A prolonged speech or series of speeches made to delay or prevent legislative action. A parliamentary tactic used to obstruct the passage of bills.
From Spanish 'filibustero,' originally meaning 'pirate' or 'freebooter.' The term evolved from Dutch 'vrijbuiter' (free robber) and was applied to 19th-century American adventurers who conducted unauthorized military expeditions.
The connection between pirates and political obstruction is fascinating - both involve hijacking normal processes for personal gain. The longest filibuster in U.S. Senate history lasted over 24 hours, delivered by Strom Thurmond in 1957 against civil rights legislation.
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