Senator Reid,
It's funny that I seem to be in constant communication with you more than my own Senators. But the fact is that you seem to be one of the few Senators on the Democratic side who publicly are viewed as fighters and are willing to fight for us.
So with that in mind, Senator, I would like to relay the following message to you the rest of your fellow Democratic colleagues in the Senate:
There is a growing feeling outside D.C. that while a filibuster on Samuel Alito is desired, no one on Capitol Hill seems to have the stomach for one. As the recent Supreme Court decision regarding Oregon's Assisted Suicide Law illustrates, Chief Justice John Roberts voted in the manner he told the Judiciary Committee and the world during his confirmation hearings that he would not. As Kos later put it, he lied (to Senator Wyden of Oregon). It is painfully obvious that Roberts simply said what he needed to say to get the job, and now he is free for the rest of his life (and possibly ours) to reign as a reactionary activist judge slowly rolling back the rights of Americans we fought decades to obtain. We can now conclude, based on his record and memos alone, that Alito will likely do the same.
In the eyes of this voter and many other voters in this nation, we do not trust Justice Alito. Though, like Roberts, he dodged the hard questions on abortion and similar matters, Alito's rulings and memos speak volumes about what he will do to Roe v. Wade if given the opportunity. That alone, according to over 57% of Americans, is enough to prevent Alito from assuming a position on the High Court.
There is one way to stop him - the filibuster. In light of all the GOP problems - the growing Abramoff/Congressional Scandal, the Valerie Plame Scandal, the Iraq War Lies, the Domestic Wiretapping Scandal - now is the time for the Democrats to show their true fire. I believe that the public would rather see the Democrats now fight for their rights and their principles. We want to see that fire that Harry Reid ignited on the Senate floor a couple of months ago when he invoked Article 21 and essentially locked down the Senate. Even if it means losing the filibuster, we want to see that fire.
The leadership of today's Democratic Party in Congress seems to be focusing their decisions on electability. Not only is that shameful, in this new political age, it's not going to work anymore. If you are unable to muster the fight for your constituents or the principles of your party, then we will find those who will and put them in your Senate seat.
The new Democrats want Representatives and Senators who will stand for the principles of their party and fight hard against those who seek to dismantle them. If you haven't the stomach for the fight, we will see to it at the polls that we'll replace you with someone who does.
Politics as usual is over. Joe Liebermann, who has been notoriously cited for speaking ill towards his own party (and likewise to his fellow constituents and colleagues) time and time again, is getting an example of what every Senator and Representative can expect. Your seats you thought were safe are no longer. Thanks to the blogs and various organizations like MoveOn.org, ThinkProgress.org, Media Matters, etc., your actions will not be forgotten, and will either be rewarded with support or condemned with opposition.
I urge you to think carefully about what you choose to do with the Alito nomination and further government business. The new Democratic Party may forgive but it doesn't forget, and in the end, regardless of political party, with each Election Day, every Senator, every Representative, everyone is expendable.