So, what would you say to Sen. Kerry tomorrow, if you could.

[TayTay]

If, theoretically, we knew someone who could go up to the office on CapHill and deliver a message, what would yours be?

Tomorrow, Sen. Kerry has to give another 'speech of his life' in support of this filibuster attempt. Anything you want to say to cheer him on and let him know what his actions have meant to you?

Just saying.....

[ginnyinWI]

1. I'd say

Thank you so very much for speaking for so many of us! We know Alito is wrong for the Supreme Court. This is a time which truly will separate the "men from the boys" in the Democratic Party.

[blm]

2. Tell him growing numbers of us appreciate the VERY TOUGHEST BATTLES

he has taken on for the last 40 plus years, and we will never forget that OR abandon him.

He has never abandoned us.

[jillan]

3. I would just say

Thank you for being a leader, and standing up for the truth, for
not worrying how this decision would effect him politically.

[Inuca]

4. "Theoretically"??? :-)

That his integrity and willingness to fight against the odds are much admired. And that many intense good thoughts go his way, hoping to give him strength of purpose and power of persuasion.

[ginnyinWI]

5. I think Tay is up to something

:tinfoilhat: :) ;)

[TayTay]

7. It's possible.

But not in a big deal kind of way. I think there may be someone going up to the office tomorrow. (Well, a lot of people go up there all the time.) If there was a message, a simple message, that you wanted the staff and the Senator to hear, what would it be?

What say you, 'We the People'?

[fedupinBushcountry]

6. I would say to Senator Kerry

Speak from your heart and your gut, which IMO is what he always does. Also when they start to try to beat you down beat them right back with truth. I have no doubt that he will stand strong, and he will fight to the end for what is right.

And lots of :hug: :hug: :grouphug: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya:

We've got your back.

NO SURRENDER !!!!

[Island Blue]

8. I would remind him of his own words

I posted this last night in my John Kerry/Rosa Parks thread, but I think it's so perfect - I can't improve on his words.

“The bus still comes by again and again and each time we have to decide whether to go quietly to the back, or by simple acts of courage and conviction change the direction of our own country’s journey."

These words make me a little misty eyed. Other than that I'd remind him that we've still got his back and suggest he keep his energy up by taking time out to have a little snack.

[Inuca]

10. That quote is PERFECT (nt)

[TayTay]

15. I think tomorrow is going to be an amazing day!

I have my Tivo all setup to get everything on the floor tomorrow.

Well, Marvin is there to do a cupcake run! I hope the day is 'sweet' tomorrow. I think we may hear one hell of a speech tomorrow. I hope we hear many.

Life is indeed sometimes like a box of sweets. You indeed, never do know what you are going to get until you try!

Godspeed Senator! I am so proud of you and Sen. Kennedy. Stand up and tell them again, that we don't want this extremist judge on the Supreme Court. Thanks so much for doing this. You rock, sir!

[whometense]

17. Apropos of Marvin

I just found this lovely picture of him today:



I can't think of anything to say that would be anywhere near as eloquent as his own words, as quoted by IB.

[Inuca]

21. The quote....

.... in your signature is also wonderful.

[whometense]

22. Thanks!

It's from his 1996 reelection campaign against Bill Weld - he said it at one of their 7(!) debates.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Kerry-Weld.htm

I had to edit it to fit. This is the full quote:

John Kerry: I'm very well aware that when God made me one of the debits he gave me was sort of an over level of intensity, maybe an over level of earnestness, or whatever you want to call it. On the other hand, what I do know about myself is that when you have a fight, I'm a good person to be in the foxhole with, and I know that we're in a fight right now.

[Inuca]

24. A strange thing....

... to say in a debate... I see it as a very candid description of his inner self. The intensity is something that many people miss and I would guess makes many people, including those that deal with him on a regular basis, feel uncomfortable. The earnestness is what is seen by many as his "boring" side, related to the way he talks, sentences like multi-faceted diamonds... Is it getting hot in here, or is my fever coming back? I remember reading a long, long time ago about Robert Oppenheimer, somebody describing him as having "intellectual sex appeal" it applies, doesn't it (not that the body looks too shabby either :-))

[whometense]

25. Totally.

Gets to me every time - and it's almost always misunderstood. :loveya: :loveya:

Every time I see the film of him talking in front of the Foreign Relations Committee in 1971 I think of that quote. He's had to work all these years at learning to lighten up in public.

