Ted Kennedy, an American Treasure, will vote NO on Alito confirmation.

[in_cog_ni_to]

Let us have 39 MORE just like him and Leahy. Here's Ted's email:

Dear, ******

Last week, Samuel Alito had the opportunity to answer the numerous and troubling questions about his record. Regrettably, he chose diversion over candor - and left the Senate Judiciary committee with even more uncertainty about his commitment to fairness and equal justice for all.

Our Constitution places awesome power in our Supreme Court justices, and the responsibility to use it wisely. Accordingly, any nominee to its bench must meet a high bar and prove a steadfast commitment to "equal justice under the law."

Unfortunately, when it comes to meeting this standard, Mr. Alito asks the American people to give him the benefit of the doubt. I believe he is asking too much.

In response to our email last week, an overwhelming number of you wanted to know about Mr. Alito's views on the scope of executive power. Like most Americans, you are concerned that President Bush authorized the National Security Agency to spy on Americans in their homes, has said he will ignore the new McCain law banning torture, and wants the government to continue to have access without a warrant to many of your private records and communication.

There is little doubt from the record that Judge Alito is a cheerleader for vast presidential powers, even though he tried to distance himself from his own remarks in the hearing. I'm sure you share my view that we want a Supreme Court justice who will blow the whistle on abuses of power as a violation of our rights, and it's clear that Judge Alito will not do that.

If confirmed, Samuel Alito will be charged with guarding our great traditions of justice and freedom. Time and again we see him contort the law and find for the powerful rather than the weak. Numerous studies of his cases - by law professors and the press - found that he ruled in favor of the government, corporations, and powerful interests more than 80 percent of the time. He ruled against the handicapped, minorities, and women facing job discrimination. He said it's okay to reject African Americans to create all-white juries. He even ruled in favor of the authorities when they strip-searched a 10-year-old little girl.

America can do better than Samuel Alito. No Supreme Court confirmation should be based on the benefit of the doubt. That's why I will vote no on his confirmation.

Thank you for your valuable support over the past few weeks.

Sincerely,

Senator Ted Kennedy

P.S. I just finished giving a speech at the Center for American Progress that covered my decision in further detail. You can get the full text here:

http://www.tedkennedy.com/alitospeech

[TheCowsCameHome]

1. And I will vote for him again in November. As always.

[Imagevision]

2. Leahy stated earlier hr too would vote against Alito

[liberalnurse]

3. I just got my email....

I have this grateful urge to donate some bucks to his Campaign right this very minute....... O8)

[Jamison]

4. He is our BEST Dem Senator in my opinion! n/t

[radio4progressives]

5. K&R

:applause: