Friday, August 26, 2005

And Now a Word From One Pissed-Off Mother

I give not one whit whether you’re a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or Hari Krishna, common sense should prevail, justice should prevail, and all information regarding our public servants should be known in order for us to make wise, informed and rational decisions regarding who will speak on our behalf, who will represent our goals, hopes, beliefs for a strong, united, righteous nation.

Tell me I’m wrong. Go ahead, I dare you.

Most sane, competent individuals would, of course, not disagree, and I believe that the majority of Americans are sane and competent -- however blind some of them may be. None of us should be in the dark as regards to our government. Ever. Nor should we be silent, afraid of dissent, complacent when it comes to the future of our children, our grandchildren.

I am not a politician, an no lobbyist or paid mouthpiece; I am only a concerned citizen who is scared out of her unusually intelligent mind of what our great and beautiful country is becoming. Hence this plea to you: Exercise your democratic right to KNOW. Be informed. Be an active participant, and never take anything for granted. Behaving otherwise is like signing away your civil rights, baby.

So why am I babbling on here? John Roberts will be appointed to the Supreme Court because Bush wants him there, and there ain’t nothing you can do about it, so nyah, nyah.

Bullshit.

The following is excerpted from an article written by Senator Ted Kennedy in the August 19 edition of the Washington Post:

“He [John Roberts] repeatedly advanced narrow interpretations that would have undermined landmark and hard-won laws Congress passed to prohibit discrimination. (my italics) As a young lawyer, Roberts advised the White House to delay fair-housing legislation. [my italics) He urged the Justice Department not to intervene in a pending case and opposed a claim of gender discrimination, even though the assistant attorney general for civil rights, William Bradford Reynolds, believed the claim was based on "a very strong record" of gender discrimination….”

“…during his tenure in the Reagan Justice Department, Roberts tried to limit the scope of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination against women in educational institutions receiving federal funds.

This is why it is so important for the Senate to receive the documents requested about the 16 cases he worked on in the solicitor general's office. For example, the Senate has requested information about Franklin v. Gwinnett, in which the Supreme Court unanimously rejected Roberts's argument to limit remedies available under Title IX to a teenage girl who had suffered flagrant sexual abuse. “

What is this administration hiding? Why not just pony up the info? I’ll tell you why -- Roberts, although attractive, young, seemingly pleasant, full of good humor and love for his family, is a man whose past record indicates extreme rightwing views. He is a man who, I will admit, probably believes his views are best for America, for his own family,. I’m positive he’s sincere. But anyone who values equality for all citizens, whether you condone a certain lifestyle or not, will take the current administration to task for attempting to bulldoze this Roberts character into a lifelong position which carries the power to either uphold justice or negate it altogether.

Make your Freedom of Information Act request here

I did.

5 Comments:

At 2:04 PM, Blogger Aggressive-Voice said...

It's the Senate's job to confirm Roberts, not ours. Just because you disagree with his policies doesn't mean he's an "extreme right winger" as everyone loves to say he is.

Instead of looking at everything by the cover, why don't you attempt to understand WHY Roberts would want to limit Title IX. Unless, of course, you really believe he really hates women.

 
At 2:49 PM, Blogger Ms. Lori said...

Thanks for your comments, Scott. I don't believe he hates women; I believe that due to his deep religious convictions and all that that entails, Roberts will make decisions based upon those beliefs. What little information (regarding work during Reagan's admin as well as Bush Sr.'s) that *is* available to the public shows this.

Yes, the Senate confirms. And they should be allowed to yay or nay confirmation based on ALL of the facts.

As I alluded to in my post, I think Roberts is probably a good man in many respects, but I don't want him, based on his past record, to have the power to take away (or quash) the civil liberties Americans have enjoyed thus far (or will hopefully come to enjoy).

 
At 4:03 PM, Blogger Martian Anthropologist said...

Instead of looking at everything by the cover, why don't you attempt to understand WHY Roberts would want to limit Title IX.

Gee, can there BE a legit reason? Why don't you enlighten us, Scott?

sheesh.

Next thing you know, women will be wanting to vote. ::end sarcasm::

 
At 7:20 PM, Blogger Justice said...

Instead of looking at everything by the cover, why don't you attempt to understand WHY Roberts would want to limit Title IX. Unless, of course, you really believe he really hates women.

Heh. Scott, instead of looking at everything by the cover, why don't you attempt to understand WHY women are concerned? Does Roberts HATE women? Probably not. But will his views cause him to act in our best interest? Probably not.

By the way, "It's the Senate's job to confirm Roberts, not ours."

The Declaration of Independence is a pretty good read; check it out. It IS OUR JOB to not only know our rights but to stand together in defense of them.

Thanks for the link, Ms. Lori!

 
At 10:40 AM, Blogger Ms. Lori said...

You're very welcome, Justice! Thanks for your comments.

And my thanks to you as well, Martian.

 

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