[Island Blue]

18. I'm going to be a bundle of nerves all day

I go straight from work to class tomorrow afternoon ( class goes from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.) so I won't know what happened for sure until I get back home and head straight here. I hope you guys are well into the celebration by then!

[FreedomAngel82]

34. I know what you mean!

I have class though from 8-10 and again my last one at 11am. When does the vote happen? I'm nervous right now. :scared:

[jillan]

41. I have to work from 12-5 DC time

How am I suppose to concentrate??

I'm excited, I'm optomistic.

Laura Flanders just rattled off a bunch of corporations that are supporting the
filibuster + she said that every dem's mailbox is full.

[BlueIris]

9. Best of luck, Sir. You're doing the right thing.

As usual, you are one of maybe three senators I can count on to do so, always. While I didn't really need any additional validation for my decision to support you in the future no matter what, it's nice to have some anyway. It's my proof that no matter how national and global circumstances may change in the coming years, they won't change what I love the most about you.

[globalvillage]

11. I would say

Thank you and be yourself.

Also, maybe point to the pollingreport.com poll that prosense posted, which says 49% of Americans do not know enough about Alito to have an opinion one way or the other, so debate is necessary to have an informed public.

and this

:loveya:

[ProSense]

13. Oppose/Unsure goes as high as 57% (and my statement to JK)

FOX 57%
CBS 53%
CNN 46%


And on that note:

Thanks for standing up for Americans Senator Kerry. As far as what American want and deserve, you said it best:

“So these are the reasons we need to take a hard look at what we are doing, even if it means swimming upstream. There are consequences to this nomination that I do not believe all the American people got out of the hearings because the hearings did not answer questions. And when you pose some of these choices to Americans, they come down on the side that I have described: being protected, not making those kinds of choices about a young kid, making sure that our privacy is protected.

Thank you for your conviction and for doing the responsible thing.

[whometense]

20. Yes.

Absolutely this :loveya:

[beachmom]

12. All the positive, oh yes, but what about this

Senator Kerry -- this thing has become bigger than you. This is about the blogosphere exploding out of the computer and onto the Senate floor. This is about the people rising up, but not taking it to the streets, but instead by blogs, e-mails, faxes, and phone calls. You did not launch this filibuster attempt from "Switzerland"; it came through cyberspace to a large blog community of citizens, who are now fighting as hard as they can to try to persuade undecided (and even decided) senators to vote their conscience, not political expediency or calculation.

Tell him about the Crossing the Rubicon diary from dKos!!!!!!!!!!!

You have thus far followed your heart and listened to the people. Now when you go onto that Senate floor, act as if we are standing RIGHT behind you. And know, that win or lose, things will never be the same. This is a fight that bypassed the media, and the power of the blogosphere is REAL. Print out our names and show the camera how many "real people" are behind this effort. Then say, "This isn't about me, it's about them. This is about OUR COUNTRY".

JK -- you have inspired so many of us to get involved for the first time. Nobody can EVER take that away. God bless.

[YvonneCa]

14. Blow the doors off Senator Kerry!

I trust you, Senator Kerry and know you are standing up for us against the odds. I support what you and Senator Kennedy are doing by filibustering the nomination of Sam Alito for the Supreme Court. Thank you so much for doing that. I'm sitting here typing one-handedly with my six-week old granddaughter in my arms. I'm worried for her future and that of my two-year old grandson. Alito will take us backwards as a country...and worse, he will undermine our Constitution and the protections it guarantees my family. I stand with you, with Senator Kennedy, with Al Gore, and with ANY other Democrat in Congress who will stand up for American families and their future.

I have emailed and called senators, written letters to newspapers and am continuing to e-mail letters to media organizations. What do we do to get the media to tell both sides of this issue? It seems they are doing the usual spin. Most of the general public is not tuned in...to what is happening. Something needs to GRAB their attention!


