FILIBUSTER ALITO BLOG-IN
(UPDATE 3:31 MST) Although the vote could go entirely different tomorrow (the Dems could be planning a little surprise for the Feuhrer's party speech) I still have to say the following: I have never seen anything so ugly as the Republican attack on democracy through the bludgeoning of the Democratic Senators. How awful, how disgraceful, how obscene.
It is as if I were witness to the schoolyard bludgeoning of an animal that, every time it rose to defend itself, was ridiculed for having the audacity to even dare it's own defense and then beaten for being alive.
It is sad--it is beyond sad--it is pathetic, that a party that has such a clear majority degrades and lowers itself to the level of bullying, lying and stealing. I am no longer surprised by any act of corruption--regardless of how vile--to which its members will stoop. I have seen true evil today.
(UPDATE 3:30MST) Cloture vote:
(UPDATE 3:12 MST) According to Vichy Dems these are the votes to target:
I am now completely convinced JFK was murdered by the Republican sympathizers. It is the only explantion for people like Frist still being alive! And it completely is in line with their "scorched earth" practice of politics. May Frist live in a thousand year coma (hmmm, maybe he already is?)!
(UPDATE 2:15 MST) Fifteen minutes to the cloture vote...
(UPDATE 2:07 MST) Ted Kennedy: People in his state are worried about money, paying oil bills and education. That they haven't had a chance to focus on the meaning of the nomination of Alito. Now he's going on about judges who upheld civil rights legislation. The Supreme Court changes the country--now he's listing acts--as the march of progress. He's ranting now--that the SCOTUS is the only body to protect those advances. That too much seat and tears has been invested in those outcomes to be threatended. Wow. Ted is on a roll--he wants to know why we would put all that at risk by putting someone on the Supreme Court who threatens those accomplishments. He says there is nothing more important to discuss than this issue and it has only been on the floor since Wednesday.
He says if you (the Senate) is concerned about about appointing someone who will care about (a list of people, and acts) that it is not judge Alito. He's not going to be like Warren Berger. HE's the wrong judge, at the wrong time, at the wrong court.
(UPDATE 2:00MST) Kerry's discussing the shortcoming's of the ABA standards for analyzing the effect a judge has when he becomes a justice. He says the ABA does not ask what happens when a justice like Alito cuts off rights to access for the handicapped, rights to choose et al.
He wants to know what effect judge Alito will have on laws they have already passed?
Kerry says none of the rights we fought for should be taken lightly. Alito has stood alone against mainstream beliefs. The Republican glee wiht his nomination should tell you all you need to know about what they expect from judge Alito.
He's stating that he understands the vote against cloture is hard but that this is an extraordinary circumstance; a lifetime appointment is not something we can go back from--not when he deprives Americans of their rights. And the questions like this don't arise from speculation but from the decisions in Alito's record.
Now he is calling for extended debate--that 30 hours is not enough--and that it is the only to stop a confimraiton they can stop a nomination that will cause irrperable harm to American justice. Now he thanks those who have stood with him. SO DO I!!!!
(UPDATE 1:56 MST) Now Brownback (R- ) has flat out stated that he believes "...the Consitution does not protect a woman's right to abort her baby," ad that it is a decision that should be taken up by the Senate (huh?) and the state's, and that the states will not decide about it in an even matter! Everytime a Republican opens his mouth the same sentence comes out--ooh--here's Kerry again!
(IMPORTANT UPDATE 1:55 MST) From Alito 48:
No, no, no, no, no, no, NO!!!!
We know Roe v. Wade is about rights--to privacy among others--and Alito will rule against ALL personal rights for everything that is not consitutionally set out and yes, were slavery still legal he would work HARD to keep it that way. Such literalists don't deserve to share oxygen with any other sentient being on the planet!
Now Hatch is bluntly stating that there is no reason that a law is a hard and fast rule (i.e. that Roe is "settled law"). In short he is stating that a vote for Alito is a vote to overturn Roe...who is he kidding? This is the pay-back for the HARD Right's base--the death of women's rights. Well girls if this happens--I will be spending the REST OF MY DAYS BOYCOTTING absolutely everything that touches or is touched by any element of that base (and that's just as a start)!
I'm really beginning to understand the forces and anger that set off the Civil War.
CONRAD SUCKS! From his statement regarding his decision to SUPPORT ALITO:
(UPDATE 12:45 MST) Robert Menendez (D-NJ) is speaking now--good speaker. Hitting all the right notes: Alito's activist decisions, signing statements, court-changing addition to the bench, not an equivalent replacement for O'Connor, other court's disagreements with his decisions.
No filler on this guy's time. Hit after hit after hit. Too bad my TIVO is still sitting in the box...!
Go Robert--"...will he take our nation back," and says our next justice must take the court forward not back. And he has no problem discussing the "A" word--abortion--as a woman's right to choose. Now he's citing cases in which Alito found against a women's rights in favor of a mans for notification. He states that on examination Alito refused to say Roe is settled law. He points out Alito used Rehnquist's language on Roe and how that leads him to believe Alito intends to take the nation (again) back. No doesn't say he thinks Alito will overturn (that would require mind reading) but he does worry Alito will not uphold it.
Now he's discussing Alito's decisions on employment law and discrimination law--damn--why didn't I set up that TIVO?! Email if you get this on audio (please).
He makes the point I think should always be made--Alito may be a good judge--but (as Kennedy says) he's the wrong judge, at the wrong time for the wrong court.
(UPDATE 11:55 MST) Pete Domenici is speaking now and I want to strangle him. He is stating that the process of the SCOTU nomination should only be about qualifications and that now party rancour is driving the process. Wouldn't it be nice if SOMEONE would point out that it is REPUBLICAN party rancour that is driving Democrats to defend ALL Americans from THE radical Republican's currently running the show. His accustions are baseless as he is not comparing apples and oranges--the Republicans and Democrats of 'the good old days'.
Great Link (Vichy Dems) loaded with contact info and "game plan"!
(UPDATE 11:15 MST) This is the Senator on which to concentrate now. Currently all his numbers are busy. Keep trying:
He asks why the Republicans weren't chastised for "obstructionism" when Harriett Myers was denied her "up or down" vote not by Democrats, but by extremist Republicans?!
Kerry states that there is no doubt in anyone's mind that Alito will have an extreme impact on the Supreme Court and acting as if that is not true is disengenuous.
He was on a roll--and just had his time cut off--in the middle of his speech! Was this an end run change on the time or bad timing on his team's part?
(UPDATE 10:05 MST) Chafee has just announced he will vote AGAINST CLOTURE! Way to GO!!!
Still THE BEST BLOG for updates:
(UPDATE 9:20 MST) Via Alternet, these are the Undecided's. CALL THEM ALL. I have added fax numbers and will continue email and more fax numbers as I find them...
For those who are not listening to or reading the mounting online materials regarding the Alito filibuster, let me state the core arguments FOR filibuster being advanced:
Further, Bush is declaring that his right to use the NSA to spy on Americans is within his rights (again) during a time of war, another invocation of the unitary powers. Yet none of the legislative powers that should have been notified (Congress and the FISA court) received that notification. Bush is declaring his rights under the unitary powers also allows him to decide who he needs to notify--if anyone at all! The legislative body that could find against his decisions--the justice department-- already packed by his appointments has (what a surprise) found in his favor. So what would be the next body he could be forced to face? SCOTUS. Who, by the time such actions reach the court, could be on board? The man who has written the decisions that already support Bush's actions every step of the way...Samuel Alito.
What about the checks and balances our framers put in place? They are already few and weak and being weakened with every pro-business (read: pro-Republican) appointment. Radical conservatives throughout the government feel empowered to attack advances in rights that regularly affect Americans daily lives.
The above are only two examples of Bush invoking IN ADVANCE, any rights he believes he may have under the guise of "unitary powers". What does his behavior so far remind you of? How about the old 'saw' "It is easier to do what you want and then ask permission than get permission to do what you want?" What was the last glaring example of Bush at that game? Florida, 2000.
In Florida 2000, the SCOTUS, in a never-before and self-proclaimed never-to-be-repeated act of incredible reach APPOINTED George Bush President of the United States. We know now that every recount of the Florida ballots resulted in a win by Gore. We know now what we should have done then--fight--but we can't take that 'mistake' back. Neither will we be able to take back the mistake of putting Alito on the bench.
Since that critical week in 2000, the President (whose legitimacy is still under question thanks to voting rights activists and Senator Barbara Boxer) is simply doing what he's already proven he can: reaching past his powers and then going to the bodies whose permission he needs to argue that he already had the right to over-reach, thus setting a precedent for another over-reach that will of course, set another precedent.
How long does it take for tired Americans worrying about their diminishing status-quo, already out of touch thanks to a Republican-favoring press, to get used to a president who always gets what he wants? Why NOT simply give in and let him take it without a fight? Is that who we are already--a beaten people?
Alito will be the enabler of decades of presidential over-reach, government and legislative weakening, corporate-power grabs and the losses of average Americans' political influence, financial stability and privacy rights.
Unless we do something now--push our elected representatives to filibuster and then EXPLAIN WHY LATER--as our president continually, succesfully has --Alito will be on our highest court for the office terms of at least SEVEN presidents! And yes, we can win by explaining ourselves later--Bush has his party and his judges to make his arguments for him and we have our facts, our commitment and our futures. Let him pick another judge! MAKE him understand that he WORKS FOR US!!!!!!!
Finally let me ask, do you really think you know enough about Alito's controversial stands--that are not those of ANY OTHER SCOTUS Judge--to see him appointed to the court within the next TWO DAYS? A filibuster will force the Republicans to invoke another radical notion--the "nuclear option"--or not. Who cares? I'm tired of being threatened by the people who are supposed to be on my side, who are supposed to be working for ALL Americans!
