STOP REPUBLICANS FROM GRABBING POWER AND SAY "NO" TO "NUCLEAR OPTION" [A Message From Care2 & ThePetitionSite Team]

The "nuclear option" sounds like something out of a Tom Clancy novel. I wish it was fiction, but sadly, it's real. As it stands, Republicans have a narrow Senate majority that's not big enough to get their extremist judges approved. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's (R-TN) solution to this "problem" is called the "nuclear option" - so named for the explosive consequences it's expected to have on the chamber if enacted. Its purpose is to change Senate rules and silence the minority party by eliminating the filibuster: http://www.care2.com/go/z/23616

Without the filibuster, some of President Bush's most extreme judicial nominees would be approved. It would take away pro-choice Democrats' most powerful line of defense against extremist judges! This outrageous power grab by Senate Republicans threatens our democracy by stifling debate. It's an assault on the Constitution and the whole system of checks and balances that makes our democracy work. We've only got a few days left before a likely vote on the "nuclear option". If you value balance and moderation on our courts, then we need you to take action today to stop Senator Frist! Sign here: http://www.care2.com/go/z/23616

A SHORT BIT OF TRUTHFUL COMMENTARY FROM NEW YORK STATE DEPT OF PEACE MEMBER DAVID HOAG
I definitely agree. A U.S. Department of Peace is our goal, in this country, and we need Congressional and popular support to reach our goal. But we mustn’t forget, either, that popular support doesn’t just happen. It has to come from the HEART, and that’s the foundation. We may not see a Department of Peace established in our lifetimes. But I’m convinced we should continue to work for it, and education is the place to start.

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... You can no more win a war than you can win an earthquake. J. Rankin

ABIT OF NEWS FOR MIDWEEK BLUES

AN OPEN LETTER TO HOWARD DEAN
Ohio Democrat Congressman Dennis Kucinich, The Nation
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0504-21.htm

PROOF BUSH FIXED THE FACTS
Ray McGovern, TomPaine.com
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0504-34.htm

NOT RICH? NOT POOR? WATCH OUT
Robert Kuttner, The Boston Globe
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0504-24.htm

TONY BLAIR'S TIME IS OVER - The Middle England Magician has Lost his Touch and put the Election at Risk. He Must Go And Soon
Polly Toynbee, The Guardian [UK]
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0504-25.htm