I've heard there is a call for Democrats to walk out of the SOTU on Tuesday night. Some worry that such action might push away moderate Democrats. Maybe so. I respect the OFFICE of the Presidency a lot, but I don't respect this President. That is really hard for me, because in all my life, I've never felt that way.

For those of us who do feel this way now, I'd like to see ALL Congressional Democrats just STAND quietly during the speech (or members could slowly stand up, one by one). There would be no disruption or disrespect for the office, but it would be a visible way of saying that Democrats stand up for the American people against this administration's harsh policies. This action MIGHT gain the attention of the public...at last.


I'll end the way I began...I do trust you, Senator Kerry, to make the correct decision. Good luck on Monday as you continue the fight. I support you and the Democratic members of Congress, whatever your decision and whatever actions you may take. Whether you stand visibly or not, you have been standing up for us...and it is appreciated more than you know.
:patriot:

The following is a post from earlier, in case you missed it:


After THIS WEEK:

>>>>>>>>>

Excellent. Absolutely. Excellent. I heard a Stephanopolous `teaser' about your interview on a local L.A. station about an hour before THIS WEEK aired in California where he said he had never seen you so fired up (paraphrase). That just tells me he hasn't heard the Georgetown speech or most of your other interviews lately. The media need an education, too.

I especially appreciated that you hit back at the media/Republican spin apparent in Stephanopolous' questions. PLEASE KEEP FIGHTING FOR US. The country needs you.

P.S. And I pray daily that your heart and gut tells you to run in 2008. :)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Do you ever just want to pull the covers up over your head and not have to be John Kerry?

After reading most of these posts I am amazed and inspired by the voices of so many American patriots sharing their questions, advice and requests for you, Senator. It must be nearly overwhelming. But I am adding my post, because I have come to believe so strongly that YOU ARE THE ONLY PERSON who, as President, can reunite this country and steer us back toward the correct path forward for our country's future. We need a leader who can teach the American people about our history, so that we stop repeating our mistakes. We need a leader who can inspire us to understand and honor our great Constitution. That leader is you, President Kerry! :) I knew that, the first time, when I shook your hand at Los Angeles Valley College (Villaraigoso). I knew that, for sure, when I heard you say, in your Georgetown University speech, that "There is no more important word...in my judgment...in the American language, other than love, than CITIZEN. And we have a responsibility, all of us, to be good citizens." I wish every person in this country would hear those words from you.

I want to add my thanks for all you have been doing, both before November 2, 2004 and since (I DO pay attention). As a teacher, mother and grandmother, I voted for you in 2004 without much knowledge of what you stood for (other than what the party stands for). I'm now a more informed citizen and would vote for you again in a heartbeat, if given the chance. I've heard your Senate floor speeches, and especially thought your October 26th speech at Georgetown and your Council on Foreign Relations speeches were OUTSTANDING! I purchased your Georgetown speech and Al Gore's speech and am INSISTING that my family watch them. :)

I wanted to share with you a post (on another blog) to another of your supporters in Nevada. She had expressed great concern about losing our great country. This was my reply to her:

>>>>>I too worry for our country, but it needs ALL of us "now, more than ever"...Kerry's words. I thought it was horrible when they stopped the recount in 2000; worse still on 9/11; and I've been so sad since November 3, 2004. That was the first election in which I tried to do more than just vote...I had to (I drove to Las Vegas as a volunteer in a 'swing state'). If Kerry had lost and I hadn't done ANYTHING to make a difference, I couldn't live with myself.

This country is not dying...too many of us won't let it. I think it IS being tested. Ultimately, that will make us stronger. It sure is painful, though, right now. The most difficult thing for me is the lack of awareness of people closest to me...my family and my friends. In the beginning, they thought I was just in denial about the election. But I've 'become' the news for them...I forward news articles (from sources THEY trust) that they otherwise would never see. I've been buying books (Jimmy Carter's, Joe Wilson's, Gary Hart's) and sharing them when I'm done. Then I talk to them about why I'm upset with this administration. They don't always agree, yet. But it's a start. I'm convinced that education is the key to saving our country.