What IS necessary is at least further investigation of a judge who is clearly outside the current mainstream of American jurisprudence or at most, selection of a different more moderate judge who can and will sit for ALL Americans. What the hell is so "obstructionist" about that?
(UPDATE 01-29-06) Still the best link for updates:
(UPDATE 8:30 PM) From boston.com news just in:
(UPDATE) More than once I have bemoaned (on-air) the dKos community's lackluster support of the Alito filibuster. Finally, a few "leaders" have joined the phalanx of diarists forming around the cause: here, here, here and here. Remember, dKos is a community. If you want its considerable heft to reflect your concerns you must DO something...post or comment on how you feel about the filibuster yourself!
HRClinton's statement:
From Digby:
(UPDATE)--Thanks Rez Dog) Link to savethecourt.org from where you can fax key senators.
If you already have the fax# you can send a free fax from here.
(UPDATE) Here are email addresses of the major news outlets. Email them. Tell them you are tired of their defeatist anti-Democratic pro-Alito coverage (or whatever else you want to say...)!
Via cho at ePluribus Media: I think that so far, these are the best GO-TO pages to take action:
As an act of solidarity this blog is joining The Young Turks and other citizen and activist sites to raise awareness and support for a Democratic filibuster of Samuel Alito. I will continue to add links to sites and news of interest as this critical time unfolds...
It is as if I were witness to the schoolyard bludgeoning of an animal that, every time it rose to defend itself, was ridiculed for having the audacity to even dare it's own defense and then beaten for being alive.
It is sad--it is beyond sad--it is pathetic, that a party that has such a clear majority degrades and lowers itself to the level of bullying, lying and stealing. I am no longer surprised by any act of corruption--regardless of how vile--to which its members will stoop. I have seen true evil today.
Watching this degrading, soulless beating has kindled in me a renewed fight--a rage to fight--with every fiber of my being--to overcome, destroy, smash, gut and disembowel every centilla of the policies of the current radical Republican party in power, and the efforts of those who support it. I pledge--here and now--to my fellow liberals, Democrats and patriots, to never, NEVER stop in this quest. So Help Me Flying Spaghetti Monster!!!!
(UPDATE 3:30MST) Cloture vote:
Yay--72
Nay--25
Nay--25
The Debate IS Over.
(UPDATE 3:12 MST) According to Vichy Dems these are the votes to target:
Mary Landrieu, Louisiana: might be weakening in her oppo to filibuster; push abstention HARD.
Main Senate switchboard no.: 888-355-3588
DC office direct line: 202-224-5824
New Orleans office phone: 504-589-2427
Baton Rouge office phone: 225-389-0395
Lake Charles office phone: 337-436-6650
Shreveport office phone: 318-676-3085
Daniel Inouye, Hawaii
Main Senate switchboard no.: 888-355-3588
DC office direct line: 202-224-3934
Mark Pryor, Arkansas: probably a lost cause but ask him to abstain.
Main Senate switchboard no.: 888-355-3588
DC office direct line: 202-224-2353
Little Rock office phone: 501-324-6336
Tim Johnson, SD
Main Senate switchboard no.: 888-355-3588
DC office direct line: 202-224-5842
Aberdeen office phone: 605-226-3440
Rapid City office phone: 605-341-3990
Sioux Falls office phone: 605-332-8896
Bill Nelson, Florida
Main Senate switchboard no.: 888-355-3588
DC office direct line: 202-224-5274
Miami office phone: 305-536-5999
Orlando office phone: 407-872-7161
Tampa office phone: 813-225-7040
Tallahassee office phone: 850-942-8415
Olympia Snowe, Maine (Republican)
Main Senate switchboard no.: 888-355-3588
DC office direct line: 202-224-5344
Auburn office phone: 207-786-2451
Bangor office phone: 207-945-0432
Portland office phone: 207-874-0883
Presque Isle office phone: 207-764-5124
Here's a link to the Senate Fax Numbers List.
(UPDATE 2:32 MST) AAARRRGGGHHHH!!!!!! What a distorter and liar!!!! FRIST!! HE blandly, self-righteously claims Democrats were obstructionist for partisan reasons in the years past!! AAAAA--maybe that's because the Republican party controls the entire government (which it gained by dirty tricks, corruption and voter fraud) and writes and passes legislation they don't even show Democrats--blocks them from votes--deny them access to sessions--what radical Democrats? NO DEMOCRAT gets a voice unless that Democrat is a Republican!!!!I am now completely convinced JFK was murdered by the Republican sympathizers. It is the only explantion for people like Frist still being alive! And it completely is in line with their "scorched earth" practice of politics. May Frist live in a thousand year coma (hmmm, maybe he already is?)!
(UPDATE 2:15 MST) Fifteen minutes to the cloture vote...
