More from Fr. Pavone on Judge Roberts

I see Christopher points to a press release from Fr. Pavone. Here is his newsletter from tonight:

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Dear Friends,

Just a few minutes ago, President Bush nominated Judge John Roberts to replace Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme Court. Judge Roberts is highly qualified and has proven legal abilities.

Now, his nomination will go to the Senate while he will be questioned about his judicial philosophy and credentials.

We can also expect, unfortunately, that many Senators will seek to derail his nomination with vicious personal attacks against his faith, his belief in strict interpretation of the constitution, and any rulings that he has made that do
not fit their public policy ends. They will question him about abortion and Roe vs. Wade, as if that decision cannot be reversed and belongs to some kind of sacred, unchangeable dogma. In regard to this, of course, it is important to keep in mind what I said in a recent column, that is, that the current Chief Justice of the United States is one of the original dissenters in Roe vs. Wade. If he can hold that position, so can an Associate Justice of the Court. A belief that Roe should be overturned should certainly not be considered an obstacle to serving on the Court.

Expect some Senators to attack Judge Roberts for his religious and personal beliefs. Many have argued in the past that those with strong religious beliefs do not belong on the Supreme Court. This would effectively eliminate every faithful member of any faith from service on the highest Court in the land.

To achieve their goals, some may choose to filibuster Judge Roberts. Doing so would set a dangerous precedent. It would be the first time in history that a minority of Senators prevents the full Senate from fulfilling its duty to provide advice and consent on a Supreme Court nominee. This would create a constitutional crisis, as a minority of Senators would unilaterally amend the Constitution without going through the necessary process to do so.

We can fight those who would engage in these bigoted and unfair tactics, but we need your help to do it!

Please take a few minutes to contact your Senators and tell them you expect a fair up-or-down vote on the floor of the Senate! Tell them, furthermore, that any religious or moral beliefs that Judge Roberts expresses should not disqualify him from confirmation. Simply call (202) 224-3121 and ask for your Senator. You will need to make two calls, one for each Senator.

And please keep up to date on this judicial confirmations battle by going to our website, www.priestsforlife.org and clicking on the link for "Judges." Be sure to join our prayer campaign for the Supreme Court at www.PrayerCampaign.org Remember, this will be a battle. Pro-abortion advocates have suffered many losses in the legislatures, and many losses at the voting booth. The Courts are their only real stronghold of political power, and they don't want to lose that! You and I need to urge our Senators to do the right thing. This is what we voted for in November's election - a positive change on the Supreme Court! Let's keep the momentum going!!!

Thank you!
Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director of Priests for Life