I am most hopeful because our leaders are now speaking out...not enough, yet...and not as 'brazenly' as I wish...but better every day! They are educating the public. That tells me they understand what is needed and are now acting to turn the country in a better direction. But it's like turning an aircraft carrier...REALLY SLOW. When I need a lift, I listen to John Kerry's Georgetown Speech (C-SPAN) and his Council on Foreign Relations speech, and now Al Gore's most recent speech on the wiretaps. (If you've missed ANY of those, you need to listen...they are INSPIRATIONAL!!)

Don't give up. We'll get there...this is a GREAT country (most of the time)...and we're not finished yet.<<<<<<<



:patriot:

[sandnsea]

16. Make it relevant to people's lives

I don't think we've made this nomination relevant. Women appearing in front of abortion review boards. Police having authority to shoot anybody when enforcing laws. The right of government to regulate to protect people's health and safety. Whether the power of the US lies with Congress and the people; or in the Presidency.

Before you sell the necessity of a filibuster, you have to make people know they will benefit from it by making it relevant to their lives.

[MonteLukast]

35. Exactly. Exactly. Exactly. (nt)

[StoryTeller]

19. I would tell him...

Senator Kerry, your integrity and determination have inspired me not just to become more politically active, but also to follow your example in my own life when I face opposition and confrontation in doing what I know is right. Thanks to you, I have started speaking up when people repeat the lies they hear in the media, and I've tried to do it with the same dignity and respect--along with the strength of conviction and compassion--that I see in you.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for leading the charge on this filibuster. You spurred me on to contact both my senators (Nebraska), which I almost never do on any issue. But more importantly, you gave me hope that God is hearing my concerns and prayers about my country. I am a Christian, and I am deeply grieved at the things that are being done or supported in the name of Jesus. But I believe that when Jesus sees the things you do and support and looks at your heart, I think his response is "Well done, John."

It can't be easy to face personal attacks and criticism, but please know that you have our support and admiration. And you have my prayers.

Many blessings...and GO GET 'EM! :)
Meredith (StoryTeller on DU)

[karynnj]

23. What a beautiful thing to say

He really is inspiring.

[JanusAscending]

26. "What she said"!!

My exact feelings, and I would also add, thanks for showing America what a REAL President does!! From my heart, I pray that you go forward with this action for America the same way you went after the enemy in Nam. Drive that SWIFT BOAT right up onto land and run the enemy over if that's what it takes!!! KNOCK'EM ALL OVER!!:bounce: :nuke: :kick: Love ya JK !!:loveya:

[blm]

31. PLEASE - that post DESERVES to be in GD to bolster the troops backing this

battle.

[TayTay]

43. Oh Storyteller, that was perfect

The best things to say are the ones that come right from your heart.

That was a beautiful post. You touhced and inspired me. (Again, we are all links in the chain, each one important, each one necessary.)

Thanks!

[StoryTeller]

49. Aw, thanks, guys!

I was a little afraid it was too sappy. I'm glad you all think it's good. Do you really think it should go in GD? Or GD:Alito? I've never posted in either.


Also, I just want to tell you all that reading all these great posts from everyone makes me all teary-eyed. You all are the best.

:grouphug:

[MH1]

27. I would say to him

Thank you for standing up for us.

Thank you for reading the comments made to you from your constituents and from the blogs, and listening to what we were saying.

Thank you for recognizing that this is a question of the rights of individuals - what matters most in a democracy.

Thank you for knowing that this is not really about "abortion" but about the right to privacy, the right to clean air and water, the responsibility of the government to protect individuals from the power of corruption waged by all kinds of groups, and the preservation of three co-equal branches of government.

Thank you for having the guts and heart to lead this fight, when so many others wanted to retreat in premature defeat.

Now go give 'em hell!


Oh and,

:yourock:

and finally

:hug:

[MH1]

30. And to add

(as if he would have time to read all this...)

...and I can't believe I'm copying something posted by Armando, but here is a quote he posted, that pretty much sums it up:

Neither let us be slandered from our duty by false accusations against us, nor frightened from it by menaces of destruction to the Government nor of dungeons to ourselves. LET US HAVE FAITH THAT RIGHT MAKES MIGHT, AND IN THAT FAITH, LET US, TO THE END, DARE TO DO OUR DUTY AS WE UNDERSTAND IT. ~ Abraham Lincoln

But I wouldn't be surprised if John Kerry knows that one be heart.

