April 27, 2005
Power Corrupts, Absolute Power Corrupts, Absolutely
I remember when I first read those words in 8th grade. I never dreamed that they would be coming into my head again as an adult in response to current events in the United States. Today Al Gore repeated them and reminded us all of what is at stake if the radical right manages to further erode the separation of the branches of our government by abolishing the filibuster. Most importantly, he reminded us of the consequences of living with a government that is not legitimately created with the consent of the people. The future of our democracy is in danger and its position as a safe haven for those of differing beliefs is now threatened. (strange, I've been thinking about the Salem witch trials a lot lately too).
The following is from AP. Click for the entire article
"What makes it so dangerous for our country is their willingness to do serious damage to our American democracy in order to satisfy their lust for one-party domination of all three branches of government," Gore said of the GOP in a speech. "They seek nothing less than absolute power."
The Senate is bracing for a showdown over Republicans' threat to use their majority to change the parliamentary rules to ban judicial filibusters — a tactic in which opponents can prevent a vote on a nomination with just 41 votes in the 100-member Senate.
Minority Democrats have used the filibuster to block confirmation votes on 10 of President Bush's appeals court choices, arguing that the nominees are too conservative for lifetime appointments.
Gore bemoaned the "outright threats and intimidations" of judges by some Republicans after recent court rulings, warning that independent judges would cower for fear of retribution.
He also cited recent comments from leaders of two conservative organizations — the Family Research Council and Focus on the Family — about disenfranchising certain courts or denying them funds.
"This aggressive new strain of right-wing religious zealotry is actually a throwback to the intolerance that led to the creation of America in the first place,"
I have a copy of the speech and will add more quotes--or the whole thing tomorrow.