Posted on 05/09/2005 11:03:49 PM PDT by rgorman
Apparently, a vote on the constitutional, or "nuclear," option could take place as early as this week. More simply put, a vote to end the filibuster could take place this week.
As feministmajority.org explains the filibuster, "Right now, it takes only 41 votes to continue debate and block a vote on a judicial nominee. It takes 60 votes to end debate and force a full Senate vote." This use of the filibuster is obviously subversive. Those who use it, know it is subversive, and love it for that very fact. Those who oppose it, oppose it as a subversive tactic.
Notice that the effect of the filibuster is to have issues where the minority wins.
Planned Parenthood, the National Organization of Woman (NOW), and Feminist Majority are mobilizing to save the filibuster. Senators need to hear from people who are not in this vocal minority. They need to hear from you.
These far-left liberal groups are ahead of the game because they provide easy forms and pre-written content to make it embarrassingly easy for thousands of ultra liberals to send long emails with just a few clicks. But we can use their tools against them.
Click on this link to be directed to feministmajority.org's easy web form. Here you can email the senators that are apparently still persuadable by either side. Their phone numbers are also given.
Just make sure that you change the script to portray your own views on the issue.
For your pleasure, I paste below feministmajority's suggested email and my hurriedly-written alterations. If you choose to use my email for ideas, please do not use it word for word. I would like for us to be more sincere and thoughtful than the opposition.
Their email: "Dear Senator, "I urge you to vote "NO" on the so-called "nuclear option" that would prevent the filibuster of nominees to federal courts. These very important lifetime appointments deserve not only the full consideration and debate of all members of the Senate as it exercises its Constitutional responsibility of "advise and consent," but should also command the support of a supermajority of 60 Senators The filibuster has an important role in the system of checks and balances so critical to our democratic system. Filibusters have been used by both parties and should remain an option to the minority. This change in the Senate rules would not only set a dangerous precedent but reduce the prestige and power of the Senate, making it a mere rubber stamp. I urge that you oppose its passage."
My counter email: "Dear Senator, "I urge you to vote "YES" on the so-called "nuclear option" that would prevent the filibuster of nominees to federal courts. (Please do NOT be fooled by the far-left liberal mobilization - the majority of Americans SUPPORT majority rule and the exercise of the constitutional option.) Our democracy functions on the ideal that the wishes of the majority should prevail - not that of the minority. The filibuster has been abused to thwart the will of the majority and impose minority rule upon America. And there is nothing wrong with removing a senate rule, such as the filibuster, that has become consistently abused - it was not written in the constitution. It is not a constitutional mandate. It is being used to thwart the will of the people."
Yes, I used the resources offered by feministmajority.org (but not the rhetoric!). Thank you, feministmajority!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.