When urging shaky Senators to filibuster - QUOTE THEIR OWN WORDS

[beaconess]

"This is a nomination that I fear threatens the fundamental rights and liberties of all Americans now and for generations to come. This President is in the midst of a radical realignment of the powers of the government and its intrusiveness into the private lives of Americans. This nomination is part of that plan. I am concerned that if confirmed this nominee will further erode the checks and balances that have protected our constitutional rights for more than 200 years. This is a critical nomination, one that can tip the balance on the Supreme Court radically away from constitutional checks and balances and the protection of Americans’ fundamental rights."
- Patrick Leahy, January 24, 2006

"As I have said before, Justice (Sandra Day) O'Connor should be succeeded by a justice who, like her, will inspire our nation and embody the fundamental American values of freedom, equality and fairness -- someone who will put the principles of law ahead of partisan ideology," Landrieu said in a statement released shortly after President Bush announced Alito's nomination. "Judge Alito's career of accomplishment speaks to his experience, but also raises questions as to whether he meets this standard and possesses the qualities necessary for a member of the nation's highest court."
- Mary Landrieu, November 1, 2005

Ask these Senators how they expect to explain why, if they knew at the time of the vote that Alito "threatens fundamental rights and liberties of all Americans" and raises doubts whether he "possesses the qualities necessary for a member of the nation's highest court," they didn't do everything in their power to stop his confirmation.

Remind them that, if Alito is confirmed, it is THEY who will be held responsible, not Republicans, since we've long since given up on expecting Republicans to do the right thing at that it is the Democrats who had the power to stop him but didn't.

Tell them that if they allow Alito onto the Court, he will be hung around their necks like an albatross.

[Erika]

1. Great post n/t

[Hissyspit]

2. Excellent suggestion, no reason to be rude, but do remind them of their

own arguments and passions and beliefs.

[ClayZ]

3. Very Useful! K & R

:kick:

[jillan]

4. It is so true.

Where they lying to us when they were making their speeches?
If they were, then they are no better than them.
I have had enough of the lies.

[slipslidingaway]

5. K&R n/t

[MelissaB]

6. Posting to find when they have paper in those fax machines again.

:kick:

[globalvillage]

7. Mikulski

MIKULSKI
"In choosing a nominee, I urge the President to consult with the Senate to find a moderate, consensus nominee, just like President Ronald Reagan did in choosing Justice O'Connor. He should look for people of outstanding legal skill who do not have an ideological agenda. The nominee should be someone who possesses integrity and a commitment to our Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the implicit right of privacy - but who will not further divide the nation."

[beaconess]

8. Great!

Anybody else?

[John Q. Citizen]

9. I believe any split vote Senator (Yes Cloture/No Alito)

will be prime targets for a flip flop charge from Republicans.

They will accuse them of a calculted political vote to appear to be all things to all people. Of having no real convictions behind their no vote, other than trying to hurt bush.

I hope these Senators hear about the trap being laid for them.

It is much easier to be on the offensive about opposing a threat to American values than it is to be defensive about flip flopping.

[Inuca]

10. Leahy

I did not hear anything about how he is going to vote tomorrow, but I just cannot believe he will vote for cloture. He may have been against the filibuster in the first place for political reasons, but now that it happened he must support it.