Thank You for Helping To Stop Alito

At events throughout Martin Luther King Day earlier this month commemorating the great civil rights leader, countless people who care about civil rights today emphasized the major threat that Alito poses to our values of equality and justice if he becomes a member of the Supreme Court, with the power to roll back so much of the extraordinary progress we've made.  I was inspired by their passion and commitment to defend the progress we've made in our country's history.

Those conversations - and the overwhelming calls, letters, and e-mails I've received make it clear that the issue is all-important if our progress is to continue.  The right wing is salivating over the prospect of Justice Alito on the Supreme Court, and the Republican majority in the Senate intends to rubber-stamp the nomination.  The only realistic way to stop this nightmare is to stand up using every tool we have.

Other than voting to send our men and women to war, there is no more important vote in the Senate than our vote on a Supreme Court nominee.  Long after President Bush leaves office, the damage he can do with Supreme Court appointments like this will continue, since Justice Alito would be able to serve for decades in the future because federal judges serve for life.

The Senate Judiciary Committee hearings confirmed our worst fears, and we have to take the strongest possible stand against him.

We owe it to this generation and future generations of Americans to oppose any such nominee who will roll back the progress we've made.

The next three days will make all the difference in whether enough Democrats are willing to stand firm against this shameful nomination. Thank you for all of your support, and for all you can do between now and then to help us in this crucial vote.

I will not be able to stay in front of the computer, as I have quite a bit to take care of today.  Crystal will monitor this post, though, and I've asked her to keep me updated with your feedback.