Feingold statement on today's committee meeting

[katinmn]

http://feingold.senate.gov/~feingold/statements/06/05/2006518.html

Statement of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold
Objecting to the Judiciary Committee’s Handling of the Constitutional Amendment on Marriage
May 18, 2006

“Today’s markup of the constitutional amendment concerning marriage, in a small room off the Senate floor with only a handful of people other than Senators and their staffs present, was an affront to the Constitution. I objected to its consideration in such an inappropriate setting and refused to help make a quorum. I am deeply disappointed that the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee went forward with the markup over my objection. Unfortunately, the Majority Leader has set a politically motivated schedule for floor consideration of this measure that the Chairman felt compelled to follow, even though he says he opposes the amendment.

Constitutional amendments deserve the most careful and deliberate consideration of any matter that comes before the Senate. In addition to hearings and a subcommittee markup, such a measure should be considered by the Judiciary Committee in the light of day, open to the press and the public, with cameras present so that the whole country can see what is done. Open and deliberate debate on such an important matter cannot take place in a setting such as the one chosen by the Chairman of the Committee today.

The Constitution of the United States is an historic guarantee of individual freedom. It has served as a beacon of hope, an example to people around the world who yearn to be free and to live their lives without government interference in their most basic human decisions. I took an oath when I joined this body to support and defend the Constitution. I will continue to fight this mean-spirited, divisive, poorly drafted, and misguided amendment when it comes to the Senate floor.”


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[dennis4868]

1. This guy really....

needs to be President of our country. The country 9dems and repubs) need him! We all need him to help us get out of this nightmare.

[ladjf]

7. Both Feingold and Gore would be outstanding Presidents.

I hope that one of them gets the nomination.

[ThomCat]

15. I agree.

Let's all speak out frequently and see if we can make it happen.

[ladjf]

22. Good plan!

[UrbScotty]

2. Thank you for defending the Constitution, Russ!

:applause:

[YankeyMCC]

16. Well if the person who's supposed to have sworn to do that isn't

(meaning the man currently posing as president) someone has too.

[987654321]

3. GO RUSS!!!!

[UrbScotty]

4. Welcome to DU!

I see you've been here a couple weeks, but a belated welcome!

;-)

[987654321]

9. thanks!

I'm so glad I stumbled across this place. I am trying to get my friends to take a look and get involved as well.

[UrbScotty]

13. Just don't let it get addicting

;-)

[katinmn]

14. Ha! I know what you're talking about

:-)

[lividtiff]

18. I'm pretty new myself

I was wondering, how do I NOT let it get addicting?

[gratuitous]

19. Click on any of Matcom's posts

They'll cure you of the internet for days at a time.

{Now with extra snark for a Friday morning}

[bigbrother05]

20. Welcome!

:hi:

That can be hard to avoid, this place can let you share your ideas,hopes, and worries. Just keep a sense of humor and don't make it personal.

[bigwillq]

11. Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[Metta]

5. Arlen Spector is a cellar fighter.

A most fitting metaphor.

[Klukie]

6. Feingold gives me hope!

He has a strength and courage that the majority of our public officials lack.

[heartofthesiskiyou]

8. AAAhhhhh...Fresh air.....

There are candidates that I would vote for.
There are candidates that I'd support.
There are candidates that I'd work for...

I'd work for this candidate.

He's got principle and most important, a spine

[katinmn]

10. Yes, he won't let them roll all over him.

With Russ you know that he is keeping the peoples' interests in mind, not Junior's, not a party's, not other special intersts.

If only all our reps and senators were doing the same.

:hi:

[bigwillq]

12. Thank you Sen. Feingold!

:bounce:

[lividtiff]

17. right on!

Feingold is an American hero in my book. It's nice to hear that someone is taking a stand against these bastards!

[Martin Eden]

21. Most Constitutional amendments enhance freedom.

The Repukes in their desperation to rally their base for the November elections are proposing an amendment that would DENY a basic freedom to millions of Americans.

Can they get any more despicable?