying out loud, after Obama decided to support it.
EDIT: Punctuation
By filibustering so often, the Republicans are showing that this is no longer the custom. Which is fine; I think it's a silly custom, and we'd benefit as a nation if blocking legislation like that were impossible. But it is absolutely a break from common procedure.
(as much as it pains me to defend the GOP)
Filibustering senators are declaring that they are unwilling to allow the issue to be voted on, not that they think their voice hasn't been heard enough.
It's way worse for the deficit, and was a way bigger spending bill.
Oh, wait, that was a Republican.. I get it..
This is how Rome fell - if beating your domestic enemies is more important to you than improving the country, you are hurting the country.