Sen. Kennedy: Help Defend Our Values (I voted against the confirmation...)

[paineinthearse]

by email

Help Defend Our Values

Earlier today, I voted against the confirmation of John Roberts to be Chief Justice. Republicans voted in lock-step to confirm him, but I continue to believe that his record of aggressive right-wing activism during his service in the Reagan Administration did not justify support for him for the top position on the Supreme Court.

Nothing in his record since then - and much of it, ominously, was concealed by the Bush Administration - showed that he is capable of having a more balanced view of our basic constitutional rights. There was nothing to indicate that Roberts understands the real world impact of court decisions on civil rights and equal rights in our country. The values and perspectives displayed over and over again in his record cast serious doubt on his view of voting rights, women's rights, civil rights, and disability rights.

Republican leaders' knee-jerk response to Democrats who opposed Roberts is that we were "playing partisan politics." But I've fought for the basic constitutional rights of all Americans since I first came to the Senate, and I don't intend to stop now. The stakes are too high, and the Supreme Court is too important, to let politics interfere with the protection of our most basic rights.

This point will be clear again as we consider the next Supreme Court nominee, to replace Justice O'Connor. Her vote often made the difference in protecting the rights of women, minorities, and the disabled. To justify our vote, her replacement will have to meet the same high standard to qualify to serve on the most important court in the land, and will have to demonstrate a genuine commitment to the fundamental values and freedoms that we have struggled throughout our history to protect.

Progress towards a freer, fairer nation where "justice for all' is a reality - not just a promise in the Constitution - is not a "partisan cause" or a "special interest."

The 2006 election will not simply be a struggle over which party controls the Senate or a particular Senate seat. It will be about the same ideals that I cast my vote to protect today.

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Sincerely,



Senator Edward M. Kennedy