Under Alito, Rights are FINITO!!!

Last night's so called 'Justice Sunday' event was the latest attempt by the radical rightwing to impose their fundamentalist religious views onto the judicairy. With Sam Alito's Supreme Court comfirmation hearings scheduled to begin today in Washington DC, the Bush Administration is attempting to get a head start on the debate. Last night's event at an evangelical Baptist church in North Philly was the latest example of the right wing of the Republican Party trying to formulate its domestic agenda based on their fundamentalist religious ideologies. I should add that the service was broadcast to evangelical churches nationwide. So if you think the fundamentalists aren't deadly serious about imposing their morals on the rest of us, THINK AGAIN! Judging by what I saw, the rightwingers can try all the want to cast Alito is a positive light, but all their efforts prove is that it's impossible to polish a turd.

The idea of Sam Alito on the Supreme Court scares me. Here is a guy who has spent 15 years on the Federal Appeals Court in Philly making it his business to erode the civil liberties of Americans like me. Not only is he anti-choice, anti-affirmative action, and (most importanly to me) an unapologetic homophobe, but he has a proven track record that favors government authoritarianism. Here is a man who, in over 3oo written opinions, has never found government intrusion unconstitutional. Alito's record also indicated he supports expanding presidential power. As if Bush weren't already overreaching, as highlighted by his domestic spying policies.

While an A-list of hatemongers (including Jerry Falwell and Sen. Rick Santorum among others) was inside spewing their usual twisted brand of "compassionate conservatism" the real action was outside on the street. On a gorgeous winter night with temps in the 40's, a coalition of progressive organizations took over several blocks of Broad Street surrounding the church. I was among the protesters and it was apparent to me that our movement is gathering steam. In a nutshell, our message is if we wanted to live in a nation rooted in religious fanaticism, then we'd move to Iran!! According to one fellow protester's sign, "Universal healthcare is a family value, too!" Another sign said simply, "Pray for Common Ground!" Amen to that sister, although I suspect that neither side is in the mood to be pragmatic at this point. Such is the sad state of politics in the country. Thanks especially to Bush's policy, the country is more polarized than ever.

Halfway through the protest, ACT UP stopped the show (and traffic, I might add) with their grand entrance complete with torches, drums, and whistes. When it come to civil disobediance with a dramatic flair, no one does it better than ACT UP!!! Their message was an assult on Bush's healthcare and AIDS policies. According to an ACT UP member, a lifetime confirmation of Sam Alito to the Supreme Court would ensure Bush's hateful legacy of bad healthcare policy, long after Bush is out of the Whitehouse.

I have been to dozens of protests during the Bush Administration and I have to say that last night was an eye opener. I noticed that people are finally starting to get really really pissed at the direction this country is taking. Folks are so mad that activists are having a much easier time organizing these types of events. I also noticed that when folks drive past and honk their support, it's not just a 'toot-toot,' rather they are laying on the horn and frenetically pumping their fists in support. I know support is growing against Bush (and by extention, Alito) and I can say this for sure because last night I experienced it for myself. As a committed activist who is in it for the long haul, I take great comfort and encourgement from what I saw last night on the streets of Philadelphia.
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Thanks to my pal Monique for the cool picture above. To check out more pics of the event, check out her site and see for yourself!