(UPDATE 2:07 MST) Ted Kennedy: People in his state are worried about money, paying oil bills and education. That they haven't had a chance to focus on the meaning of the nomination of Alito. Now he's going on about judges who upheld civil rights legislation. The Supreme Court changes the country--now he's listing acts--as the march of progress. He's ranting now--that the SCOTUS is the only body to protect those advances. That too much seat and tears has been invested in those outcomes to be threatended. Wow. Ted is on a roll--he wants to know why we would put all that at risk by putting someone on the Supreme Court who threatens those accomplishments. He says there is nothing more important to discuss than this issue and it has only been on the floor since Wednesday.
He says if you (the Senate) is concerned about about appointing someone who will care about (a list of people, and acts) that it is not judge Alito. He's not going to be like Warren Berger. HE's the wrong judge, at the wrong time, at the wrong court.
(UPDATE 2:00MST) Kerry's discussing the shortcoming's of the ABA standards for analyzing the effect a judge has when he becomes a justice. He says the ABA does not ask what happens when a justice like Alito cuts off rights to access for the handicapped, rights to choose et al.
He wants to know what effect judge Alito will have on laws they have already passed?
Kerry says none of the rights we fought for should be taken lightly. Alito has stood alone against mainstream beliefs. The Republican glee wiht his nomination should tell you all you need to know about what they expect from judge Alito.
He's stating that he understands the vote against cloture is hard but that this is an extraordinary circumstance; a lifetime appointment is not something we can go back from--not when he deprives Americans of their rights. And the questions like this don't arise from speculation but from the decisions in Alito's record.
Now he is calling for extended debate--that 30 hours is not enough--and that it is the only to stop a confimraiton they can stop a nomination that will cause irrperable harm to American justice. Now he thanks those who have stood with him. SO DO I!!!!
(UPDATE 1:56 MST) Now Brownback (R- ) has flat out stated that he believes "...the Consitution does not protect a woman's right to abort her baby," ad that it is a decision that should be taken up by the Senate (huh?) and the state's, and that the states will not decide about it in an even matter! Everytime a Republican opens his mouth the same sentence comes out--ooh--here's Kerry again!
(IMPORTANT UPDATE 1:55 MST) From Alito 48:
3:30 pm: The Gang of 14 went into closed-door meetings to stop our peasant uprising. Alito's personal trainer, Lindsay Graham, will lead the charge against a filibuster. How many of these media-adored "moderates" will vote to help Alito nuke the Constitution? (Alito opponents in italics) :Now it is 1:20 MST...and watching these proceedings is like watching a close sports game...except it is all too serious. Cornyn--what a Spokes Beast--does Ann Coulter write his speeches?! And Hatch has just remarked that it doesn't suprise him Democrats are unhappy they will "lose" and Alito will be nominated. Lose?! I thought this was not a partisan battle Orin, that it was about fair judges and procedural issues, so how can Democrats "lose"? Orin is now stating that the ONLY reason what Cornyn called "the hard Left" wants to stop Alito is the 800 pound gorilla in the room: Roe v. Wade.
RepublicansDemocrats
- John S. McCain III, Arizona
- Lindsey O. Graham, South Carolina
- John Warner, Virginia
- Susan M. Collins, Maine
- R. Michael DeWine, Ohio
- Lincoln Chafee, Rhode Island 202-224-2921, fax: (202) 228-2853
Call the offices of all the anti-Alito Senators and tell them they must filibuster Alito or their vote against Alito is meaningless.
- Joseph I. Lieberman, Connecticut 202-224-4041, fax: (202) 224-9750
- E. Benjamin Nelson, Nebraska 202-224-6551, fax: (202) 228-0012
- Mary Landrieu, Louisiana 202-224-5824, fax: (202) 224-9735
- Daniel Inouye, Hawaii 202-224-3934, fax: (202) 224-6747
- Mark Pryor, Arkansas 202-224-2353, fax: (202) 228-0908
- Ken Salazar, Colorado 202-224-5852, fax: (202) 228-5036
No, no, no, no, no, no, NO!!!!
We know Roe v. Wade is about rights--to privacy among others--and Alito will rule against ALL personal rights for everything that is not consitutionally set out and yes, were slavery still legal he would work HARD to keep it that way. Such literalists don't deserve to share oxygen with any other sentient being on the planet!
Now Hatch is bluntly stating that there is no reason that a law is a hard and fast rule (i.e. that Roe is "settled law"). In short he is stating that a vote for Alito is a vote to overturn Roe...who is he kidding? This is the pay-back for the HARD Right's base--the death of women's rights. Well girls if this happens--I will be spending the REST OF MY DAYS BOYCOTTING absolutely everything that touches or is touched by any element of that base (and that's just as a start)!
I'm really beginning to understand the forces and anger that set off the Civil War.
CONRAD SUCKS! From his statement regarding his decision to SUPPORT ALITO:
- "'Fifth, Judge Alito looked me in the eye and told me that he will not conduct himself based on an ideological agenda. He promised me that he would judge each case based on its merits and protect and defend the liberties set out in the Constitution."
