Pictured Rep. Schakowsky.Hundreds of vocal attendees turned out at the Loop's Federal Plaza July 5 to hear several advocates urge President Bush to not nominate an ultraconservative individual to the Supreme Court. This event—which was sponsored by several organizations, including the Illinois Coalition for Fair Courts—was one of several that occurred across the state that happened in light of the July 1 announcement that Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who was the swing vote in many key cases, planned to retire from the Court.
Julie Sweet, project coordinator of the People for the American Way, started things rolling by proclaiming that constitutional constructionists are being hypocritical 'when they are looking to undermine the very Constitution they seek to protect.' She went on to urge decision-making that benefits 'all Americans, not just a powerful few.'
Sarah Triano from Access Living spoke as a 'loud, proud disabled feminist' who said that 'all 54 million disabled Americans are about to be impacted by a decision that few of us feel we have any power over.' During her emotional speech, she said that the disabled 'cannot afford to lose any ground' and 'cannot afford to wallow in our victimization and give in to the manipulation of our fears. We have to make sure that our voices are heard.' She also made reference to the president's consulting Congress when deciding upon a nominee. 'That should happen—but what about the advice and consent of the people?'
U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, D-7th District, thanked the attendees 'for understanding and knowing that we have no choice except to protect and promote our rights and those laws that have evolved after years and years and years of struggle.' Among other things, he mentioned protecting the rights of the disabled and the rights of a woman to choose. 'We're simply sending a message to our President ... that we want you to consider the views, hopes and aspirations of all the American people when you nominate someone to sit on the Supreme Court.'
Tracy Fischman, vice president of public policy for Planned Parenthood/Chicago, stressed that 'it is really critical to understand the impact of what the Supreme Court means for women and families throughout the country.' She went on to say that 'the American people need and deserve a consensus nominee who will not use the nation's highest court to promote a religious, extremist political agenda.'
U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-9th District, whipped the crowd into a frenzy by thanking people 'for being on the frontlines to protect our Constitution. And the Constitution that I carry is not a Republican document, it's not a Democratic document, but it's an American document that we want to preserve.' She also said that she sees the current situation as a 'fight to protect the majority from the tyranny of a right-wing minority.' She then listed a number of pro-liberty cases that resulted in 5-4 decisions because of O'Connor. Schakowsky concluded by asking Bush to 'pick a justice. Don't pick a fight—but if he does pick a fight, are you ready?' The crowd enthusiastically answered yes.
Meghan Streit, president of the Chicago chapter of the National Organization for Women, commented that O'Connor's move allows 'George Bush to turn back the clock to 1973 [ regarding ] women's reproductive freedom. ... If Bush is allowed to appoint one more arch-conservative justice to our Supreme Court, our fear that the landmark case Roe v. Wade decision will be overturned may quickly become a frightening reality.' She added that because so many rights are at risk, 'it is more important than ever that we work together to preserve our freedom.'
Carol Levine of the National Council of Jewish Women said that 'we are at war and the fight is right here at home. The stakes are nothing less than the hard-won constitutional rights that define our liberties and define our way of life.' She added that 'this change in the composition of the Supreme Court could well tip the balance against a woman's freedom of choice. Without the right to make decisions about our own reproductive lives, women will never attain full equality—not socially, not economically and certainly not legally.'
The last speaker was probably the most fiery. William McNary, president of USAction and co-director of Citizen Action/Illinois, talked about issues with the fervor of a Southern Baptist minister. 'I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be ... than with a crowd of aggressive progressives. People who are not just interested in sitting down and being quiet but in standing up and speaking out ... [ and ] people who are not just interested in whining but in winning,' he said. He continued by praising the attendees: 'I truly believe, because you all are gathered here today, that our country will be more secure, our country will be stronger, and our nation's citizens, citizens-to-be and immigrants will all breathe freer because of the work you're doing this afternoon.' He urged Bush 'for once in his life, to be the president for all Americans.'
In related news, the National Stonewall Democrats have launched a Web resource center to help LGBT Democrats to become actively involved in the Supreme Court confirmation process. 'Don't Rock the Court', www.stonewalldemocrats.org, connects individuals to data, expert organizations and key members of the United States Senate.
'The Supreme Court confirmation process should engage the American public and members of our community, rather than becoming a rubber-stamp experience,' said executive director Eric Stern. 'We understand that White House spin and an unfamiliar process may cause some to overlook this potentially life-changing event. That is why we have created a fun campaign with easy-to-use to guide LGBT Americans through this.'
The National Organization for Women has also joined the online fight to secure a nominee who is not arch-conservative. The Web page www.now.org/savethecourt is for urging senators to reject any nominee who is not an advocate of civil, economic and reproductive rights.
