Daily Kos

Thank You Kerry and Kennedy Open Thread

by jibsail

Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 03:52:23 PM PDT

Dear Senator Kerry and Senator Kennedy,

I know the vote was much closer than it looked, that once the sixty votes were assured, some Senators folded their tents to avoid backlash.  Such is the state of things today.

I just want you to know that like you, we also believe in taking on the fights worth fighting.  Sometimes those are the fights you can't win, but you can't lose them either.  Unless you quit.  

Thanks for staying around, and standing up with the rest of us.

Best regards,

Your friends at The Democracy Cell Project

This diary is cross-posted at The Democracy Cell Project

Tags: John Kerry, Ted Kennedy, Supreme Court, Samuel Alito, filibuster, Recommended (all tags) :: Previous Tag Versions

Permalink | 219 comments

  •  Tip Jar (4.00 / 81)

    Tip Jar

    All prescious mojo will be immediately tranfeerred to the accounts of the Senators from Massachusetts.

    by jibsail on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 03:53:56 PM PDT

    •  Please don't forget (4.00 / 18)

      Kos, Armando, Georgia10, Hunter, and all the Kossaks that actually created the momentum for this effort with the best analysis on the net and for that matter anywhere in the media new and old.

      Bravo.

      and CHEERS!

      Let's make rope.

      by AnonymousArmy on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:35:51 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

      •  Kos created momentum? (4.00 / 5)

        I beg to differ.  The community as a whole took up the slack on this one.

        Let's be honest.

        by diplomatic on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:39:25 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

        •  Go back (4.00 / 2)

          Do a search of the tags and see all the nice things Kos had to say about Alito. Then as you realize that Kos had laid out some of the strongest cases against Alito think about whose site all the momentum was built on.

          Let's make rope.

          by AnonymousArmy on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:03:36 PM PDT

          [ Parent ]

          •  I don't need to go back (none / 1)

            Kos was lukewarm to this filibuster at best.  Save the spin.

            Let's be honest.

            by diplomatic on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:10:40 PM PDT

            [ Parent ]

            •  You're right (none / 0)

              Kos wasn't a force behind this.  All the other front pagers were though.  And we owe them quite a bit of thanks along with the other Kossacks who helped organize the fight.

              Feingold is my hero.

              by Marc in CA on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:26:58 PM PDT

              [ Parent ]

            •  You don't need to go back? (1.50 / 2)

              I guess talking out of your ass feels good.

              Ignorance and ungratefulness does not become you. Had Kos been luke warm about Alito he wouldn't have wasted so much frontpage space tellig all of us what a disaster he would be on the court. Instead he posts one, repeat one, post asking us not to freak out on Red State Dem's and all of a sudden people like you feel it's cool to disparage him in a thank you thread.

              Hope you feel better.

              AA

              Let's make rope.

              by AnonymousArmy on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:37:52 PM PDT

              [ Parent ]

              •  Listen, cut out the insults (none / 0)

                No need to attack me, really.  I don't need to go back because I read this blog pretty much every day and have been following this filibuster process unfold with my own eyes.

                You keep talking about how Kos felt about ALITO, Alito.  Not the filibuster.  I am talking about the filibuster.  He was against that also, but not in any way championing or motivating anyone about it in my view.

                Attack me again and you will guarantee I never bother to respond to another thing you say.

                Have a good day.

                Let's be honest.

                by diplomatic on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 07:40:04 PM PDT

                [ Parent ]

                •  shaking (2.50 / 2)

                  I talked about the momentum for the failed filibuster created here on Kos, with Kos's Help.

                  You felt the need to rip into Kos on his site.

                  You were wrong. Story after story after story on the front page detailing exactly how bad Alito is, and why, galvanized the support for the filibuster and Kos was a major part of that.

                  Let's make rope.

                  by AnonymousArmy on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 08:03:33 PM PDT

                  [ Parent ]

        •  I beg to differ. Kos gets the mojo for creating (none / 0)

          a forum of opinion -- diverse, thoughtful, sometimes angry,aometimes happy -- but profoundly provacative on so many levels, for me anyhow.

          Agree to disagree, if you will. Alito or otherwise.

          Beyond that, Kos and proudly being Kossacks, is why we communicate. Or just listen in a lot.

          Share the fuzzies, will ya.

          by towit on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 09:08:15 PM PDT

          [ Parent ]

      •  Thank you to everyone... (4.00 / 2)

        Kos, Armando, Georgia10 and lots of others put a ton of energy into this.  Now is not the time to measure.  It is the time to get even with traitor Dems....

        ...once you're willing to say whatever it takes to win, you lose. ~~Dean

        by dkmich on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:58:23 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

      •  and judi too ... (none / 1)

        she was tireless in her pursuit of provinding contact info for us .... and we did make a difference with some support from those legislators that showed up for the fight

        by bobnbob on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 07:59:18 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

  •  Thanks. (4.00 / 5)

    Ashamed to be an American, but proud to be a citizen of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

    by Go Vegetarian on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 03:54:10 PM PDT

  •  Thank you both (4.00 / 15)

    And Senator Kennedy, your speech was awesome.  Thank you.

    by MarCat on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 03:55:42 PM PDT

  •  Thank You Both (4.00 / 4)

    "Massachusetts Liberal" is a great thing to be. This diary I just wrote also serves as a thank you.

    by NewDirection on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 03:56:14 PM PDT

  •  Thank you Senators (4.00 / 3)

    You understood the goal and saw this as fundamental for our future.

    I hope you will lead us on the fights to come, no doubt much more tougher than this one.

    by RaulVB on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 03:56:29 PM PDT

  •  Thank You, Senators Kerry and Kennedy (4.00 / 6)

    I appreciate your visits here, your efforts in the Senate, your dedication to what is good and right no matter how great the odds.

    Thank you!  Never stop fighting.

    No retreat....no surrender!

    Is Your Therapist Here?

    by etherapy on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 03:56:29 PM PDT

  •  Thank you two (4.00 / 5)

    And Boxer. And Feingold.

    by patrioticliberal on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:00:55 PM PDT

  •  My heartfelt thanks! (4.00 / 2)

    We will remember!

    Can we wait this long? Impeach Bush/Cheney

    by dangangry on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:04:21 PM PDT

  •  You did good! (4.00 / 2)

    Thank you both -- and the others brave enough to join you -- for doing the right thing!

    Nance

    by Nance on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:04:35 PM PDT

  •  Thanks indeed!!! (4.00 / 3)

    And thanks to Dick Durbin too...

    and I'd thank Senator Obama, but I'm a bit mad at him for dissing Dems on tv...

