One of the most important aspects of American Democracy is the balance of power that resides in the three branches of government. That balance is precisely what is on the line with the proposed rule change that would eliminate the filibuster for judicial nominees. By insuring that every one of Bush's nominees can prevail in the Senate, the Senate itself will not be granting advice or consent to the nominees. The Senate should not abdicate its constitutional responsibility. The Senate must always remain a check on executive power.If you vote to eliminate the filibuster here, then will you not be willing to eliminate the use of the filibuster for other reasons? How long will it be before cabinet or other executive nominees are also insulated from the threat of a filibsuter? How long before specific legislation is made unassailable by the filibuster? How long before there is no more filibuster at all?
The filibuster was designed to give each Senator the ability to be heard. By reducing the effectiveness of the filibuster today, the Senate reduces itself merely into squabbling factions. No longer will it be an institution of 100 Senators, but a gaggle of two parties.
It is imperitave that the filibuster and all minority rights be protected. Political expedience is the greatest threat to democracy. The President does not need to have the ability to put any one he so chooses on the federal bench for life. By eliminating the filibuster, you will be doing exactly that.
We must recall history. Throughout history, when an executive has been given a certain power, it is never laid down. The more power that is given to the President, no matter who they are or of what party, the more dictatorial this country can become. We will weaken our democratic form of government if we pursue this path.
Freedom and liberty cannot merely be words on monuments or in anthems. They must stride the halls of power in Washington DC if America will survive as the Founders intended. Vote to preserve the filibuster, and you will be casting a vote with the Founding Fathers. If you vote to eliminate the filibuster, then you stand in the company of the Roman Senate annointing Augustus and ushering in the end of Roman Democracy. History will remember you, and not kindly.
Do the right thing and stand up for America. Support the filibuster.
You just want to confirm any judge that Bush wants to put in place. You want it all. You are the one who is not content with the democratic process. That process is vital to sustain our democratic form of government.
Democracies become dictatorship amidst riotous applause. You are cheering the destruction of freedom in this country by your support of this administration's quest for power.
You all were thrilled when Clinton's nominees were blocked. Don't be hypocritical. This is far more than about nominees. This is a fundamental matter of the legislature remaining a check on executive power.