John Kerry's address to the National Council of Negro Women

[gottaB]

The Case of the Bush Majority vs. Justice and Opportunity

You can read the whole thing here.

Kerry makes a great case for the Democrats regarding what I believe is the most profound exercise of presidential power: judicial appointments. Naturally, I'd rather hear it from Braun. She has made the same arguments in different forms. Kerry, however, articulates the issues with clarity and eloquence. An excerpt:

And while they only see a tiny percentage of federal cases, there is a reason the Supreme Court is the highest court in the land. It is there that debates are settled, that doctrines are set, and that millions of Americans look for justice and wisdom. In recent years, we have seen a Court that has split five to four on important cases – and even split this closely on the fundamental question of, in effect, choosing the President of the United States. With divisions so great, it is important that the next appointments to the Supreme Court be individuals who can bring consensus, not conflict; who will fairly interpret the Constitution without attempting to advance an ideological agenda or make decisions based on their personal politics.

Just think what is at stake if President Bush is reelected for a second term and has the opportunity to appoint a Bush Majority on the Supreme Court. It could mean:

• The end of affirmative action and a retreat from diversity in universities and workplaces
  
• The end of Roe v. Wade and a woman's right to choose.
  
• A return to the criminalization of homosexuality
  
• A threat to the federal government’s ability to protect our air and water.
  
• A license to John Ashcroft to trample on our civil rights and invade our privacy.
  
• A weakening of the protections for ordinary American workers.
  
• A threat to the rights of African-American voters.
  
• A threat to the rights of the disabled and the elderly.

My position on judicial nominations is clear: I will oppose, and filibuster if necessary, any Bush Supreme Court nominee who would turn back the clock on civil rights and protections against discrimination, on the right to privacy and the right to choose, on individual liberties and on the laws protecting workers and the environment. I have applied and will apply a similar standard to lower court judges. The stakes cannot be any higher.

With the future of the Court on the line, the same is true about the stakes in this election. If I am elected President, I will appoint Justices with a broad understanding of American life today and with a commitment to diversity, fairness, and equality. People who understand that the battle against racial discrimination continues, who know working people deserve protections on the job, who recognize that our natural environment is a trust we hold for our children, and who have an unshakeable commitment to a woman’s right to choose.

Word.

[blm]

1. Very powerful.

Thank you for posting it.

[JI7]

2. this was

this was the event he attended right before the dnc speech. he kicked ass there also. keep up the good work.

[sandnsea]

3. Probably the most important issue

I also think it's one the right may understand more than the left. I think too many young people take our rights for granted.

[gottaB]

4. a critical moment

I suspect you're right, but there may be a bright side. This administration has given us more teaching moments than any since Nixon. Hopefully we'll young idealists turning to the Democrats in droves, and regarding them as the party of consititutional government and liberty.

[blm]

5. That's the exact same silver lining that I see

in all this. Great post, gottaB...very insightful.