Got an automated phone call from Repugs today about filibuster...

[pacalo]

The call originated from Virginia & it was supposed to be a survey, but I hung up after the first statement: "Did you know that the Democrats are 'impeding democracy' with their plans to filibuster President Bush's judicial nominees?"

I then tried to call Mary Landrieu's office, was switched to her voice mail, then was told the mailbox was full.

So, I wrote her an e-mail:

I just got an automated phone call asking me if I knew the Democrats were "impeding democracy" by blocking the Republicans' choice of judicial nominees.

If the Republicans had their way, our government would be a theocracy instead of a democracy. The filibuster rule is the only checks & balances Congress has left & it protects against dictatorial, bully tactics by any one party.

As it is now, we have a president who doesn't allow anyone who hasn't signed a loyalty oath to hear him speak at public engagements. Doesn't he represent ALL Americans? His salary is paid by ALL Americans, not just those who vote for him.

The Democrats need representation, too, & I ask you to stand firm against the Republicans' narrow-minded agenda. Please do everything you can to prevent the elimination of the filibuster rule. Right is right & wrong is wrong.

[El Fuego]

1. Also, we don't have a "democracy," it's a "democratic republic"

Pure democracy is by definition, mob rule. The founding fathers designed a "democratic republic" which protects minorities from the will of the majority.

By trying to take away the voice of the minority, the Repugs are trying to subvert the intent of the founding fathers and the constitution itself.

[rurallib]

2. Should keep them on the line and discuss it with them

I got a call on SS one day. I had some time so I asked the girl where she was calling from etc. As the conversation wore on she admitted that she was only doing this because it was the only job she could get. She hated Bush and thought his SS plan was thievery. We had a good talk. Tried to get her to quit but she needed to feed her child. She was looking. She lived in Alabama.

[pacalo]

3. Thanks for sharing that.

If it had been a live caller on the line, I wouldn't have hung up. In any case, I wish I had stayed on the line to hear the survey questions & to give my input. Bad call on my part.