    Obama, or McCain

    by Elise on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:04:44 PM PDT

  •  Thank you Senators Kerry and Kennedy (4.00 / 3)

    Please keep up the fight.  One day, I think, we can prevail; we have the truth on our side.  I hope and pray that that day is sooner rather than later.  Thank you again for standing up for us!!  We will not forget....

    "The American fascist would prefer not to use violence. His method is to poison the channels of public information".- Henry Wallace, Vice President under FDR

    by LisaZ on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:05:50 PM PDT

  •  Thanks (4.00 / 4)

    Thanks for leading the charge Senators Kennedy and Kerry.  Thanks, to all the senators that voted no.  Thanks, to my Senators Levin and Stabenow.  

    Join me at SoapBox4Truth.org

    by Alma on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:06:27 PM PDT

  •  Thank you to all who fought. (4.00 / 2)

    It is a heartbreak, but worth it because it will make us stronger in the long run.  I'm looking forward to the next fight.

    by daisy democrat on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:07:08 PM PDT

  •  Proud to be a constituent (4.00 / 2)

    Senators Kennedy and Kerry,

    Last Wednesday I called your offices to ask you to filibuster Alito, so I am thrilled that you had the courage to stand up and do the right thing.  I am proud to have voted for you both.  Today I am very glad to live in Massachusetts.

    Thanks for leading the good fight.  Keep up the good work -- we can't give up -- the stakes are too high.  I fear for our freedoms.

    by cobalt blue on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:07:12 PM PDT

  •  Thank you (4.00 / 2)

    I'm proud to have voted for you both in the past and wish I still lived in Mass so I could vote for you again.

    sad in CT

    sure, you want to buy some refugee crafts.

    by katier on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:07:26 PM PDT

  •  You do us proud. (4.00 / 2)

    You give me hope for the future.  You will be among the ones I turn to when we need leaders.

    by enoughisenough on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:07:26 PM PDT

  •  The party needed this annual checkup (4.00 / 3)

    unfortunately an autopsy may need to be scheduled soon.

    Kerry did the right thing by pressing this.  Just like 1971, he forced everyone to confront an ugly reality.
    We need some major work.
    Hopefully it's not too late.

    by NYFM on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:08:17 PM PDT

  •  Thank You (4.00 / 2)

    John Kerry would have been a great president.  We were so close in 2004, but too many Americans had blinders on.  Alito is what they voted for, now we are going to reap what those 51% sewed.

    You can't really blame the Democrats, as much as I despise the 19 who crossed the line and voted for cloture.  Alito was pretty much a given when Bush won the election and the Republicans won Congress.  If voters want more Scalias and Thomases on the court, that's what they are going to get.

    Old Man McCain.com - the best anti-McCain blog on the web!

    by existenz on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:08:36 PM PDT

    •  How much of that 51% (none / 1)

      was counted by Diebold?

      We're all pretty strange one way or another; some of us just hide it better. "Normal" is a dryer setting.

      by david78209 on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:20:24 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    •  Kerry-Bush 2004 (none / 0)

      I wish somebody could get the rights to the first Kerry-Bush debate. And then run the thing right after shrub's SOTUS.

      Now that the "bubble around Bush" has to some extent burst, the teflon coat has begun peepling off, it would be nice for Americans to have a second chance to see the different between a grownup and what "we" elected? in 2004.

      The contrast would be better appreciated.

      by UrbanReader on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 07:23:37 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  Thank you..we will remember (4.00 / 2)

    Thank you sen. Kerry and Kennedy and all who helped..They have awaken a sleeping giant..We are just getting started...

    by bayside on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:09:03 PM PDT

  •  Thank you both for showing up for yourselves (4.00 / 3)

    as genuine patriots and defenders of the Constitution.

    We are not a world of nations, we are a world of banks.

    by Eloi Scientist on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:09:32 PM PDT

  •  Adding My Thanks (4.00 / 3)

    Thank you Senators Kerry and Kennedy, and to my Senators, Clinton and Schumer, as well as all those who voted no on cloture. To me, this is just the beginning of a true opposition to what is going on in the halls of government in America -- not just our elected officials being in opposition, but being supported by their constituents all around this country.  Every mighty oak starts with a small acorn--I do not underestimate what happened this week.

    by Nightprowlkitty on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:11:39 PM PDT

  •  Thank you and bless you both (4.00 / 4)

    You took a stand for your country, your government and your people when we most needed you to.

    "When does the greed stop?" - Sen. Edward Kennedy

    by Cory Bantic on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:14:02 PM PDT

  •  Thank you Senators. (4.00 / 3)

    Thank you for the fight.  It started today.  Also many thanks to the other Dem. Senators to vote against cloture, especially my Senator: Evan Bayh.  He'll be getting a call from me as well as a formal letter.

    by BWasikIUgrad on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:16:26 PM PDT

  •  Thank you for speaking for me. (4.00 / 2)

    You can give free kibble: freekibble.com and freekibblekat.com

    by sele on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:17:27 PM PDT

  •  Thank you Senator Kennedy and Senator Kerry (4.00 / 4)

    Thanks also to each Democratic Senator who voted no to cloture.  

    We'll work on getting a real Democrat to replace Joe Lieberman here in CT.



    by dwahzon on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:17:31 PM PDT

  •  I'll add my thanks. (4.00 / 2)

    I'm in a very dark mood over the way some of your colleagues behaved but the two senators from Massachusetts have earned my respect.

    by MariaSquared on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:19:07 PM PDT

  •  Thanks for all your efforts (4.00 / 3)

    And for listening to those of us in the blogosphere.

    Keep fighting the good fight and we'll support you in every way we can.

    And, Senator Kennedy, your speech today should go down in history as one of the best impassioned speeches for democracy and this country of all time.

    Thank you.

    Senator McCain, we don't have to twist everything that comes out of a Republican's mouth - you guys come pre-twisted.

    by PatsBard on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:23:32 PM PDT

  •  Thank you, Senators (none / 0)

    I'll always thank you for trying.

    Now we have a list of Democratic Senators who deserve our support, and those who don't. A list of moderates, and a list of those who claim to be moderates but aren't, when it comes to putting it all on the line.

    Alito was confirmed on November 2, 2004. It's our fault, not yours.

