LIVE THREAD: Estrada Filibuster 03/07/03

http://freerepublic.com ^ | March 7, 2003

[Howlin]

Link to C-Span

[hoosiermama]

I believe Boxer has taken her LA phone off the hook

Boxer isn't the only one not available. Bayh office hasn't answered all day either. Bayh has gotten very evasive (defensive almost).
Has anyone heard from Republic? She went to pickett Bayh's office today. Wish I were closer so I could join her.

[Elkiejg]

I was hounding FL Bill Nelson until he came out in support of Estrada. Below is his email reply I just received today. The delay in his reply might be an indication of his office being swamped. I guess I was honored with a reply because I'm a FL voter. Now on to Graham - the only thing I get from him is a form letter.

Thank you for contacting me regarding the nomination of Mr. Miguel Estrada to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. After reviewing Mr. Estrada's personal and professional credentials -- including personally interviewing the nominee -- I believe he is qualified to serve on the D.C. Circuit Court. At the same time, I very much respect those senators who desire to have additional information about Mr. Estrada's personal beliefs. Their efforts reflect our sound commitment to the Senate's constitutional obligation to advise and consent on the appointment of federal judges. Federal judges must possess a high degree of knowledge of established legal principles and procedures and must also be impartial, even tempered, and have a well-defined sense of justice, compassion, and fair play. In addition, a judge must have the integrity to leave legislating to lawmakers.

I believe Mr. Estrada possesses the knowledge and skills needed to be a successful court of appeals judge. Few would argue with his academic credentials, litigation experience, or intelligence. And, based on my conversations with him and those who know him well, I believe he respects-and will honor-his moral and legal obligation to uphold the law impartially.

I take seriously my role to advise and consent on judicial nominations, and I appreciate your input. Your communication is important and enables me to serve you better in the Senate.

[Aeronaut]

I just sent the following to MN's democrat senator:

Senator Dayton,

I see you voted against cloture on the Miguel Estrada filibuster. I can only conclude one of two things: either you are racially discriminating against a highly qualified individual, or you are engaging in a seriously partisan political power-play. Would you tell me which it is?

Mr. Estrada is emminently qualified, receiving the highest approval from the ABA. That used to be one of the the Democrat's essential tests. He is an hispanic, is that the reason you can't support him? He offered to meet personally with any senator; did you ask for such a meeting? You were given an opportunity to submit any questions in writing for his answers; might I ask what questions you submitted?

If this is purely political, which is what I suspect, it is beneith you and your position as a representative of the people of Minnesota. I, obviously, support immediate approval of Miguel Estrada, and ask you to support his nomination.

Sincerely,

[mwl1]

My letter to Dayton was of a similar vein, however, I would not bother to email him, as he and his staff are too stupid to understand emails.

Part of my letter stated to him flatly, that given the context of his vote against Estrada, it was conclusive to me that the stature of his high office was beyond his personal reach.

[jigsaw]

And it is certainly not impeccable....LOL

LOL! Nor is my proofreeding good, iether!

[mabelkitty]

How've you been?

Looks like the afternoon news explosion finally ended.

I read (on another site) about a Connecticut Millford Nuke plant having an incident at around 3:30. Haven't seen it anywhere else, so it must not be anything.

[mabelkitty]

Let them do it. However, I don't believe it.

[hoosiermama]

Here's some trivia for you!

The Census Bureau recently announced that Latinos had officially surpassed African Americans as the largest ethnic/racial minority in the United States.

[Republic]

I have made the same request of Dodd and Kennedy. I an not holding my breath for an answer.

I finally got response when I framed my questions with the word DEMAND an Answer as an Indiana resident. Got called back. And was told that NO senator bayh had NOT requested to meet with Miguel Estrada (as offered to all senators) And that NO, Senator Bayh had NOT proffered any written questions to Miguel Estrada.

So Bayh was willing to deny Estrada the up or down vote without really researching to find out ANYTHING ... he wanted to stay UNINFORMED so that he could use the party line of Estrada not being forthcoming.

It is that lack of responsibility and the willingness to hurt a GOOD MAN for pure politics that caused me to stand outside his offices today. And I intend to do it more.

[Wil H]

wot yoo nead is a spill chucker ....:-)

[jigsaw]

I had a "spill chucker" once but Blue Cross refused to pay for all my injuries. ;-)
Actually, I wish I could easily incorporate a spell checker into FreeRepublic.

[SpinyNorman]

I finally got response when I framed my questions with the word DEMAND an Answer as an Indiana resident.

Thanks! I will probably have to do that to get my "esteemed" senator to answer the question. Even though I know the answer, I want it in writing from him, and I want to be able to remind them that we know what they are (not) doing.

[Republic]

Good. I am so glad you are keeping on it! Let us know when you get a response. I am so ashamed of Bayh I don't have words. :^(