Reply #60: As a "granite stater" that has lived in Texas 10 years

[wellstone_democrat]

and who KNOWS of the church to which Ms. Miers belongs, the law firm and circles she is emeshed within, I'd say that it isn't "hysteria" and that Digby has it right on what is upsetting people here about her: they wanted an "in your face" Ashcroft-style appt. Sure, they will stay home but only with the real threat of the dreaded Democratic victory. She's a corporatist which is the true threat. The social issues slant is only a bonus---there is a lot more than Roe on the table in the area of personal rights and liberty. She's a safe vote for the expansion of Executive powers and that is the REAL problem. I've yet to see any indication of "backbone" in a long career---servility yes. Backbone? Individualism? no.

But, if you underestimate our churches and their cultural force, you underestimate a lot (btw, Schiavo's church was Roman Catholic which, again, has more historical latitude in personal beliefs---not at the vatican or diocesan level but "on the ground")