I live in Georgia where, politically speaking, it sucks. And yet, I try to be involved. I write and call my Senators and Representative. I donate to Democracy for America and have joined Georgia for Democracy, although I have yet to make a meeting. I add my name and demographics to almost every damn petition that clogs up the inbox.
But its hard when the wall you're batting your head against is solid bricks of Georgian Red.
Case in point:
I sent a letter to my Senators (Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson) letting them know that, as a constituent, I was against the "nuclear option" and was of the belief that One-Party Rule was bad for Georgia and bad for the Country.
Bang. Smooshed on that very, very red brick wall.
At least I got a reply:
Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding the
procedure in which federal judges are considered in the Senate. I
appreciate hearing from you.
Last year, Senator Arlen Specter suggested a solution to the
debate over the procedure in which federal judges are considered in
the Senate. Under Senator Specter's proposal, the Chairman of the
Senate Judiciary Committee would be required to establish a
timetable for the confirmation of judicial nominees that provides a
hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee within 30 days after
the names of nominees have been submitted to the Senate and action
by the Committee within 30 days thereafter. Furthermore, the Senate
Majority Leader would be required to establish a timetable that
provides for action by the full Senate within 30 days after the
Committee has reported out the nomination.
Senator Specter's proposal would resolve a lot of the
complaints over the last few years (from both sides of the aisle)
regarding the process for confirming federal judges. However, if a
resolution of this nature does not occur, I support the Majority Leader
in whatever steps he concludes are necessary to insure that a simple
majority of Senators is able to fulfill the Senate's constitutional duty
to either confirm or reject each of the President's nominees in an
up-or-down vote.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. As
always, I appreciate hearing from you. In the meantime, if you would
like to receive timely e-mail alerts regarding the latest congressional
actions and my weekly e-newsletter, please sign up via my web site
at: www.chambliss.senate.gov.
Sincerely,
Saxby Chambliss
United States Senate
In other words, he'll do what he's told to do. Constituents and the "Good of the Country" be damned. In my opinion, literally.