    "Doing My Part to Piss Off the Religious Right" - A sign held by a 10-year old boy on 9-24-05

    by Timbuk3 on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:24:14 PM PDT

  •  from california (none / 1)

    like mr. blades, i'd like to thank my very own senators boxer and feinstein for putting up the good fight as well.  special thanks to the two from mass for getting the ball rolling.

    by The Idiot on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:25:11 PM PDT

  •  Alito Vote will have consequences (4.00 / 2)

    Thank you both for your fight. Those of us in the Kos & grassroot needed you to stand up.
    We are tired of seeing our Party being run over.
    We are sick of being viewed as the enemy.
    We are heartsick about the direction this administration is taking our country.

    My emails & faxes to the Senate:
    This Vote is THE MOST important vote in OUR lifetime.
    This vote will be remembered
    This vote WILL have consequences

    If you want fund raising from the "little guy" you can forget it.
    If you want boots on the ground for your next campaign, forget about it.
    If you want volunteers to knock on doors, you can forget about it.
    If you need phone banking, forget about it.

    BECAUSE if you voted for Alito..... you can forget about any support from ME.

    And why should they care if I do not live in their state?

    I did phone banking from AZ for Paul Hackett
    I donated money to Paul Hackett, Jon Tester, the recount in WA State and other progessive candidates across the country. I support those who share my views, have strong stances and fight for the "little guy".

    So ... to the Senators who voted for Alito... YOU can just piss up a rope...

    by katymine on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:25:16 PM PDT

  •  2 Mr. Smith's from Mass went to Washington. (none / 1)

    Thanks guys....duly noted.

    Get the money out of elections-it's our only shot. -8.88 -8.05

    by brent for truth on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:27:41 PM PDT

  •  Pre-Emptive Optimistic Note.... (4.00 / 2)

    ...for all of those diarists who will, inevitably, being their whiny little...lets give up on the entire Democratic Party because the Republicans (who control the entire federal government, by the way) were able to have their way....my comments are....

    Senators Kennedy, Kerry and the more than 25 other Democrats in the U.S. Senate show me that that at least a quarter of all Democrats in the U.S. Senate are fighting for us...in comparison to zero percent of Republican Senators. This kossack will stand with those Democrats who did fight, and help them now...by working harder than ever to bring them the additional power and votes necessary to ensure that this fight is only just the beginning in our stance against the corruption and arrogance that is the Republican Party.

    by wdrath on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:28:42 PM PDT

  •  Thanks again to both Senators (4.00 / 5)

    I already sent them thanks via e-mail, but I'll take this opportunity to thank them again.  They both make me proud to be a Democrat.  At least they stood up for what they profess to believe.  Men of principle---gotta love 'em.

    by 3goldens on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:29:25 PM PDT

    •  Me, too. (none / 0)

      Another proud Democrat here.  Forty years and still going strong.

      When the oak is felled the whole forest echoes with its fall, but a hundred acorns are sown in silence by an unnoticed breeze. -Thomas Carlyle

      by Caldonia on Tue Jan 31, 2006 at 12:23:38 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  Senators Kennedy and Kerry (none / 1)

    Another set of thanks from my spouse and myself. We commend your principled stand and the energy you put in this righteous cause.
    Also, thanks to Senators Stabenow and Levin. we are proud to support you.

    Make that change.

    by barnowl on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:29:39 PM PDT

  •  Thank you Senator Kerry and Senator Kennedy (none / 0)

    For your tireless effort in giving voice to our values.
    So proud of all who supported the filibuster.  You're winners in my book.

    by globalvillage on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:34:59 PM PDT

  •  Lautenberg and Menendez- Thanks (4.00 / 5)

    I knew I could count on Senator Lautenberg.  The man who gave us the definition of the Chickenhawk knows what is at stake.  Senator Menendez, however, is a pleasant surprise.  The vote on cloture was practically his first significant act in the senate.  He's going up against a GOP candidate with name recognition this fall.  There are plenty of wingers in NJ, rich, rich wingers.  And Alito is homegrown.  Menendez didn't have to risk it.  I'm glad he did.  I'd be delighted to help out his campaign this year.  
    So, thanks guys.  Nice job.    If you want to stand up and turn your Back on Bush during his SOTU tomorrow, that would make my week.  

    -3.63, -4.46 "Choose something like a star to stay your mind on- and be staid"

    by goldberry on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:35:14 PM PDT

    •  Bravo NJ Senators! (none / 0)

      Menendez did indeed provide a pleasant surprise for those of us who feared he might take the easy route. Instead, he has garnered some tireless foot soldiers for his fall campaign. Thank you Senator Lautenberg, as always a class act. And, to our Liberal Lions, Senators Kerry and Kennedy, my deepest gratitude.

      by tf cappello on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 06:19:51 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  Adding my Thanks (none / 0)

    For the past week I have been very proud to be a Massachusetts resident.  I can only hope that future fights organized by the democrats are more successful.

    by tasha on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:35:15 PM PDT

  •  thank you senators! (none / 0)

    n/t

    Viva Obama

    by Errol on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:35:25 PM PDT

  •  Thank you, but I'm pissed off (none / 0)

    We lost the 2004 pres. election which I worked hard on. We lost this very important fight against Alito, which I also put a lot of energy in. You've got this year's election cycle to straighten up, or else you will lose me too. And that is a promise.

    Be a Liberal. People are more likely to run to you if you stand still and not run from yourself.

    by Sunqueen212 on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:35:34 PM PDT

  •  Hip Hip Horray (none / 0)

    by goodwill on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:36:35 PM PDT

  •  Thank You (none / 0)

    Now get us pointed on the next fight we need to have.

    "I said, 'Wait a minute, Chester, you know I'm a peaceful man.'" Robbie Robertson

    by NearlyNormal on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:36:43 PM PDT

  •  Faith restored (4.00 / 3)

    Thanks to all the Senators and bloggers and true patriots who fought for this filibuster.

    Frankly, the Democratic party has been a huge dissapointment to me for several years. Some Senators have stood proud, but most have been skulking in dark corners, afraid to come out.

    Now, though we lost a difficult battle, I know the days of endless powder-saving and infinitely recursive triangulation are behind us.

    I've got my party back!

    And secondly, lets people on both sides of the aisle know where they stand. We know which Democrats have no principles (Lieberman) and which Republicans are too cowardly to represent their constituents (Chaffee). No excuses for 2006.We know who you are.

    Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. -L. Cohen

    by inkadu on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:37:19 PM PDT

  •  Kerry and Kennedy: Please start a new party (none / 0)

    I'll gladly follow your lead

    Your colleagues are a bunch of scrubs

    Let's be honest.

    by diplomatic on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:38:04 PM PDT

    •  not a bad idea... (none / 0)

      ... The Progressive Party.  