[sandrakae]

28. You are a great leader.

You are a great leader, John Kerry and don't you listen to anyone that says otherwise.

[MH1]

29. Exactly.

You can add my name to that sentiment, too.

Okay, that goes for pretty much all of the posts here. But especially this one.

[Blaukraut]

32. Here's what I'd say

Thank you, Senator Kerry, for doing what is right, not what comes easy; For fulfilling your oath to uphold the constitution; For standing up in our names and giving us a voice.

[FreedomAngel82]

33. I'd say

I love you. Run away with me. *sigh* But seriously I'd thank him for all of his work and for always trying to protect my rights. :) I'd ask him to sign my Kerry book I have on him. I'd also say to please run in 2008!

[_dynamicdems]

36. What I wish I could tell Senator Kerry

Senator, when you stand to address Congress today, you will not stand alone. Countless multitudes of us across this great land love and support you. We will stand beside you in spirit. When you speak today, all of our voices will be heard through yours. Thank you and God bless you. Now, light'em up, Sir! We have your back.

[MonteLukast]

37. What everyone else has said... it'll be tough to say something new!

But for the record, I would say this:

Senator Kerry, thank you for taking the lead in this battle. It is the greatest battle we have seen in a long time, and we will not forget your courage.
Thank you for standing up for our rights, and for standing tall in spite of everything the naysayers have said to try to deter you... the naysayers who are supposed to be your friends but can say nothing good about you.
Thank you for reaffirming for me what true patriotism looks like, what true American excellence looks like.
Thank you for, through it all, being a kind, gentle, moral, and joyful man.
Thank you for inspiring me, from the get-go, with your deep love of politics and for America.

Bless you.

[Island Blue]

39. That was beautiful MonteLukast. n/t

[WildEyedLiberal]

38. Thank you for having our backs

And know that we've got yours.

It's time to turn the boat towards shore, straight into enemy fire. We're with you until the last dog dies. No surrender.

[IowaGuy]

40. Just simply, "thank you"....

win or lose....there is much to be gained by just joining the battle and fighting the good fight, and continuing to fight the good fight. It ultimately strengthens both your heart and resolve...losing is bad, but quitting is even worse for the heart and soul.

A few weeks after the election, he came to town and a small group of us met him...he put his arm around me and said quietly into my ear, "We just got to keep fighting"...

[Island Blue]

42. "We just got to keep fighting"

He said the same thing to those of us who met him in Boston in December. John Kerry still has a hell of a lot of fight left in him, and I feel sorry for anyone who underestimates his will and determination to go to battle on behalf of the American people.

[fedupinBushcountry]

47. He said

the same thing to me on the phone the Saturday after the election. You know for all those naysayers and pundits, they know not the real John Kerry, and oh what they are missing.

He is the "Real Deal". :patriot:

God bless Senator Kerry our spirits will be with you on the Senate floor tomorrow.

[TayTay]

44. Welcome IowaGuy!

Thanks for checking in and thanks for writing this.

:patriot:

[globalvillage]

45. Hey IowaGuy!

Welcome!
What a great statement.

[politicasista]

46. Just to say..

Thank you for continuing to fight to perserve what Thurgood Marshall, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Fannie Lou Hamer have done before us. That is fighting for our civil rights and civil liberties, all the time, not only on days noted on the calendar.

Keep turning your boat around to shore and as merh used to say, keep fighting and stay on the weed's (LOL!) behind all the way.

[JI7]

48. children who couldn't even vote supported you in 2004

because their future depended on you, their parent's jobs and what they could provide for the family depended on you.

2004 is over but you are still the man those children and so many others need.

[wisteria]

50. Senator Kerry, with deep appreciation and thankfulness for your efforts.

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.
Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." Albert Schweitzer

Thank you, win or lose what you have done will be remembered by many.

Now, hit them with your best shot.

[saracat]

51. I would say, you are my reason for being an activist.

I exist as a Democrat because of you.You are the voice of the voiceless. You represent the people of this nation. And you are the shield and protection of the constitution. Thank you, Mr. President!
And remember, no matter what the result, you did good and we will always have your back! Now kiss that blarney stone and go get 'em!

[BlueIris]

52. .

:cry: