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"We need common sense judges who understand that our rights were derived from God," -- Bush, June 28, 2002

Dear Mike,
When I asked you why you were going to vote for Bush you told me because it was all about one word - FREEDOM. Well what do I do with this information about the next Bush nominees for judges? This is an obvious threat to my freedom.

The changing landscape of our court system is frightening when you consider there will be favorable and biased rulings for the religious right wing. There are around 200 judges about to be appointed in teh next two years --- all of whom will undoubtably be far to the right, will undoubtably have an influence on us for the rest of our lives. A a Repuiblican I urge you to get back in control of your party.

Here are the first two be voted on today ----
Michael McConnell
President Bush has nominated Michael McConnell to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, which covers Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming.

McConnell opposes the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark ruling that the federal government had the authority to withhold tax-exempt status from Bob Jones University because of its racially discriminatory policies.

McConnell has urged the courts to allow governments to directly fund religious organizations and to reject the principle that the Constitution gives taxpayers the right to prohibit the use of their taxes for religious purposes.

McConnell believes that a "right to privacy" and to "personal autonomy" do not exist under the Constitution and supports overturning Roe v. Wade. He has also expressed admiration for a judge who refused to enforce the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances law and even suggested other ways for the judge to evade the law while not technically disobeying it.

Judge Dennis Shedd
President Bush has nominated Federal District Court Judge Dennis Shedd to a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, which covers Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.

Judge Shedd's opinions indicate that he would severely limit the federal government's authority to protect Americans from invasions of privacy and sex discrimination. For example, Judge Shedd authored the original opinion in Condon v. Reno, in which he found that Congress did not have the power to require states to ensure that driver's license records remain private. His ruling was later unanimously reversed by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Mike, you said that you voted for Bush because you love your freedom, well you can kiss that freedom good-bye if these types of judges get voted in. Do you want your driver's license information going public? Do you support giving your money to religious universities? Where is the tax revolters when you need them? Republicans are great about complaining about giving money to people on welfare but do everything they can to give money to directly fund religious organizations --- which will mostly be the first in line born-agains.

YIKES! call your congresswoman and tell her not to vote for these cats, if you love your freedom.

Call Sen. Maria Cantwell
Capitol Hill Phone: (202) 224-3441
Michael Tivana

E_mail:  the Tribal Messenger

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