Beyond Sotomayor: Progressives And The Courts
This afternoon’s panel was a great discussion, and I enjoyed being a part of the mix. For folks who missed it, C-Span has it available on their website.
We had initially thought about beginning with an opening statement from everyone, but decided that doing a more interactive opening question would be better. What follows here is what I had planned for my opening.
It was so great to see several folks in person today — it’s always fabulous to put names and faces together. Anyway, here’s what would have been my opening:
The rule of law is the foundation of this nation’s system of government, the bedrock on which the branches of government stand. Anyone who has studied basic civics knows that the legislative branch makes the laws, the executive enforces them and the judicial interprets them. If you watched any of the Sotomayor confirmation hearings, you heard it repeated throughout the Q&A.
Why am I here? Because, as a blogger and activist, I’m the person who asks all of you to make phone calls to Congress and the White House, to write letters, send FAXes and make a general fuss when things go wrong.
And, as citizens? That is our very important job. FDR was once meeting with a group that passionately believed in their particular cause and urged actions on its behalf. FDR famously told them, “I agree with you, I want to do it. Now make me do it.”
Our government cannot and should not work by fiat. We must make them do what we think is the correct course. That includes selecting appropriate people to sit on the federal bench, people who will make just decisions about our nation’s laws. (more…)
