My disappointment results from unrealized expectations.
San Francisco California - January 26, 2006
Until this morning, there was no doubt in my mind that the Senior Senator who always pulls the little red book, which is The US Constitution, from his breast pocket while quoting from it and lauding It's value during his floor speeches, could do a most compelling case as to why vote NO for Judge Alito's confirmation to then vote NO and lead the charge to protect and defend the Constitution. Alas! It was not to be today.
Why vote yes for a nominee that for decades has believed that 'Interpretative Signing Statements' Are within The Constitution?
I'm trying very hard to come up with the compelling reason as to why a Senator that I so much admire and respect, albeit my disagreements with some of his positions, could vote yes to confirm a Supreme Court Associate Nominee, who will be deciding on the numerous lawsuits against various Government entities for civil rights violations, and as you know, there are many already.
Is there any doubt there will be more lawsuits in addition to the current ones under this Administration?
"Give me Liberty or Give me Death" Is the Principle that, as far as I know, has been the cornerstone of your illustrious life.
I ask myself, why vote yes for a nominee who will rule as being within The Constitution for the President to spy, do away with habeas corpus under The Executive's War Powers, torture people, declare war, and on, and on?
Where are the boundaries, checks and balances that the Constitution Guarantees and that for so many years you and I together with million of others have so strongly advocated and fighted for?
The only reason you, together with all member in all Houses of Congress are relevant as Senators and Representatives, is The United States Constitution.
With a wrenching feeling in my heart and gut, I see a majority of Representatives of the people voting yes for a nominee who will opine on the constitutionality of the 'Interpretative Signing Statements' that in essence render representative government virtually irrelevant and practically obsolete with the Executive Branch having the final determination in all matters that it deems reasonable.
Again I ask, what is the limit? Would we still be a Republic?
Are the people OK with this scenario? Or, better yet, is the Electorate well informed on the implications that a confirmation of Judge Alito Poses?
With all the questions that arise from pondering the ramifications of Judge Alito's confirmation, we are left with this all-encompassing quandary:
- We are in the middle of the biggest Constitutional Crises of our lifetime, one which carries potentially catastrophic results to our way of life for at least a generation.
- We have Senators who oppose Extended Debate in the Senate.
Shouldn't we be extensively talking about the choice we are about to make?
Why so many of our Representatives refuse to give more time to the conversation so we all can learn the full impact of our decision? If not now, when?
Dear Senator Byrd, please take another look at all the pertinent issues with this nomination, hopefully you'll reconsider and not only join in the Filibuster that Senator John Kerry is leading, but as a Senior Senator, lead it!
GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH! Which one will be for each and all of us?
This is a test of our past words, our past statements, our principles, it is a test on the truthfulness and validity of our convictions.
THIS IS IT!
If Judge Alito is confirmed to the Supreme Court, shortly after that ignominy is foisted upon us, "The Fat Lady" Will sing the praises of what this Republic used to be.
CHECKMATE!
To the future or to the past, to a time when thought is free,when men are different from one another and do not live alone, to a time when truth exists and what is done cannot be undone.
From the age of uniformity, from the age of solitude,from the age of BIG BROTHER, from the age of doublethink
-- greetings!
~ 1984