(UPDATE 12:45 MST) Robert Menendez (D-NJ) is speaking now--good speaker. Hitting all the right notes: Alito's activist decisions, signing statements, court-changing addition to the bench, not an equivalent replacement for O'Connor, other court's disagreements with his decisions.
No filler on this guy's time. Hit after hit after hit. Too bad my TIVO is still sitting in the box...!
Go Robert--"...will he take our nation back," and says our next justice must take the court forward not back. And he has no problem discussing the "A" word--abortion--as a woman's right to choose. Now he's citing cases in which Alito found against a women's rights in favor of a mans for notification. He states that on examination Alito refused to say Roe is settled law. He points out Alito used Rehnquist's language on Roe and how that leads him to believe Alito intends to take the nation (again) back. No doesn't say he thinks Alito will overturn (that would require mind reading) but he does worry Alito will not uphold it.
Now he's discussing Alito's decisions on employment law and discrimination law--damn--why didn't I set up that TIVO?! Email if you get this on audio (please).
He makes the point I think should always be made--Alito may be a good judge--but (as Kennedy says) he's the wrong judge, at the wrong time for the wrong court.
(UPDATE 11:55 MST) Pete Domenici is speaking now and I want to strangle him. He is stating that the process of the SCOTU nomination should only be about qualifications and that now party rancour is driving the process. Wouldn't it be nice if SOMEONE would point out that it is REPUBLICAN party rancour that is driving Democrats to defend ALL Americans from THE radical Republican's currently running the show. His accustions are baseless as he is not comparing apples and oranges--the Republicans and Democrats of 'the good old days'.
Great Link (Vichy Dems) loaded with contact info and "game plan"!
(UPDATE 11:15 MST) This is the Senator on which to concentrate now. Currently all his numbers are busy. Keep trying:
- Bill Nelson (D- FL), 202-224-5274, fax: (202) 228-2183
Tallahassee, 850-942-8415 (phone), 850-942-8450 (fax)(UPDATE 10:45 MST) Kerry on the Senate floor is NAILING IT!! I paraphrase: he's pointing out the obvious--the Right's extremists, not Democrats, opposed Bush's first choice--Harriett Myers--until Bush capitulated and gave them Alito. Alito was greeted with "glee" by Republican spokespeople. They loved the idea that it woud PISS US OFF. Why? Because they were anticipating that Alito would further THEIR radical agenda! Therefore it is easy to see that Alito is NOT free from the tinge of partisan politics but squarely in the midst of it!
West Palm Beach, 561-514-0189 (phone), 561-514-4078 (fax)
Tampa, 813-225-7040 (phone), 813-225-7050 (fax)
Jacksonville, 904-346-4500 (phone), 904-346-4506 (fax)
Coral Gables, 305-536-5999 (phone), 305-536-5991 (fax)
Ft. Myers, 239-334-7760 (phone), 239-334-7710 (fax)
Davie, 954-693-4851 (phone), 954-693-4862 (fax)
Orlando, 888-671-4091 (phone), 407-872-7165 (fax)
He asks why the Republicans weren't chastised for "obstructionism" when Harriett Myers was denied her "up or down" vote not by Democrats, but by extremist Republicans?!
Kerry states that there is no doubt in anyone's mind that Alito will have an extreme impact on the Supreme Court and acting as if that is not true is disengenuous.
He was on a roll--and just had his time cut off--in the middle of his speech! Was this an end run change on the time or bad timing on his team's part?
(UPDATE 10:05 MST) Chafee has just announced he will vote AGAINST CLOTURE! Way to GO!!!
Still THE BEST BLOG for updates:
(aka The Alito 48 via Democrats.com)
(UPDATE 9:20 MST) Via Alternet, these are the Undecided's. CALL THEM ALL. I have added fax numbers and will continue email and more fax numbers as I find them...
