How's this email to Sen. Byrd? Any suggestions?

[Hissyspit]

Be critical. I'm not from WV, but NC.

SEN. BYRD -
As you are a hero of mine, I would hope that you will honor my request that you vote NO on the Judge Alito nomination. Please stand up against the authoritarian takeover of every branch of the U.S. government, and support Sen. Kerry's filibuster. Thank you.

[GrumpyGreg]

1. How can anyone that belonged to the KKK be a hero to you?

[Hissyspit]

2. It's called shmoozing.

I'm trying to get him to do something I want him to do.

He gave enough anti-Iraq and anti-Bush speeches to feel comfortable saying that to him.

[cynatnite]

3. Considering it was over 50 years ago...

when he was a kid and the membership was brief, I don't hold it against him. He's acknowledged it and says it was the stupidity of youth.

[Just Me]

4. Sounds like a RW attack on a PRESENTLY honorable man, to me.

Or are you one of those who believes no human being has the capacity (choice) to change? :grr:

Anyways, you contributed absolutely NOTHING (na da, zilch, zip, zero, crap) to the OP's request, no thank you very much!!!

[Hissyspit]

11. Thanks!

Appreciate it, Just Me.

[Catrina]

8. The old rightwing attack on Sen. Byrd surfaces. I know it would, just

didn't expect to see it here ~

I'll try to explain how a person who made a bad decision, then realizes it, has the courage to acknowledge it, and goes on to do good in this world, can become a hero.

It's ironic really, that those on the right who came out in droves to attack Sen. Byrd each time he made a speech criticizing this administration, always went back 60 years to the KKK charge, most often claimed to be 'Christians'. Those same people adored St. Paul and quoted him regularly in other arguments although never in terms of Sen. Byrd.

In case you don't know, St. Paul was a murderer, but repented and is revered by so-called rightwing Christians today, who, ironically see nothing at all redemptive in Sen. Byrd's rejection of his brief membership in an organization he came to realize was not eithical.

I wish that many misguided people who belong to hate groups today, would take an example from Sen. Byrd and turn their lives around as he did. I would jump for joy to see that happen more often. But that would take a lot of soul-searching and the will to change. Not many have that ability. That is why I look up to Sen. Byrd for his decision, because it is rare to see someone have that insight and courage.

Actually I thought we were always hoping to see that kind of turnaround in people, from the dark to the light. Odd how when we do, some of us are so unforgiving, or maybe it's just politics.

[Just Me]

5. Okay. Add at least some very important details.

Alito testified that he believed the theory of "unitary executive" would apply in certain circumstances. He refused to detail those circumstances. His history indicates an advocacy for expanding presidential powers beyond historical limits. His entire career has been dependent upon the right-wing movement. He is not worthy of a risk to our form of government.

Use your own words but include those essentials in which Senator Byrd has great passion.

[Hissyspit]

10. Very Good, Just Me. Thanks. n/t

[Blue Belle]

6. You may want to remind him of the copy of the Constitution...

that he keeps in his pocket and often refers to on the Senate floor. You may want to remind him that a vote for Alio is a vote for destroying that document he reports to honor and uphold.

[channa18]

7. Heres what you REALLY want to say.....

Dear Sen. BYRD,

IF you cave in and dont vote against and support a filibuster of this reactionary pig, THEN I HOPE YOU ROT IN HELL.

Sincerely,

A DEM WITH A SPINE.

[Hissyspit]

9. Well, yes, that's what I REALLY want to say.

But, again, I'm trying to get him to do something I want him to do.

[channa18]

12. I know....I'm just pissed off at BYRD.

.

[mcscajun]

13. Here's how I opened my FAX to Senator Byrd...

Last year, when I read that you were under attack from Republicans, that they had targeted you specifically for removal from the US Senate, I took action. I sent money to you, even though you do not represent my state; as a Senator and a statesman, I feel you represent all of us, and I was willing to stand behind you. I'm asking you now to stand behind me, our fellow Democrats, and all Americans.

The rest of the letter was the same as I sent to my own NJ Senators:

As a NJ resident and a Democrat, I am writing to urge you to join the
filibuster effort against the Alito nomination. Senator Kerry put it
better than I can, so I'll repeat what you've already heard and read
before: "I know it's an uphill battle," Kerry said on the Senate floor. "I
hear their arguments. You know, reserve your gunpowder for the future.
Well, what is the future if it changes so dramatically at this moment in
time?"

I fear for our future if this man is raised to our nation's highest court.
I fear for threats to our civil liberties, to a woman's right to choose,
to the separation of powers, and the separation of church and state. I
fear I would not live to see the damage undone.

I fear a justice so wedded to the principle of the Unitary Executive, to
presidential power unchecked by judicial oversight, and so opposed to the
fundamental right to privacy.

I know that the move we (I don't stand alone here, I know many other
Democrats urging the same action) are supporting and urging upon you is
not to be made lightly. This Alito nomination is the "clear and present
danger" we need to meet head-on. This is not a time for equivocation, for
saving our ammunition for another day. Please, stand with your fellow
Senators who are supporting this effort, stand for America, stand for the
Constitution and for keeping the Senate more than an Imperial "rubber
stamp". If not now, when?

I urge you to filibuster Samuel Alito’s nomination to the United States
Supreme Court.

Sincerely,