Starts Monday, April 4th. At least that's what the Senates Executive Calendar says. At least it did the last time I looked at it. I've received several email from the Colorado Dem's, and John Kerry - to name just 2 - urging me to contact my Senators about:
- Opposing the "nuclear" option to close off debate, and
- Urge them to vote against Myers' Judicial nomination.
More below:
So here's the email I sent to both Sen. Allard, and Sen. Salazar.
Dear Sen.
I want you to vote against a single party America
I want you to vote against Bush's judicial nomination of William Gerry Myers III. He was voted down the last time President Bush nominated him for good reason. His views do not reflect the majority of Americans. His extremist views on the environment and judicial activism make he unqualified to sit on the Federal Bench for the rest of his life.
Senate Majority Leader, Senator Frist plans to make judicial nominations immune to a Senate filibuster, the so called "nuclear" option to end debate. With enough Republican votes, Frist will be able to lead a Senate confirmation of the Republican judicial nominations with little or no voice from Democrats in America. I want you to oppose such a plan.
The filibuster has served this country well for over 200 years because it requires broad bi-partisan support for debate to be stopped. Having free and full debate on important issues allows differing views to be aired. It allows that the minority view be heard and its concerns acted on. Frequently, the minority has a better solution than the majority solution and to cut of debate before all views are heard is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. It's poor reasoning, and makes for poor policy and poor government.
This is your chance to voice your concern about a Republican controlled country. The branches of government were established to be a system of checks and balances. This latest effort by the Republican Party would have long standing consequences for Americans. America does not want only one view represented in our government. America was established as a government of the people by the people, not a government for Republicans by Republicans.
As my Senator, it is your duty to ensure that all of your constituents have a voice in their government. I want you to consider the impact your vote has on the future of democracy in America.
Sincerely,
Jake Thomson
Not content to belabor them via the miracles of modern technology - I called their DC offices also.
Sen. Ken Salazar
Washington, DC Office
SDB-40A Senate Dirksen Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
202-224-5852 (Phone)
202-228-5036 (Fax)
Sen. Wayne Allard
Washington, D.C.
521 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg.
Washington , D.C. 20510
202-224-5941
fax: 202-224-6471
I created a handy dandy web page that lists their contact information with clickable links to their webform email pages. You can find it here.
If you don't live in Colorado, go here for a list of Senators sorted by state.