Posted on 11/13/2003 4:14:05 PM PST by Tumbleweed_Connection
As I write this column, a dramatic debate is taking place in the Senate chamber. The "Justice for Judges" debate initiated by Republicans began Wednesday evening as a last-ditch effort to compel filibustering Senate Democrats to allow a vote on four of President Bush's judicial nominees. Democrats have refused to allow a vote on these four well-qualified nominees largely because they embrace a Judeo-Christian perspective in their personal lives. It's important to note that several other Bush nominees face potential filibustering by Democrats in the near future. This type of filibuster has never before taken place in the Senate. During the Senate debate, Democrats have used phrases such as "fair and balanced," "political mainstream" and "an independent judiciary," but it is painfully clear that the Democrats are adamant in refusing a vote on the nominations of individuals who do not toe the traditional Democrat line – because of their religious faith – on abortion rights. The legal merits of these individuals have been completely ignored. Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Colo., noted on Thursday morning that there is a "double standard being imposed by Democrats" against these very competent justices. The reason for the filibuster is obvious. It is a precursor to the likely Supreme Court nomination process that the next president will likely face. If President Bush wins re-election – which appears quite likely considering his meager opposition – Senate Democrats want to send a clear message that they will not accept a future U.S. Supreme Court nominee who has deeply held religious beliefs, specifically on abortion. That's a frightening proposition. In essence, the Democrats are saying that evangelical Christians and conservative Catholics need not apply for judicial posts. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., called this notion "religious McCarthyism" on Thursday, but I believe the charge is appropriate. The action by the Democrats is stark partisanism – and ultimately religious persecution – at its ugliest. On the Senate floor, Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., specifically noted that the Democrats have established a "litmus test" to defy appellate nominees holding personal religious beliefs that counter the political agenda of the Democrats. Mr. Gregg said he could actually sign on to a litmus test that determined whether a nominated justice was honest, fair, intelligent or had proper experience. But he charged that the Democrats' "fundamentally wrong" litmus test says that if a justice has an individual belief that contradicts Democrat standards on issues like abortion, he/she will be stringently opposed. Sen. Gregg said that under this type of philosophy it is likely that every judicial nominee who subscribes to the Judeo-Christian faith – even those who have made it clear that these views do not affect their judicial decisions – will not be confirmed. Sen. Gregg called this "extreme prejudice." Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., also identified the "secularization of America" that is involved in this action. I fully agree with these men. It is glaringly clear that the Democrats have drawn a line in the sand that is designed to tell President Bush that no religious conservatives will be accepted by their party. This political war will be even uglier if President Bush has the opportunity to appoint a conservative Catholic, evangelical Christian or pro-life Jew to the U.S. Supreme Court. I pray that he has the chance to do just that ... several times. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., has charged that "only a far-right, extremist militant" would make the charges I've made in this column and that a few senators have made on the Senate floor. But Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., hardly a member of the alleged vast right-wing conspiracy, thankfully arose to challenge Mr. Schumer's wild accusation, noting that he believes the four nominees deserve the respect of a Senate vote. I encourage readers who have senators who have opposed a vote for President Bush's qualified nominees to contact them via e-mail today. Considerately encourage them to allow a vote on the four nominees. You may find your senators' e-mail addresses by visiting this site: http://www.senate.gov/index.htm A Must-See Movie About Jesus, Now Showing in Theaters "The Gospel of John," a major motion picture called "thought-provoking entertainment" by the Associated Press, is now showing in theaters in Lynchburg and throughout Virginia. I recently had the opportunity to view the film, and it made a tremendous impression on me. Several things particularly excite me about "The Gospel of John." First, the script is a word-for-word adaptation of the entire Gospel of John (American Bible Society's "Good News" Translation). Second, the film has obviously been produced with the highest professional standards. "The Gospel of John" has received rave reviews from Christian leaders as well as media outlets, including The New York Times, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and The Associated Press. The National Association of Evangelicals has given the film its first ever "Seal of Approval" for excellence. In fact, "The Gospel of John" garnered the highest per-screen dollar average of any film playing during its U.S. premiere and is going strong as it rolls out across the country. I would be proud to take anyone, Christian or non-Christian, to see this movie. If the film is successful in the theaters, the producers plan to make more like it. It is up to us – Christian consumers – to ensure that this film is successful. This is a wonderful opportunity to support a film that provides wholesome, high-quality entertainment for our families. In addition, this film, and more like it, would be a powerful educational and enlightenment tool to bring others into the Kingdom of God and can serve to deepen the understanding of those who already believe. If you have not seen the movie and are interested in seeing it, please check your local listings or visit http://www.GospelofJohntheFilm.com to find out where the film will be playing. Please spread the word about this important film by telling your friends and family.
That sounds great and I agree with you, but as it stands right now the Republicans do not have enough of their own who will vote for the rule change--it's so pathetic.
Little wonder.
These are corrupt and crooked little people. They do not want honest judges.
Spector is on board. What R's aren't?
IMO, this entire thing is driven by statists who hate the Constitution and everything it stands for. The pro-abortion rhetoric is just a means to a endpoint -- their power and our loss of freedom.
No, it's time for the President and the Senate to do their jobs and get the people to lean on the leftists.
A banking crash and the election of Hillary and you'll wish you had never said that.
Well Orin Hatch's support of Kennedy's hate crimes bill might be a hint.
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.