Statement by DNC Chairman Howard Dean on Constitution Day

[MaineDem]

For Immediate Release

September 16, 2005

Contact: Josh Earnest, 202-863-8148


Statement by DNC Chairman Howard Dean on Constitution Day

Washington, DC - Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean
today issued the following statement on the commemoration of
Constitution Day:

"This weekend, I join all Americans in commemorating Constitution
Day, the 218th anniversary of one of the most important documents in
human history. Our Constitution protects Americans' most cherished
rights and freedoms. For more than two centuries, it has been an
inspiration to freedom-loving people across the globe. Today, we honor
more than a document; we honor the ideals and values at the heart of our
great nation.

"This year, Constitution Day coincides with one of the most important
debates in decades about who will lead the Supreme Court and whether the
Constitution will be interpreted to protect the rights and freedoms of
every American. After a week of avoiding questions on important judicial
issues, President Bush's Chief Justice nominee, John Roberts, missed his
opportunity to disavow, back away from or explain the litany of
right-wing views on key Constitutional freedoms he has advocated against
throughout his career. From protecting voting rights to combating
discrimination, the consistent theme of Roberts' career has been a
commitment to limiting the rights and freedoms Americans now take for
granted. This is not the time for a Chief Justice bent on rolling back
the progress we have made over the past fifty years in realizing our
Constitution's vision of equal opportunity and access to justice for
all Americans.

"I urge Senators to mark the true meaning of Constitution Day by
opposing Judge Roberts and forcing President Bush to nominate a Chief
Justice we can be sure will interpret the Constitution to protect the
personal freedoms of every American."


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