UPDATE: The Senate Judiciary Committee officially cancelled a vote Thursday in light of the allegations of attempted rape against Kavanaugh. This is a developing story. - EDITOR
AS THE TIME DRAWS NEAR when the U.S. Senate must ponder the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court, this huge plaque hanging on the exterior of Boalt Hall, UC Berkeley's School of Law welcomes law students.
The message might have some bearing on what seems to be a done deed, unless a few brave Republicans decide to vote for what's best for our country, not what's best for the GOP. Their decision could affect our country for generations to come.
Alaska's largest indigenous group, the Alaska Federation of Natives, on Sept. 12 announced its opposition to the Kavanaugh nomination.
The federation, which was a key supporter of Murkowski in her historic write-in campaign, issued the following statement:
"During his Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Judge Kavanaugh questioned the legitimacy of Native Hawaiian recognition, citing their different treatment by the federal government, and the fact that they do not live on reservations or enclaves. If he remains of the view that the special trust relationship only extends to Indian tribes with his brand of federal history, including territorial removal and isolation, he could very well rule that Congress lacks the authority to deal with Alaska Natives. This thinking could overturn much, if not all, of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, as well as all other federal legislation and regulations addressing Alaska Natives, tribes, corporations and organizations. To confirm a nominee who does not understand or appreciate the position of Native Hawaiians, and who could weaken the special trust relationship Alaska Natives share with the federal government, would be imprudent."
The statement concludes that, based on even the limited information released thus far, "his confirmation would be for Native peoples, particularly Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians." Kavanaugh's position on native peoples was brought to light by intense questioning by Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono.
 |
| Senators Susan Collins, left, and Lisa Murkowski, right, are considered key votes to Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. |
If you live in Alaska or Maine, write Murkowski and tell her it is time for her to keep her promise to fight for Native Alaskans.
If you have friends and family in those Maine and/or Alaska, text or email them to write their senators to vote down Donald Trump's dangerous in disingenous nominee.
When Harris asked Kavanaugh if he thought that the Chinese Exclusion Act, which has not been overturned, is a racist law because it targeted people of a particular race, Kavanaugh hedged and refused to comment on it because he believed that the issue would be facing the high court in the future.
“Not condemning policy based on prejudice indicates an openness to other disgraceful policies, like the Muslim travel ban proposed by Donald Trump, who also nominated Kavanaugh to this position,” Rep. Judy Chu, D-CA, said in a statement to the Huffington Post.
If you have friends and family in those Maine and/or Alaska, text or email them to write their senators to vote down Donald Trump's dangerous in disingenous nominee.
When Harris asked Kavanaugh if he thought that the Chinese Exclusion Act, which has not been overturned, is a racist law because it targeted people of a particular race, Kavanaugh hedged and refused to comment on it because he believed that the issue would be facing the high court in the future.
“Not condemning policy based on prejudice indicates an openness to other disgraceful policies, like the Muslim travel ban proposed by Donald Trump, who also nominated Kavanaugh to this position,” Rep. Judy Chu, D-CA, said in a statement to the Huffington Post.
Republicans, already in control of the executive and legislative branch of government, want to take control of the judiciary with Kavanaugh providing the majority vote on key issues that will come before the high court: abortion, travel bans, education, affirmative action, minority rights, civil rights, marriage, health care, corporate influence and more.
Despite not being allowed to see 90 percent of Kavanaugh's decisions as a judge and his writings as a Bush White House advisor -- as decided by the 11 Republicans in the committee -- the Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on Kavanaugh's nomination on Sept. 20. The full Senate will vote shortly thereafter.
RELATED:
- Kavanaugh dodges questions on Chinese Exclusion Act
- Supreme Court nominee questions aid to Native Hawaiians
- Hirono gives Kavanaugh history lesson on Hawaii
- Kamala Harris, Mazie Hirono hammer Kavanaugh
- Kavanaugh face rough road to confirmation, say senators
No comments:
Post a Comment