      Gore
      Kennedy
      Kerry
      Edwards
      Feingold
      Boxer
      Dean

      and of course Conyers, Slaughter, and many other Congresspersons.  

      May all beings be free from fear.

      by shakti on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:42:35 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

      •  Sounds good (none / 0)

        I think Americans may finally be read for a REAL alternative like that.

        Our party is corrupted by a contingent of wishy-washy wimps who are too afraid to stand up for what they really believe.

        Let's be honest.

        by diplomatic on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:01:29 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

      •  Starting a New Party (none / 0)

        Thank you Senators Kerry and Kennedy, I am glad Rhode Island is your sister state, even though we have one traitor, on the other side of aisle.  The American people will not forget your valiant efforts for truth, and supporting our Constitutional rights.  Many of us right now, feel as though we have a dagger in our hearts, those Senators in your own party have betrayed us and our Party, for a very long time.  

        Thank you again for speaking truth to power.

        by alycedouglas on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:56:37 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

    •  Do not divide the Democratic base (none / 0)

      If you do, you hand the Republicans America's head on a platter.

      "The state has no place in the bedrooms of the nation." - Pierre Trudeau

      by fishhead on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 06:03:42 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  Thank you Senators Kerry and Kennedy (none / 0)

    and all other Senators who voted No on cloture.

    In a month, the rest of the Democrats will wish they had voted No as well.

    We got a taste of what is to come when Roberts dissented with Scalia and Thomas in the decision to uphold the Oregon assisted suicide law.

    And now there are four sure ultra conservative votes assured.  With just one more, so it goes . . .

    by Janie on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:41:59 PM PDT

  •  Senators - my deepest appreciation (none / 1)

    and admiration - you fought for us, the American people, with passion and resolve. You make us proud.

    So, now here we are, ready and waiting for the next fight - how about media reform - or free and fair elections? Just let us know...

    by everhopeful on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:42:03 PM PDT

  •  Senators (none / 1)

    Thank you for representing us honestly and passionately. We are proud you are our voice.

    by Fe on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:42:10 PM PDT

  •  Thanks to the senators whose last name (none / 0)

    starts with a K from someone else whose last name starts with a K.

    Kennedy and Kerry, this Kalmbacher loves and thanks you.

    Fuck you to a certain supposed liberal senator whose last name starts with a K from someone else whose last name starts with a K.

    Kohl, go fuck yourself.

    The rest of you 18 Vichy Dems and you lying, feckless Republicans (Specter, Snowe, Collins and Chafee) can go fuck yourselves too.

    "There's nothing new except for the history that you don't know." -Truman...but I am Colin Kalmbacher

    by krikkit4 on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:42:56 PM PDT

  •  Many thanks from Colorado (none / 1)

    I very much respect and appreciate your efforts.

    by KatsMeow on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:44:39 PM PDT

  •  To the destinguished Senators from Massachusets (none / 0)

    Thank you.

    "America, this is our moment." Barack Obama

    by Esjaydee on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:45:12 PM PDT

  •  Thank you Senators (none / 0)

    Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your taking a stand gives me hope and the will to keep fighting.

    by ralphie on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:47:08 PM PDT

  •  Thank you both very much! (none / 1)

    At least we still have a few to be proud of in our government.  As long as we keep fighting, there's still hope.  Thank you again!

    Check out The Albany Project for the latest in NY state political news.

    by Team Slacker on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:50:10 PM PDT

  •  Thanks. Oh, and (none / 0)

    give Lieberman a kiss for us--a kiss goodbye. We're gonna rip him up. Prepare a space for Ned Lamont.

    "Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran!" McCain doesn't need a presidency. He needs a Playstation.

    by The Gryffin on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:51:09 PM PDT

  •  Bravo! (none / 0)

    Many, many thanks for stepping up when it counted!  
    You did what was right and tried your best.  I'm very grateful and proud.

    It's the Supreme Court, Stupid!

    by Radiowalla on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:51:29 PM PDT

  •  I feel like many democrats succeeded today (4.00 / 2)

    Even though we lost the battle, I feel like we've turned this into a huge move for the longer term war.

    We need to let our Senators know that we appreciate when they fight on principle, even if it means we lose at first. Because Americans won't elect a politician without principles. They'll elect a politician with bad principles (Bush) before they'll elect someone who fails to clearly articulate what they stand [i]for[/i].

    This is still bigger than any candidate. I'm for truth, no matter who tells it. I'm for justice, no matter who it's for or against.

    by danthrax on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:52:34 PM PDT

  •  Tell us how to thank those who voted for (4.00 / 2)

    us instead of Bush, and tell us how to take down the 18 traitor Dems who chose to support King George instead of Democrats.  I want them punished and gone.  

    I already thanked my Senators, Levin and Stabenow, and I would also like to thank both of you.  

    Pretty soon, they will put us in gulags.  

    ...once you're willing to say whatever it takes to win, you lose. ~~Dean

    by dkmich on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:54:23 PM PDT

  •  Thanks again (none / 0)

    I knew I was doing the right thing, campaigning for each of your presidential campaigns. . .

    "Speak out, judge fairly, and defend the rights of oppressed and needy people." Proverbs 31:9

    by zdefender on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 04:55:27 PM PDT

  •  Thank you (none / 0)

    For fighting the good fight, and for drawing a line clearly so that we call can see who the fighters are.

    Freedom will prevail.

    McCain is a Chode.

    by dnamj on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:01:38 PM PDT

  •  Yes! (none / 0)

    Thanks for fighting the bastards!

    by Semblance on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:02:11 PM PDT

  •  Thank you (none / 1)

    I have two little girls, and I really thought that Alito is a threat to them.  If bad things happen in the future in the Supreme Court, I will at least know that there were you two who stood up to stop the madness, and in my own small way I was able to help out.  Thanks again for leading.

    John Kerry: "The rubber stamp Republicans have now become the Roadblock Republicans"

    by beachmom on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:03:00 PM PDT

  •  Thank You! (none / 1)

    Dems must be seen to be fighting for something. Even when we loose, we win on this.

    Thank you for having the courage to get out in front and lead, it's been sorely missed.

    -s

    by storme on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:04:15 PM PDT

  •  bless you both (none / 0)

    history will vindicate us filibusterers - you at least made a stand and we won't forget it.

    right now, we need to keep the media from misrepresenting today, as they most assuredly will.

    keep fighting the good fight and we will always have your back.

