From Senator Kennedy: "He doesn't deserve it"

[babylonsister]

E-mail/no link... Please sign if you feel like it-maybe Schumer will get the message.


Waterboarding is torture. Torture is unacceptable. Period.

If Michael Mukasey won't stand up to President Bush and tell him that, then he doesn't deserve to be Attorney General.

I can't in good conscience support his nomination, and I'm asking you to join me.

Oppose Michael Mukasey for Attorney General:

http://www.democraticmajority.com/mukasey

The Department of Justice lost its way under Alberto Gonzales, becoming a rubber stamp for Bush administration policies that ignored the rule of law.

The consequences have been alarming. The White House has defended torture, engaged in massive surveillance of U.S. citizens, and covered up activities with a veil of secrecy.

Our country can't afford another Alberto Gonzales.

After meeting with Judge Mukasey and listening to his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, I strongly doubt his ability - or desire - to reverse the disturbing trends his predecessor encouraged. What I heard was the same sort of evasiveness and disregard for the rule of law that led to Alberto Gonzales' resignation.

Judge Mukasey refuses to call waterboarding an act of torture and condemn the practice. He also suggested that the Geneva Conventions may not apply to enemies we capture - a view that has been soundly rejected by the Supreme Court.

I fear that Mukasey would pick up where Alberto Gonzales left off: serving as the President's personal lawyer instead of the chief law enforcement officer of the United States. We need an Attorney General who will stand up for the American people and the American Constitution - not just the American President.

We can't let this happen. Stand with me in opposing Michael Mukasey's nomination for Attorney General:

http://www.democraticmajority.com/mukasey

Mukasey's troubling views don't stop at torture. He's made it clear that he supports broad Presidential powers, including the ability to detain U.S. citizens without charges and to illegally conduct surveillance on U.S. citizens without a warrant.

Mukasey has also shown too little respect for Americans' civil rights. As a judge, he often ruled against victims of discrimination - and many of his rulings were later reversed. When I asked Mukasey about his plan for revitalizing the Justice Department's weakened Civil Rights Division, his answer was vague and noncommittal.

These aren't the traits and priorities the United States needs in its next Attorney General.

After the failure of Alberto Gonzales, we must give the American people an Attorney General with the independence, the judgment, and the commitment to fairness and equality they expect.

Michael Mukasey is not that person. Join me in calling for an Attorney General who respects the rule of law:

http://www.democraticmajority.com/mukasey

Sincerely,

[AuntPatsy]

1. Thank you Sen Kennedy, we need more speaking outloud what we all know needs to be so highlighted.

[ClayZ]

2. Done K and R

[Beelzebud]

3. He should tell this directly to the two coward sell-outs.

[crickets]

4. Finally, a sane voice speaks. K&R

:dem:

[Beerboy]

5. I think it's unfortunate and embarrassing Sen. Kennedy

would speak on this issue for obvious reasons.
I think a minimal standard for U.S. Senators should be that they can at least not break the law that We The People are expected and bound to remember and obey, or else.
The Repigs are pieces of shit, but I don't like seeing the spin that if a Democratic congressman does it, it's OK.
To wit, Rep. Jefferson, Louisiana? What happened to that cold cash guy?

[Solly Mack]

6. Torture isn't merely "unacceptable" - it's ILLEGAL. It's a crime against humanity

Which means the Bush admin. is engaging in crimes against humanity. War crimes. Breaking the law.
Which means the Bush admin. MUST be held accountable for their crimes.
Which means ALL the talk in the world about how torture is unacceptable accomplishes NOTHING.

ACTION is needed.

Justice is demanded.

Yes, I do agree that people should write, call , and email their Senators to speak out against Mukasey.

But I also think we need to address the issue in plain english ...that spells out exactly what we are talking about-

The US government tortures.
The US government IS committing war crimes.