The running tally is still at 37 senators, with four more needed to filibuster. Here's the phone numbers, courtesy of Georgia10:(UPDATE 01-30-2006) A comment I posted on The Huffington Post:
Blanche Lambert Lincoln (D- AR), 202-224-4843, fax: (202) 228-2853
Joseph I. Lieberman (D- CT), 202-224-4041, fax: (202) 224-9750
Thomas R. Carper (D- DE), 202-224-2441, fax: (202) 228-2190
Daniel K. Inouye (D- HI), 202-224-3934, fax: (202) 224-6747
Tom Harkin (D- IA), 202-224-3254, fax: (202) 224-9369
Evan Bayh (D- IN), 202-224-5623
Barbara A. Mikulski (D- MD), 202-224-4654, fax: (202) 224-8858
Carl Levin (D- MI), 202-224-6221, fax: (202) 224-1388
Mark Dayton (D- MN), 202-224-3244, fax: (202) 228-2186
Max Baucus (D- MT), 202-224-2651, fax: (202) 224-0515
Frank Lautenberg (D- NJ), 202-224-3224, fax: (202) 224-9707
Jeff Bingaman (D- NM), 202-224-5521, fax: (202) 224-2852
Jack Reed (D- RI), 202-224-4642
Patrick J. Leahy (D- VT), 202-224-4242
Maria Cantwell (D- WA), 202-224-3441, fax: (202) 228-0514
Patty Murray (D- WA), 202-224-2621, fax: (202) 224-0238
Herb Kohl (D- WI), 202-224-5653
John D. Rockefeller, IV (D- WV), 202-224-6472, fax: (202) 224-7665
James M. Jeffords (I- VT), 202-224-5141
Bill Nelson (D- FL), 202-224-5274, fax: (202) 228-2183
Daniel K. Akaka (D- HI), 202-224-6361, fax: (202) 224-2126
Mary Landrieu (D- LA), 202-224-5824, fax: (202) 224-9735
Byron L. Dorgan (D- ND), 202-224-2551, fax: (202) 224-1193
In 2000, no Senator stood with the Congressional Black Caucus to protest the Florida vote count. In the end recounts showed Gore had won that election. "We" were wrong--we should have fought--and it is a mistake we could not 'take back'.(UPDATE 9 PM) From a piece that nails it:
In 2004, upon the prodding of the grassroots, one Senator--Barbara Boxer--stood with the Congressional Black Caucus to protest the count. Thanks to her commitment to her duty to the people, voter issues were given the necessary creedence to keep them in the news as well as send a message that Democrats could show spine.
Today we are at another water-shed in political and American history. Two Senators, Kennedy and Kerry, along with the grassroots, are agitating for a filibuster of Samuel Alito. We are again on the side of "right" for our democracy. This is a time that we CAN NOT look back upon and say that we 'should' have done something different--that we 'should' have fought--because we can not "take back" the mistake of putting Alito on the bench.
I support my Senators and say to them, 'Fight for me now. Fight for all of us and when it's your turn I will fight for you. I will get your back.'
The move, led by Massachusetts Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy, to block the nomination of Judge Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court with a filibuster is already being dismissed by White House aides, Republican operatives and their echo chamber in the media as a mad misadventure that exposes the Democrats as legislative anarchists bent on wrecking the smooth-functioning processes of the Senate. The Republican National Committee's Tracey Schmitt summed up the sentiment when she peddled the official line of the man who would be monarch, arguing that in George W. Bush's America the Senate's advice and consent responsibilities are no longer required.(UPDATE) Download Alito factsheets (PDF) here.
"The judicial confirmation process, particularly one for the nation's highest court, should be insulated from such thoughtless bomb throwing..." Schmitt growled.
Bomb throwing?
Samuel Alito has established himself, through his record as an appellate court judge and his testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee, as the consumate judicial activist. He seeks a place on the Supreme Court in order to advance his vision of an imperial presidency that does not obey the laws of the land or answer to the Congress. Alito is, by his own admission, intellectually and politically at odds with the intents of the founders, and with the Constitutional system of checks and balances that they established. He has gone so far as to advise past presidents on strategies for expanding executive power and, as a judge, he has erred on the side of even the most reckless abuses of executive authority.
- Alito will interpret the doctrine or theory of unitary power, in EXTREME terms.
- He will be on the court for DECADES. His appointment reaches HISTORICAL proportions.
- He is an arch-conservative and will replace a moderate swing-judge. His presence will undoubtedly drive the court to the right.
- He is an advocate of strict-constitutionalism. The court already has one such advocate. The court needs to represent the plurality of the country not one segment.
- He refuses to agree that abortion is "settled law". For many this reflects a potential assault on privacy rights.
- He has consistently found in favor of business and corporations, not citizens.
- He appears to have lied under oath regarding his own background and behaviors.
Further, Bush is declaring that his right to use the NSA to spy on Americans is within his rights (again) during a time of war, another invocation of the unitary powers. Yet none of the legislative powers that should have been notified (Congress and the FISA court) received that notification. Bush is declaring his rights under the unitary powers also allows him to decide who he needs to notify--if anyone at all! The legislative body that could find against his decisions--the justice department-- already packed by his appointments has (what a surprise) found in his favor. So what would be the next body he could be forced to face? SCOTUS. Who, by the time such actions reach the court, could be on board? The man who has written the decisions that already support Bush's actions every step of the way...Samuel Alito.
What about the checks and balances our framers put in place? They are already few and weak and being weakened with every pro-business (read: pro-Republican) appointment. Radical conservatives throughout the government feel empowered to attack advances in rights that regularly affect Americans daily lives.
The above are only two examples of Bush invoking IN ADVANCE, any rights he believes he may have under the guise of "unitary powers". What does his behavior so far remind you of? How about the old 'saw' "It is easier to do what you want and then ask permission than get permission to do what you want?" What was the last glaring example of Bush at that game? Florida, 2000.