    "Government, like dress, is the badge of lost innocence; the palaces of kings are built upon the ruins of the bowers of paradise." Thomas Paine, Common Sense

    by Cedwyn on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:04:58 PM PDT

  •  Thank you. (none / 1)


    Moral leadership is the most important kind and I'm proud of how you exemplifying it as my Senators.

    Time will prove you right, I have no doubt.  Vanity and hard-hearted Indolence prevailed once again today.  But the war to realize the Fourteenth Amendment continues and will be won within our lifetime yet.

    Renewal. Not mere reforms. We can no longer afford to worship the god of hate or bow before the altar of retaliation. Martin Luther King Jr.

    by killjoy on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:05:03 PM PDT

  •  With gratitude if not quite joy... (none / 0)

    Dear Senators Kerry and Kennedy:

    This is a difficult message for me to write, because quite frankly, I'm mad as hell and I can't fake it any more.

    You two spoke earnestly and eloquently on behalf of the everyday citizens of this democratic republic of ours, and you were joined in today's voting by dozens of other courageous and committed Senators who felt as strongly about our issues as you so clearly do.

    I am appalled and digusted at the sorry state in which the tattered remnants of the once-proud Democratic Party stand today. But I am still impressed by the courage and honesty of you and the duly-elected Democrats who chose and still choose to stand tall against the devious machinations of the Rove-led neocons who have taken over the GOP.

    I have tried my best to keep faith with the Democratic Party as an organization. Alas, I find that I have finally failed in that attempt. I do, however, still have faith in individual democrats like yourselves and those who chose to stand up and be counted alongside of you.

    Thnak you both for your stalwart service and for your steadfast example of what the Dems as a whole should be, and maybe still could be someday.


    How do you ask someone to be the last one to die in Iraq? How do you ask someone to be the last one to die for a mistake?

    by M Loutre on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:05:51 PM PDT

  •  I'm Afraid I Don't Thank You.. (1.75 / 4)

    (Warning: I'll get troll rated for sure...)

    This 11th hour attempt was too little too late. Perhaps I don't understand politics as well as my Kos brethren, but I've had my fill, personally, of the occasional showy attempt, and speech, rather than the effective dogged relentlessness.

    This "movement" should have been underway at the moment scAlito was announced, not as a "last-ditch" effort to do a panic fax & phone call & petition campaign.

    Unfortunately, frankly, the Dems did little to get scAlito stopped. They made a "we tried" show of it, but it only reveals the lack of planning and strength on the part of the Dems as a party. The hearings were a disgrace, especially in light of what is at stake. These justices and their rulings will touch us far more than they will our "representatives," and at this point, I don't believe there should be back slapping for a good fight, but a gathering black anger for about five failures too many:

    Deficit,

    Armor for the troops,

    NSA spying,

    Environmental disasters,

    FEMA,

    Katrina,

    Incompetence at all levels,

    ..it just goes on. And on. I'm of the distinct impression that the current Dems represent no worse than a speedbump for greedy republicans. The outrage should be directed at Dems in spades. If they are no longer effective in protecting us, then they should be swept from office and a way made for representatives possessing a spine, or three...

    The occasional showy display wears thin when it leads to the same status quo. "We tried" doesn't cut it anymore. Our God damned Country is being bled dry and turned into a fascist totalitarian regime and the best the we do is compliment our ineffective failure representatives.

    I don't thank you, not for saddling me with Bush, his idiot policies or allowing his destructive illegal governance. I don't thank you for backing down, or folding so quickly after the "elections" or for making deals that screw me. I will thank you for making way for real representation; with a real spine!

    Get out of the way. Now.

    by commons3nse on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:06:01 PM PDT

    •  Don't Blame Kennedy (none / 1)

      His was no "last ditch" effort. His questioning of Alito was vigorous and direct.  Senator Kennedy (and Kerry) always has my debt of gratitude.

      by lzachary on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:19:19 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

      •  Unfortunately There Was No Coordination (none / 0)

        Where was Kennedy in questioning this every step of the way? Where was party unity? Where was the leadership? Why were there so many quiet stretches where scAlito's minions were allowed to set the tone?

        Too little too late. Kennedy has to share this screwup. Why wasn't this launched by him and other Dems earlier than this 11th hour cram? Looks impressive, but reveals poor planning. Frank Rich was right!

        by commons3nse on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:30:07 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

        •  Because Frist called for a cloture vote so quickly (none / 0)

          It's pretty much unheard of up until now to call for cloture 36 hours after a nomination is pushed to the floor from committee. But with the State of the Union coming up tomorrow, they wanted the photo up of a big win for Bush.

          There was one senator, Chris Shays, that ranted about this today after the vote. He was pissed that because he wasn't on the Judiciary Committee he had a total of 20 minutes of debate time to discuss his concerns about Alito. For an appointment that would last for decades. He was pissed.

          "In the end we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." MLK, changed to this during the 2008 FISA fight

          by bewert on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 10:14:21 PM PDT

          [ Parent ]

      •  I'll Let Frank Rich Comment On This Too! (none / 0)

        Judge Alito testified that he had joined CAP because it supported the R.O.T.C. on campus, adding that he did not remember having "done anything substantial in relation to this group, including renewing my membership." The Democrats plunged on, betting the house (or the Supreme Court) on Teddy Kennedy's insistence that Judge Alito could be linked to what the senator described as CAP's "repulsive anti-woman, anti-black, anti-disability, anti-gay pronouncements." In one of only two dramatic moments in the whole soporific confirmation process - a "Sunshine Boys"-style spat with the committee chairman, Arlen Specter - Mr. Kennedy threatened to subpoena CAP "documents in the possession of the Library of Congress" to hunt down Judge Alito's  bigotry.

        There was only one problem with the Democrats' fictional story line: it had been exposed as fake on the front page of The Times weeks before Mr. Kennedy presented it to the nation. Mr. Kirkpatrick reported that he had examined the same papers Mr. Kennedy was threatening to subpoena - as well as some others at Princeton's own library - and found no trace of Judge Alito's involvement with CAP as either an active participant or a major donor. When the Senate committee did Mr. Kennedy's bidding and looked at those documents yet again, it found exactly what The Times had in November, calling the senator's bluff and ending any remote chance the Democrats had for keeping Judge Alito off the court. It says everything about the Democrats' ineptitude that when they spin fiction, they are incapable of meeting even the low threshold of truthiness needed to make it fly in this lax cultural environment.

        (more)
        http://tinyurl.com/...

        by commons3nse on Tue Jan 31, 2006 at 05:58:16 AM PDT

        [ Parent ]

    •  Thanks For My First "Zero" (none / 0)

      Apparently I struck a nerve...and one that wasn't able to communicate their reasons since it was a "hidden" rating.

      So far, the comment has yet to be proven incorrect, nor has anyone stepped up to show me the error of my ways...

      Thank you jbou for my "4!"

      The truth is, My Country is getting robbed and I don't see Dems stepping up, except for grand displays.

      I didn't hear them about the Armor issue, or the Halliburton poisoned water issue, or any number of other issues that absolutely needed to be addressed often and long. The armor shortage pissed me off such that I was shocked when no Dem stepped forward to make an glaring issue to light a fire under the ridiculous Bush incompetence. 80% could have been spared...

      Maybe sending them some Postcards

      Troll rate away, but have the stones to explain yourself.

      by commons3nse on Tue Jan 31, 2006 at 12:24:24 AM PDT

      [ Parent ]

      •  So when senators (none / 0)

        do demonstrate backbone, that's still not good enough for you?  So you had to come make a special point of bitching on a diary especially designated as a thank you to the 2 senators who stood up and spoke truth?

        Whether it was for show or not, it was the right thing to do and they did it.  As Kos himself pointed out, opposition to the Alito nomination was mis-managed by the whole progressive community.  Lots of blame to go around.

        So dropping in on a thank you thread for 2 Senators who did stand up and whining and insulting them does seem a little ... I don't know... rude, unintelligent... there's more but you get the idea.  

        If you want to bitch, go start your own diary. Otherwise get over it and get on with how you're going to change the balance of power in Congress.  Do you have a Democratic rep and Democratic Senators?  Is there a competitive race anywhere in your state?  Get to work.  


        by dwahzon on Tue Jan 31, 2006 at 05:41:36 AM PDT

        [ Parent ]

        •  I Don't Agree (none / 0)

          So when senators do demonstrate backbone, that's still not good enough for you?

          Actually, I give all the credit to the Kos community for lighting a fire under the Dems' chair. The idea for leaders is to lead, not wait to be pushed into doing the right thing.

          So you had to come make a special point of bitching on a diary especially designated as a thank you to the 2 senators who stood up and spoke truth?

          When I posted on this thread there were 30 posts. I also haven't stated anything that is untrue. Kerry's recent post wasn't brought on by the myriad outrages by the Bush administration, it was triggered by smearing Michael Moore. Where was the armor post and relentless battle to keep that at the forefront? Where was the outcry from Kennedy when the NYT exposed the armor report citing 80% of the troops could've otherwise survived?

          A secret Pentagon study has found that at least 80 percent of the marines who have been killed in Iraq from wounds to their upper body could have survived if they had extra body armor. That armor has been available since 2003 but until recently the Pentagon has largely declined to supply it to troops despite calls from the field for additional protection, according to military officials.

          Whether it was for show or not, it was the right thing to do and they did it.

          Of course it was the right thing to do....but as in homework left to the last minute, or a hastily remembered birthday present, it counts only if its done well. The Dems really dropped the ball on this. Kennedy, as Frank Rich pointed out (and cited in another reply), tried a debunked story that was exposed weeks earlier:

          There was only one problem with the Democrats' fictional story line: it had been exposed as fake on the front page of The Times weeks before Mr. Kennedy presented it to the nation. Mr. Kirkpatrick reported that he had examined the same papers Mr. Kennedy was threatening to subpoena - as well as some others at Princeton's own library - and found no trace of Judge Alito's  involvement with CAP as either an active participant or a major donor. When the Senate committee did Mr. Kennedy's bidding and looked at those documents yet again, it found exactly what The Times had in November, calling the senator's bluff and ending any remote chance the Democrats had for keeping Judge Alito off the court.

          This isn't a "good 'ol, Fight-The-Good-Fight college try, this was a frankly sloppy and undisciplined display by the Dems.

          So dropping in on a thank you thread for 2 Senators who did stand up and whining and insulting them does seem a little ... I don't know... rude, unintelligent... there's more but you get the idea.

          I'm sure it appears that way when you accept what they did instead of what should've been done all along. They, as I understand it, had their pocketbooks threatened from several fronts unless they did something. Doing it badly and late to prove they did something isn't good enough when the stakes are this high.

          If you want to bitch, go start your own diary. Otherwise get over it and get on with how you're going to change the balance of power in Congress.  Do you have a Democratic rep and Democratic Senators?  Is there a competitive race anywhere in your state?  Get to work.

          Pointing out the obvious flaws in a poorly executed PR display isn't bitching, its revealing. As I said, Kos and the bloggers deserve all the credit for pushing, cajoling and shaming our "leaders" into finally getting off their healthcare paid, golden-parachute lined butts and actually fighting.

          I'm reminded of the old joke about hitting a mule between the eyes with a 2X4 to get his attention. It shouldn't come to that to get our "leaders" to lead.

          What I've stated is true.

          by commons3nse on Tue Jan 31, 2006 at 06:36:51 AM PDT

          [ Parent ]

          •  The Gist Of My Post... (none / 0)

            Here is where I get troll-rated for the truth:

            The move by Kerry came in response to concern within sections of the party that it was necessary to make a show of a filibuster attempt in order to shore up their liberal credentials and lessen the appearance of abject capitulation to the right-wing nominee. The Democrats have come under attack from within their own supporters, including from various liberal blogs and in town hall meetings, for refusing to put up even the shadow of a fight against the Republicans and Alito. Kerry's announcement that he would support a filibuster came on the evening of a New York Times editorial, which warned of the dangers for the party that would come with a strategy of "rolling over and playing dead."

            The idea that this filibuster call was anything but a dog-n-pony show is a mistake:

            Kerry and a few other senators responded by calling for a filibuster. From the beginning, however, Kerry's campaign was a complete farce--a flailing attempt to make a gesture that was doomed to impotence. Kerry's initiative only came after it was clear that it would not succeed. By the middle of last week, several Democrats had already announced that they would oppose a filibuster. This included a majority of members of the so-called "Gang of 14," the bipartisan group that forged an agreement last year in which the Democrats pledged not to filibuster judicial nominations except under "extraordinary circumstances."

