Checks and balances worth protecting (Patty Murray)

[struggle4progress]

By PATTY MURRAY
U.S. SENATOR

<snip> Republicans are trying to increase their power by ignoring rules dating to our country's founding. It appears they will soon use what's being called the "nuclear option" to push through radical judicial nominees who will serve a lifetime on the bench by eliminating a 200-year-old rule that allows senators to speak on behalf of our constituents and fight for the ideals we hold dear. <snip>

When any citizen comes before a judge, we have a responsibility to ensure that they will get a fair shake.

We can't make those assurances if one party alone is selecting, considering and confirming them to the courts. <snip>

To date, the Senate has confirmed 205 of President Bush's judicial nominees. In four years we have stopped just 10 people whose records raise the highest questions about their abilities to meet the standard of fairness to all Americans. <snip>

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/221111_murray22.html

[babylonsister]

1. I hope you spread this word far and wide, like on GD

and GD/P. There are many people who don't realize there are many good dems fighting the good fight, like Senator Murray. I've watched her grow since she got into the 'pit', and she's perservered.

[suffragette]

2. proud of Senator Murray

I was glad to see her editorial in the paper today.

I love this part:
This is about destroying the system of checks and balances created to prevent the abuse of government power and to protect the rights and freedoms of all Americans.

Can't say it much clearer than that.