Rockefeller, Byrd must vote NO on Anti-Gun Sotomayor

Sotomayor had this to say on gun rights, "I understand how important the right to bear arms is to many, many Americans. In fact, one of my godchildren is a member of the NRA. And I have friends who hunt." She said nothing on her stance in that statement. Understanding how important gun rights are to some and supporting the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution are two different things. Having friends that hunt or family that are members of the NRA, doesn’t mean she shares those opinions. That was a total dodge of the question. You only dodge the question when you do not want to reveal your true feelings.

When Tom Coburn of Oklahoma asked about gun rights, Sotomayor said, "I can't answer...because I can't look at it in the abstract.” There is nothing abstract about the 2^nd Amendment. It is quite clear, “the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” Coburn went on and pressed Sotomayor asking if a person had a fundamental right to self defense. Sotomayor’s reply should have been, “Yes!” It was not, she stated, "What we do is different than the conversations citizens have about what they want the law to do. It's not that we make a broad policy choice and say this is what we want."

Founding Father Thomas Jefferson summed up his feelings in letter to Peter Minor, July 20, 1822 when he wrote, “I presume he is a gun-man, as I am sure he ought to be, and every American who wishes to protect his farm from the ravages of quadrupeds & his country from those of biped invaders. I am a great friend to the manly and healthy exercises of the gun.” The Founding Fathers were quite clear the right to defend ones self and ones nation were to be in the hands of the people. Sotomayor’s position does not reflect that of the majority of the nation, the people of West Virginia or that of the Founding Fathers. Our Senators in Washington should vote NO on her appointment to the US Supreme Court and we must ask them to vote NO. The number for the Senate switch board is 202-225-3121.

Democracy Attacked By Democrats on Capitol Hill

Complaints have piled up against the conduct of the congressional Democratic leadership and some have come from a surprising source.

The Washington Post stated "Democrats brought more measures to the House floor under closed rules - permitting no amendments - than any of the six previous Republican-controlled congresses." This means that Democrats have shut down one of the main ways that the minority party members can help their constituents or even perform their jobs. Senator Tom Coburn (R) of Oklahoma referred to the ability to add amendments as a "right." That may be up for debate, but it at least was a privilege that Republicans did not deny to their opposition.

Democrats have controlled Congress now for two years and now that an election commission in Minnesota has handed a Senate election to Bozo the Comedian, the atmosphere does not promise to improve anytime soon. Their arrogance is bipartisan, relishing conflict with not only Republican colleagues, but also The One himself.

Republicans can and should respond with filibusters to reassert their power to influence events and help their constituents. The voters from Republican districts do not deserve to have all of their needs blotted out by a dictatorial majority.

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Too bad a president can't just order up a high quality Cabinet from American Woodmark. Obama has had a difficult time assembling one on his own. First Bill Richardson withdrew his name under a cloud. Now we see that a nominee for Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner, could not figure out how to prepare his own tax return and got into trouble with teh IRS.

Even Senate Republicans say that the Treasury nomination will be approved. He made a mistake. With our overcomplicated tax system, only H and R Block and their competitors benefit.

I wonder if Geithner ever wishes that the Bush plan to simplify the tax code and reduce the burden on workign Americans had been passed a few years back.