The senate was designed to slow things down and provide stability. When the constitution was written the federal government was small and had limited power it only makes sense that as the power of the federal government grew the ability of the senate to slow it down has grown as well.

I think there really are two arguments here.

First, should the senate have rules that allow a large minority group to block major legislation? I think it should have some mechanism in place to do that.

The second argument is should it be so easy and there I agree with you. The minority party should not be allowed to play the role pure obstructionist and simply block every thing that comes down the pipe. I would have no problem if they made them actually get up there and talk not stop for days on end.

I think the real solution though is both sides to learn to be less partisan. Republicans are getting away with it this cycle but if all they call point out is things they have stopped they will have a toughs time come 2012 and if all the dems can do is complain that the republicans stopped them it could be tough on incumbents all around. If unemployment is still over 8% come 2012 finger pointing and excuses won’t get you much.