In Florida 2000, the SCOTUS, in a never-before and self-proclaimed never-to-be-repeated act of incredible reach APPOINTED George Bush President of the United States. We know now that every recount of the Florida ballots resulted in a win by Gore. We know now what we should have done then--fight--but we can't take that 'mistake' back. Neither will we be able to take back the mistake of putting Alito on the bench.
Since that critical week in 2000, the President (whose legitimacy is still under question thanks to voting rights activists and Senator Barbara Boxer) is simply doing what he's already proven he can: reaching past his powers and then going to the bodies whose permission he needs to argue that he already had the right to over-reach, thus setting a precedent for another over-reach that will of course, set another precedent.
How long does it take for tired Americans worrying about their diminishing status-quo, already out of touch thanks to a Republican-favoring press, to get used to a president who always gets what he wants? Why NOT simply give in and let him take it without a fight? Is that who we are already--a beaten people?
Alito will be the enabler of decades of presidential over-reach, government and legislative weakening, corporate-power grabs and the losses of average Americans' political influence, financial stability and privacy rights.
Unless we do something now--push our elected representatives to filibuster and then EXPLAIN WHY LATER--as our president continually, succesfully has --Alito will be on our highest court for the office terms of at least SEVEN presidents! And yes, we can win by explaining ourselves later--Bush has his party and his judges to make his arguments for him and we have our facts, our commitment and our futures. Let him pick another judge! MAKE him understand that he WORKS FOR US!!!!!!!
Finally let me ask, do you really think you know enough about Alito's controversial stands--that are not those of ANY OTHER SCOTUS Judge--to see him appointed to the court within the next TWO DAYS? A filibuster will force the Republicans to invoke another radical notion--the "nuclear option"--or not. Who cares? I'm tired of being threatened by the people who are supposed to be on my side, who are supposed to be working for ALL Americans!
What IS necessary is at least further investigation of a judge who is clearly outside the current mainstream of American jurisprudence or at most, selection of a different more moderate judge who can and will sit for ALL Americans. What the hell is so "obstructionist" about that?
(UPDATE 01-29-06) Still the best link for updates:
(UPDATE 8:30 PM) From boston.com news just in:
Under Senate rules, 60 votes are needed to end a filibuster and allow a final vote on a nominee. Most of the Senate's 55 Republicans have closed ranks and will vote for Alito, and three Democrats from heavily Republican states said they'll also vote yes to confirmation. At least five other Democrats have said they may vote no but don't want the party to use procedural tactics to block him.(UPDATE) From Bill Moyers:
Senator Charles Schumer of New York, one of the Senate Judiciary Committee's leading liberals, hadn't made up his mind yesterday. As leader of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Schumer could be worried that voters might reject the party's 2006 Senate candidates because of the actions of two liberal senators and their losing cause.
Senator Patrick J. Leahy of Vermont, the Senate Judiciary Committee's top Democrat, was also undecided yesterday. Representative Harold E. Ford Jr. of Tennessee, a Democratic candidate for Senate who was one of Kerry's national campaign cochairmen in 2004, came out against a filibuster.
Another Alito foe, Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware, told CNN he won't side with Kennedy and Kerry because, ''I see no reasonable prospect that a filibuster could work or function." Biden, who is mulling a 2008 run for president, said the vote on Alito is inevitable, therefore, ''we might as well, after we've had our say, get on with the vote.'"
My feeling about Alito's confirmation is that, like nearly every other action of the Bush administration, his nomination and potential appointment is not so much a huge travesty of justice as another chip in a bureaucratic, systematic chipping-away at the integrity of our democracy. Sam Alito is not Satan, but he is a justice who will almost certainly weaken Congress in favor of the Executive branch. The balance of powers is already in extreme jeopardy and a "Unitary Executive" is exactly the WRONG next step for our democracy right now. That's why Alito should be passionately opposed through filibuster.
(UPDATE) More than once I have bemoaned (on-air) the dKos community's lackluster support of the Alito filibuster. Finally, a few "leaders" have joined the phalanx of diarists forming around the cause: here, here, here and here. Remember, dKos is a community. If you want its considerable heft to reflect your concerns you must DO something...post or comment on how you feel about the filibuster yourself!
HRClinton's statement:
“As I explained earlier this week from the Senate floor, I believe the key to American progress has been the ever-expanding circle of freedom and opportunity. If you look at Judge Alito’s statements and his record, it is clear that Judge Alito would narrow that circle while endangering our nation’s fundamental system of checks and balances.
“This is a vote of tremendous significance. History will show that Judge Alito’s nomination is the tipping point against constitutionally-based freedoms and protections we cherish as individuals and as a nation. He would roll back decades of progress, and roll over when confronted with an administration too willing to play fast and loose with the rules. Because I do not think Judge Alito would advance the principles Americans hold most dear, I oppose his nomination and support efforts to block his confirmation.”
