MESSAGE FROM SENATOR EDWARD KENNEDY - More Than Politics
Now that President Bush has nominated John Roberts, the Senate and the nation face the critical task of understanding what kind of Supreme Court justice he would be - there are many questions that need to be answered. During the confirmation process, the Senate must find out whether he will be on the side of basic rights and individual liberties or if he will side with powerful special interests. Mr. Robert's brief public record raises several serious and troubling questions. Senators must ask those questions for the American people -- and ensure that we receive honest and complete answers. Our oath of office requires no less. Over the past two weeks, thousands of concerned Americans have submitted personal stories that emphasize the importance of this process. Each one details a way the Supreme Court affects our lives -- and the lives of our children and grandchildren. We can define the importance of this debate with our own words. Together, we can combine our voices and elevate the debate to show the real-world impact of decisions made by the highest court in the land. Here are some examples:

Theodore of Georgia ... "I shadowed the first black undergraduate at FLU in1962-63. Maxwell was admitted in the Fall of 1962 and my job was to see that he survived the year. It was not easy, but he survived. I will never forget it. We must not stop or slow this type of progress."

The battle has been brewing for months. Right wing groups boast a war chest of $20 million and counting. They will turn any confirmation process -- no matter who the nominee is -- into a political football, ignoring the best interests of the nation in the hopes of imposing their extreme views on our independent judiciary. They might have the money, but we have the truth. No matter what they spend, they will never match the powerful case that thousands of citizens have already made:

Greta of California ... "I am a teacher for students with severe physical and mental challenges. When I first started teaching in the public schools eight years ago, the district was just beginning to provide wheel chair access to the bathrooms. It was an important moment for these children to have access to the bathrooms … We need a judge that will uphold their fundamental rights."

During the hearings, Roberts was evasive about his views on equal opportunity, desegregation, criminal justice, and the right to privacy. We cannot let this evasion happen again. Its up to us to make sure the facts are known and that the voices of the American people rise above the partisan fighting and special interest money. The candor and insight of your stories inspire me. Together we will make a case for the American people. Thank you so much.

P.S. - Everyone has something to say about the importance of the Supreme Court -- and every new voice makes a difference. Please ask your friends and family to join us and share their own stories: http://www.tedkennedy.com/morestories

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead