CAUSAoregon's blog

Now that elections are over, Americans are very curious about what will happen to Bush's judicial nominees. While many news articles are focused on those nominees not yet confirmed, many of us are concerned about those already on the bench. A recent report highlighting the impact of many Bush-nominated judges, demonstrates the need for a different direction from the rubber stamping we have seen from this current outgoing Republican led Senate.

In the report Confirmed Judges, Confirmed Fears, released by People For the American Way in September, a detailed analysis of opinions from September 1, 2004 to May 31, 2006 shows how Bush-nominated appeals court judges are threatening and undermining Americans’ rights and liberties, and working to reduce congressional authority to protect those rights and liberties.

Join Us for a Press Conference to Stop Alito at Senator Smith's Office in Portland

It is clear upon on the close of the final day of Senate Judiciary Hearings that Judge Alito failed the test whether he would serve to protect the fundamental rights and liberties of all Americans. The fact remains, Judge Alito poses a threat to our privacy, civil liberties and constitutional protections.

This Wednesday, we are calling on Senator Smith to vote 'NO" on Judge Alito when his confirmation vote comes before the full Senate.

Stop Alito Press Conference & Delivery of Petitions to Senator Smith

Wednesday, January 18, 2006
at 12:00 noon

One World Trade Center
121 SW Salmon Street, Portland
(Sidewalk on the corner of SW 2nd and Salmon)

In case you missed it, here is a CBS News Poll regarding The Supreme Court and Judge Alito.

ISSUES: THE SUPREME COURT

Confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito are scheduled for early next year, and a majority of the public is withholding judgment about him. Seventy-five percent haven't heard enough about Alito or are undecided in their views of him, down from 81 percent last month. Fourteen percent view Alito favorably, while 10 percent hold an unfavorable view of him.

OPINION OF SAMUEL ALITO

Favorable: Now - 14% vs. Oct. 2005 - 11%

Unfavorable Now - 10% vs. Oct. 2005 - 7%

Undecided/haven't heard enough: Now - 75% vs. Oct. 2005 - 81%

Views of Alito are slightly better than those of past nominee Harriet Miers, but not as positive as nominee John Roberts. A majority of Americans think it has been more important to George W. Bush that a nominee hold conservative views on issues than have the right legal qualifications. Conservatives and Republicans are more evenly divided on this question.

WASHINGTON - Fox News is refusing to air an ad critical of Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito, citing its lawyers' contention that the spot is factually incorrect. A spokesman for the groups sponsoring the ad said the network's decision reflects the political right's effort to shield President Bush's choice for the high court. The ad says that as an appellate court judge, Alito has "ruled to make it easier for corporations to discriminate ... even voted to approve strip search of a 10-year-old girl." Referring to a document Alito wrote in 1985 while seeking a job in the Reagan administration, it quotes him as saying that "the Constitution does not protect a right to an abortion."

The groups backing the ad include the Alliance for Justice, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, People for The American Way and abortion rights organizations. Bush nominated Alito to replace Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who is retiring. Alito's confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee are to begin Jan. 9. In a letter to the nominee Tuesday, Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, the panel's top Democrat, pressed Alito to complete quickly a background questionnaire, saying delays would make it hard for the panel to prepare for early January hearings.

The Supreme Court is the highest Court in the country – it has the final say on interpreting our Constitution and laws. Its nine Justices serve for life and the decisions they make directly influence the lives of every American. They should be fair-minded, committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of all Americans. Senators from both parties should be involved in selecting people for such an important office.

That’s why, when it comes to something as important as the Supreme Court, a nomination shouldn’t be made in a partisan way, but by seeking consensus across partisan lines for judges who care more about how the law affects ordinary Americans than they do about ideology.

Oregon Coalition For A Fair And Independent Judiciary presents a Town Hall for an Independent Judiciary

When? Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at 6:00pm
Where? First Unitarian Church, Salmon Street Sanctuary, 1011 SW 12th, Portland
See event posting

The Oregon Coalition For A Fair And Independent Judiciary is hosting a town hall to address the Bush Administration’s court packing plan and the threat it brings to our basic rights and freedoms.

There will be a panel of speakers from a range of communities that will discuss how the Federal and Supreme Courts work, the importance of a fair and independent judiciary and what people can do to help in this effort to protect our nations courts. Speakers include John Frohnmayer Oregon State University, Paul Shively Sierra Club, Treasure Mackley Oregon NARAL, Angel Lopez, Squires & Lopez (Past President of Oregon State Bar), and Judy O’Connor NW Labor Council among others