From Digby:
John Kerry stepped up today. Apparently, that isn't enough for some. He is still a "loser" in their eyes and is to be shunned. He didn't do it soon enough. Or he didn't do it right. Or he is nothing but a political opportunist. I'm beginning to think that some Democrats have gotten attached to their vision of Democrats as losers so they won't be emotionally shattered anymore. That's understandable. It's painful to get beaten. But, the rank and file need to step up too and be willing to lose and not hate ourselves or our leaders for it. How we lose on issues like this makes the difference for the future.
(UPDATE)--Thanks Rez Dog) Link to savethecourt.org from where you can fax key senators.
If you already have the fax# you can send a free fax from here.
(UPDATE) Here are email addresses of the major news outlets. Email them. Tell them you are tired of their defeatist anti-Democratic pro-Alito coverage (or whatever else you want to say...)!
360@cnn.com, 48hours@cbsnews.com, am@cnn.com, Colmes@foxnews.com, comments@foxnews.com, crossfire@cnn.com, dateline@nbc.com, daybreak@cnn.com, earlyshow@cbs.com, evening@cbsnews.com, insidepolitics@cnn.com, live@cnn.com, livefrom@cnn.com, newsnight@cnn.com, nightline@abcnews.com, nightly@nbc.com, rrhodes@airamericaradio.com, today@nbc.com, wam@cnn.com, wolf@cnn.com, wsj.ltrs@wsj.com, netaudr@abc.com, public@NYT.com, connected@msnbc.com, hardball@msnbc.com, countdown@msnbc.com
Via cho at ePluribus Media: I think that so far, these are the best GO-TO pages to take action:
and
Senator Tally Sheet
"Judge Alito's confirmation would be an ideological coup on the Supreme Court."
--John Kerry
(UPDATE 01-27-06) The "Alito 48" needed to filibuster Alito...
(UPDATE 10:50 PM) John Kerry's new filibuster petition...
(UPDATE 10:45 PM) NoCrony.com is sponsoring Filibuster Friday...this is an excellent action page with local Senate numbers and a LTE fill-in form.
The Young Turks are 'filibustering' already. They will be nonstop 'netcasting' (video/audio) until the filibuster does (or does not) occur. (01-28--these guys are still going strong--hoarse as hell and tired--tune into them and give them a call of support!!)
Reid would not name the "Alito 8" who are blocking a Democratic filibuster - so we need to identify them and tell them not to betray the Democrats who funded them and voted for them.
The most likely suspects are the "Red State" Democrats:
Tom Carper (DE)
Kent Conrad (ND)
Byron Dorgan (ND)
Tim Johnson (SD)
Mary Landrieu (LA)
Blanche Lincoln (AR)
Mark Pryor (AR)
Also call these "Blue State" and pro-choice Republicans:
Lincoln Chafee (RI)
Susan Collins (ME)
Lisa Murkowsky (AK)
Bob Smith (OR)
Olympia Snowe (ME)
Ted Stevens (AK)
For extra credit, call all the 2008 Presidential candidates who are sitting Senators - Evan Bayh, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Russ Feingold, and John Kerry - and tell them to either LEAD THE FILIBUSTER or FORGET ABOUT YOUR SUPPORT.
You can also send that message to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (202-224-2447) and the Democratic National Committee (202-863-8000).
(UPDATE 01-27-06) The "Alito 48" needed to filibuster Alito...
(UPDATE 10:50 PM) John Kerry's new filibuster petition...
(UPDATE 10:45 PM) NoCrony.com is sponsoring Filibuster Friday...this is an excellent action page with local Senate numbers and a LTE fill-in form.
The Young Turks are 'filibustering' already. They will be nonstop 'netcasting' (video/audio) until the filibuster does (or does not) occur. (01-28--these guys are still going strong--hoarse as hell and tired--tune into them and give them a call of support!!)
- John Kerry's statement as of today (1/26):
"Here's the bottom line though and I'll just be blunt and direct about it. It takes more than one or two people to filibuster. It's not 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.' I'm doing what I can, Senator Kennedy is doing what he can, but if, like me, you want to stop Judge Alito from becoming Justice Alito, we can't just preach to our own choir. We need even more of your advocacy."
Keep an eye on Bob Fertik's blog as it is updated with developments as they come in...
The image above links to backbonecampaign.org. From there you can download a PDF of the same image. I have dropped it onto fax sheets with the word FILIBUSTER written large and bold, and sent them to all the relevant fax numbers. It is effective visual short-hand for getting the message across!
This Post Will Be Kept On Top Until...?
(Daily posts are continuing below this one--
bloggers: trackback Alito filibuster posts and build our voices!)
bloggers: trackback Alito filibuster posts and build our voices!)
As an act of solidarity this blog is joining The Young Turks and other citizen and activist sites to raise awareness and support for a Democratic filibuster of Samuel Alito. I will continue to add links to sites and news of interest as this critical time unfolds...
<< Home