My Letter From Sen. Lamar Alexander(with poll)

Like Many of you, I joined in the "call-a-thon" to our Senators in the run-up to the Alito vote. I called (supposed) fence-sitting Democrats, as well as calling one of my Senators, Lamar Alexander.

Being from Tennessee, I have the distinction of having this guy and his buddy "Cat-Killer" Bill Frist as "my" Senators. 25 years ago, Alexander was a moderate Governor who re-vamped our state's education system and brought in lots of new technologly-related businesses.

He helped drag the state of Tennessee kicking and screaming into the 20th Century. I had a very faint hope that some sliver of moderation still lurked within his body. As you will see...I was wrong.

Here's the letter from Sen. Alexander:

Thanks very much for getting in touch with me and letting me know what's on your mind regarding the confirmation of Judge Samuel Alito, Jr. to be the 100th Supreme Court Justice.

Well...actually Senator, I got in touch with your voice-mail in Memphis and with an actual "human" in Nashville. And I didn't really tell you what was on my mind, because there was no swearing or yelling involved. I was polite and as short & to the point as I could be. If I had really told you what was on my mind, I'd be on some sort of "list" right now.

I was proud to cast my vote to confirm President Bush's nominee for U.S. Supreme Court. Samuel Alito understands that as a judge he is supposed to enforce the law impartially and respect the Constitution. He has demonstrated  the judicial temperament ideal for a Supreme Court justice. I believe Samuel Alito will serve with distinction as an Associate justice of the United States Supreme Court.

Sigh...grief, sadness and just sheer anger at Alexander and all the other Republicans who have spent the last 5 years putting Bush and the Republican party FIRST in every single decision they've made.

Our judiciary profoundly affects your rights as an American citizen, and I'll be sure to consider your comments when future judicial nominations are discussed asn debated here in Washington and in Tennessee.

The judiciary profoundly affects my rights?!? You think that's why I was on the phone to your office in the first place?! Because maybe I care about the right to privacy...the 1st Amendment, the 4th Amendment..etc...Pick an Amendment--any Amendment!

One of the reasons I was hesitant to call Alexander's office is that I HATE being talked down to...and this letter gives it to me in spades! Of course, I know it's not personal. He regards everyone who's not a lock-stepping Republican with contempt.

Oh, and I've decided to start calling Bill Frist's office about things that are on my mind too. As long as I have the right to call and disagree, I will continue to do so!