            That agreement gave the president a green light to appoint anyone of his choosing to the Supreme Court, with assurance that they would receive no serious opposition from the Democrats. Democratic senators who voted for closure of debate on Monday included all of the Democrats from the "Gang of 14"--Kent Conrad, Tim Johnson, Ben Nelson, Robert Byrd, Mark Pryor, Joseph Lieberman and Mary Landrieu--as well as 12 others.

            Doomed from the start. And here's a kicker to think about:

            If the Democrats were serious about opposing Alito and his extreme right-wing agenda, they would mount a political campaign among broad masses of the population. However, this is the last thing they want, for this would pose a threat to the interests the Democrats themselves support.

            In spite of the declining support for the administration, the popular opposition to the war and the assault on democratic rights, the anger that has been generated due to declining living standards and growing inequality, the ballooning corruption scandal surrounding lobbyist Jack Abramoff, and the indictment of several administration officials--the Republicans are able to carry their programs through the Senate with virtually no opposition from the Democrats.

            Disagree? I don't. And this:

            The Democratic Congressional leadership has sought to apologize for its spineless surrender by citing the Republicans' 55-45 majority in the upper house. But there is no question that if the roles were reversed the Republicans would be far more aggressive and provocative in the minority than the Democrats have been in relationship to Bush's agenda. Moreover, the last major action carried out by the Democrats when they did control a similarly narrow majority in the Senate was the infamous vote in October 2002 to authorize Bush to wage war on Iraq, which passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 77 to 23, a margin tellingly similar to the margin by which the Alito nomination was cleared for a final vote.

            I couldn't agree more. Personally, I think I've been played and had. Amongst Dems, scAlito was a "slam-dunk" People got stirred up for an all Dem, "We Tried," show, not a serious effort  from our reps. For a moment, consider the possibility...it goes a long way in explaining the manhandling of the Constitution while the Dems seem unable to do anything.

            I invite your comments...

            by commons3nse on Tue Jan 31, 2006 at 04:10:12 PM PDT

            [ Parent ]

  •  My thanks to both of you... (none / 0)

    I was fortunate to get to hear you both speak today, and you were inspiring. I have no doubt that many of your words will come back to haunt others in the Senate and, unfortunately, many unsuspecting Americans. Thank you for all of your efforts.

    My thanks also go to all of the other Democratic senators and to Senator Jeffords for voting against cloture today.

    It takes a village to raise a special child.

    by roses on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:07:05 PM PDT

  •  Thank you (none / 1)

    You worked like heroes this week, and made us proud :)

    Lisa

    Yes I know Obama isn't the perfect progressive candidate. Yes, I know that sucks. Now let's get him elected.

    by Boston to Salem on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:07:25 PM PDT

  •  You did the right thing (4.00 / 2)

    Not the easy or expedient thing, and that counts for alot. Continue the fight gentlemen I've got your back! But certain other senators are in for alot of trouble with me & I won't forget those who stood beside us in this battle!

    by vcmvo2 on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:07:59 PM PDT

  •  Thank you Senators Kennedy and Kerry (none / 1)

    Senator Kennedy,

    This is what your brothers were known for, particularly your brother Bobby: fighting the good fight.  God bless you.

    Senator Kerry,

    As if I ever needed a reason to be proud of my vote for you in 2004, I'm even prouder now.  Keep fighting.

    War is over if you want it. -- John Lennon

    by Theodoric of York Medieval Liberal on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:10:38 PM PDT

  •  Just adding to the list (4.00 / 6)

    Thank you Senators Kennedy and Kerry (from a home state consituent).

    As well as the rest of those who supported the effort.

    Bayh, Evan (D-IN) No
    Biden, Joseph R., Jr. (D-DE) No
    Boxer, Barbara (D-CA) No
    Clinton, Hillary Rodham (D-NY) No
    Dayton, Mark (D-MN) No
    Dodd, Christopher J. (D-CT) No
    Durbin, Richard (D-IL) No
    Feingold, Russell D. (D-WI) No
    Feinstein, Dianne (D-CA) No
    Jeffords, James M. (I-VT) No

    Lautenberg, Frank R. (D-NJ) No
    Leahy, Patrick J. (D-VT) No
    Levin, Carl (D-MI) No
    Menendez, Robert (D-NJ) No
    Mikulski, Barbara A. (D-MD) No
    Murray, Patty (D-WA) No
    Obama, Barack (D-IL) No
    Reed, Jack (D-RI) No
    Reid, Harry (D-NV) No
    Sarbanes, Paul S. (D-MD) No
    Schumer, Charles E. (D-NY) No
    Stabenow, Debbie (D-MI) No
    Wyden, Ron (D-OR) No

    by emal on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:13:31 PM PDT

    •  Also Harkin.. (none / 0)

      ..who didn't vote. Also fine.

      by gladkov on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:21:03 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    •  Bayh (none / 1)

      I just posted this at my blog, and wanted to share it. I now live in Massachusetts, and have never been as proud as I am right now of my Senate delegation.

      Can I just admit something here?

      I have a secret.

      You all know me, fire-breathin', Bush-loathin', left-wing moonbat. 100% pro-choice, not opposed to same-sex marriage, think we need to get out of Iraq sometime three years ago, gotta hike minimum wage to $24.50/hr, drink my morning OJ out of a Jimmy Carter mug (this part is true; it was a gift from my beloved Aunt Ginny - RIP - the only other liberal in the family. How I miss her), universal health care, the whole bit.

      You've all also heard me crack on the impossibly crimson state in which I was born and raised, and how Indiana is a wonderful place to be FROM, and anyone with a femtogram of progressivism makes a bold attempt to get out at the earliest possible second, and how the Religious Right has overrun the politics there, more corn than culture, more cows than people, Hee Haw would be the Algonquin Round Table compared to an average Indiana Sunday dinner, yadda yadda yadda.

      Finally, y'all know I hold absolutely no esteem for Vichy Democrats, and it pains me how the alleged opposition just rolls over for anything Emperor Snorty McCokespoon wants. I believe there is a special circle of Dante's Inferno reserved for the likes of Joe Lieberman, Ben Nelson, and the like.

      And yet, with all this, and even though we probably disagree on many many many issues, I just wanna give a big ol' Walk In Brain Shout-OutTM (Now with extra arm-pumping!) to the junior Senator from the Great State of Indiana, Evan Bayh. From the reddest of red states (and even though he's not up for re-election until 2010, don't let that throw you - Hoosiers have long memories, and this WILL be used in his next campaign), this Democrat voted against cloture on the Alito debate. Sen. Bayh wiggles more than I like on some issues, but he's been rock-solid on the judicial nominations.

