I received a letter today from Senator Byrd sent out by the "Friends of Robert C. Byrd" requesting campaign contributions. In it there is an impassioned plea to help Senator Byrd continue to "defend the constitution." He actually said in the letter that his oath of office did not mean that he "had to give automatic or obedient approval to any nominee whom the President of the United States nominated for a place on the federal bench" and that he swore no aquiescence to an arrogant majority committed to near total power."
I always had a lot of respect for Senator Byrd and ordinarily such a request would move me to contribute. However, knowing of his intended support for Alito, I felt perplexed, sad, confused and betrayed - as though somebody kidnapped the real Byrd and substituted a robot.
I am not a resident of W. Virginia, so it is obvious he is reaching out to a national audience. Perhaps some others on this blog received the same letter. I intend to respond to this request by sending an email to info@byrd2006.com., which is on the website www.byrdforwestvirginia.com. In it, I will express my displeasure and disappointment with his recent stand and remind him that a price will be paid for his support of Alito and that he is in real danger of alienating his base as he runs for another term if he does not live up to the values he has always espoused and championed.