      Not bad, sir. You give me hope that My Home State isn't beyond repair.

      Thanks to all who stood up.

      WF

      Walk In Brain - the finest blogging in my apartment building.

      by Wes F on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:33:01 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    •  Hmmm.....no Red southerners (none / 0)

      Dems will not hold impeachment hearings while Bill is campaigning with Hillary.

      by annefrank on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 06:05:41 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    •  The golden 1/4 (none / 0)

      These 25 Senators, noble men and women, stood up today with tremendous courage and integrity. Tomorrow I plan to write each and every one of them a heartfelt thanks; we have your backs! The Dems who couldn't see the light on this one will get a very different sort of letter, one that reminds them that we will not forget their failure to stand up for the Constitution, for the oath they took, for anything that matters. Run them out of office and replace them with fighting Dems, each and every one of them!!
      I thoroughly enjoyed working with the kos community the past four days, it has been exhilarating, and much more hope-inspiring and empowering than had we not fought at all.  
      Thank you Senators Kennedy and Kerry for leading the charge. Thank you kos, Armando, georgia 10, debbi browni(sp?) and ALL the diarists who kept the focus on and the heat turned up high!

      by mahamomo on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 06:11:34 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    •  My NY Senators stepped up (none / 1)

      and for that, I am grateful.

      We all have much work to do.  Still.  Always.

      "So, please stay where you are. Don't move and don't panic. Don't take off your shoes! Jobs is on the way."

      by wader on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 07:30:59 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  Thank you senators. (none / 0)

    Proving, one by one, that some Dems have balls.  A wretched few, but some.  Thankyou.

    by b2witte on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:13:36 PM PDT

  •  Thanks for stepping up. (4.00 / 2)

    See you at the next fight.

    The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. - 9th Amendment

    by TracieLynn on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:13:48 PM PDT

  •  thanks you senators (none / 0)

    by nj mom on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:14:57 PM PDT

  •  thanks guys good job, keep up the fight (none / 0)

    Yell Louder!!! @ Docudharma

    by buhdydharma on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:15:09 PM PDT

  •  Thank you so much, Senators. (none / 0)

    You've made me incredibly proud to support both of you.

    This was a crucial moment to make a stand, and it was you who had the guts to step forward and lead.

    We didn't have the numbers to carry the day today, but we will continue to fight, and this battle has made us stronger.

    We made a promise we swore we'd always remember
    No retreat, believe me, no surrender
    Like soldiers in the winter's night with a vow to defend
    No retreat, believe me, no surrender.

    We will remember - and never surrender.

    by MH in PA on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:16:00 PM PDT

  •  Thank you Sens Kennedy & Kerry! (none / 0)

    I appreciate your efforts to get your colleagues to stand up and fight for true Democratic values. I won't forget this. Thank all your hard working staff people as well. I know this has been an exhausting week for them as well. (Hi Crystal! Thanks!)

    What is it going to take to give the rest of the 'Dems' a spine? You have to stand up to bullies and tyrants, it's the only way.

    On the the next fight, one spine at a time.

    I work for Sen. John Kerry as an internet outreach coordinator.

    by TayTay on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:22:02 PM PDT

  •  Illinois and Massachusetts (none / 0)

    Strongholds of freedom.

    OEF/OIF vet
    I've been called a left-wing extremist because I absolutely oppose torture. I can live with that.

    by jabbausaf on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:24:34 PM PDT

  •  To all those who stood up and put up (none / 1)

    That's how you lead.

    Its sort of like diet and exercise. It takes a while to get used to it and the first few times you may limp home a little sore and out of breath, and head for the refridgerator, but as it becomes a habit it feels good just doing it, and it gets better as it starts paying off with results.

    Thank you all for putting this little run together. In a few months we'll be doing marathons.

    Live Free or Die --- Investigate, Impeach, Incarcerate

    by rktect on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:25:52 PM PDT

  •  Thank you , Senators. (none / 1)

    It means so much to see you fight for what is right for our country. For all those who fought - thanks.

    Even Pollyanna would have a hard time being sunny about this administration.

    by vlogger on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:27:30 PM PDT

  •  Thank you for (none / 1)

    for standing up and taking a chance.

    by dg10348 on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:27:42 PM PDT

  •  Thank you (none / 0)

    Senators.  We really do thank you for taking an obviously unpopular stance even within your own party.

    Feingold is my hero.

    by Marc in CA on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:28:40 PM PDT

  •  Thank you, thank you (4.00 / 3)

    Senators Kerry and Kennedy for sticking to principle in the fight against Alito--just because we didn't "win" this time around doesn't mean we aren't right.  Next!...

    ...the White House will be adorned by a downright moron...H.L. Mencken

    by bibble on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:36:05 PM PDT

  •  thank you gentlemen (none / 0)

    thank you bloggers.  I remember so well when John Kennedy was running for office the nonsense I had to hear from Republicans and antiCatholics about how a President John kennedy would ruin the country with his Catholic justices.  

    and now -- these same people I know are gleeful with these catholic conservatives.  What a time we live in!

    Democrats, Make it Work. You have until November to bring your electorate in.

    by xanthe on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:36:48 PM PDT

  •  Thank you is in order (none / 1)

    thank you thank you thank you.

    this runs deep--thank you.

    "...I was worried about what he'd do to the economy... muck up the drinking water...the failure of my pessimistic imagination...boggles my mind" Sarah Vowell

    by CrazyDem on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:38:00 PM PDT

  •  And a Big Thank You from Seattle (none / 0)

    We know who the REAL leaders are.  la

    Can't we PLEASE elect someone who can govern?

    by LarisaW on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:39:34 PM PDT

  •  Thank YOU! (none / 0)

    I have no Democratic Senators to fight for me.  I have a only a prayer that they might vote against confirmation.

    So THANKS for putting up a good fight.  I plan on working to unseat an incumbent Repubican this election so you will have more company on your side of the aisle.

    Until then, know the People are cheering for you.

    Proud member of the Cult of Issues and Substance!

    by Fabian on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:39:52 PM PDT

  •  Me too (none / 0)

    Let me add my thanks to the innumerable voices.Every Senator who stood up and voted against cloture deserves a nod, but the boys from Mass have my deepest respect.

    What is a band without skyscrapers?

    by Anti Warhol on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 05:41:37 PM PDT

  •  My sincerest thank Senators Kennedy and Kerry (none / 1)

    You have given us hope and a reason to fight.  You united people from acr