From Senator Byrd:

I take my responsibility to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution very seriously. Our nation's founding document is a shield of liberty and has protected the rights of our fellow citizens for more than 200 years.

And when individual freedoms are threatened by a measure brought to the Congress, we, as elected servants, have an obligation to defend these freedoms.

The Patriot Act, which was promoted as a law to combat terrorism, is up for renewal. I regret my initial support of this measure, at a time of national uncertainty. Now that it is up for reconsideration, I intend to correct my mistake. And I want you to know why.

The original Patriot Act is a case study in the perils of speed, herd instinct and lack of vigilance when it comes to legislating in times of crisis. It has led to scrutiny of innocent citizens, eavesdropping, sneak and peak searches, and countless other violations of personal liberty.

I did not vote to renew the Patriot Act. I will not support a bill that violates Constitutional liberties.

To read about my opposition to the Patriot Act, click here.

Benjamin Franklin said "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." I firmly believe that, and stand by my commitment to protect those liberties.

On the related topic of the illegal wiretaps this Administration is conducting, I have a petition to call for an investigation. Thousands of true American patriots have already signed the Wiretap Petition and I would encourage you to show your support as well.

I thank you for your continuing support.

Sincerely,

Robert C. Byrd
United States Senator

Not words you expect to hear from a politician's mouth. Go Sen. Byrd!

I'd like to add my "Sydnie" to that. :)

Thanks for posting this.

where the rich man didn't take any of his lambs to feed his party goers

He took the poor man's only little lamb which he cared and loved

and compared Bush to that rich man wanting our little lambs

our babies
our children

Ya Sen Byrd was right

and I can't find it now!

gosh darn it

Big deal-- so what?

He voted for Alito. THAT'S what I will remember about him when he is in hell.

"when he is in hell?

It is unforgivable what he did. He proved to so many of us his hollow convictions when his action could have possibly stopped Alito. You are now only starting to see the damage of what this action of bringing in Alito will do. All too soon you are going to see the results of real people's lives destroyed by allowing this neocon nightmare into our Supreme Court. And the blame falls to a relatively small amount of turncoats and traitors. I am afraid that his actions of supporting Alito will forever besmirch any future rhetoric and grandstanding.

to meet your standards. I wasn't pleased with his vote, but I am not going to negate all those years of fighting for workers rights and civil rights (eventually, yes he got on board) and service because he cast a vote that I disagree with.

We are so fast at throwing the baby out with the bath water. He did what he was elected to do ... he represented his district and their wishes. Simple as that.

he used to be a hero of mine. Then he voted for the fascist that's going to give Bush his judicial seal of approval. I don't understand how he could have done such a thing, I just know it was the most disappointed I've ever been with a politician that I had once admired.

Byrd's (and others') support for Alito's elevation to the SCOTUS was a devastating blow to our liberty and to our entire way of life. Alito will likely cause untold suffering for millions, and the damage he wreaks will endure for decades. Some political acts are so reprehensible, so egregious, and so damning that they stand alone - entirely undiminished by prior good acts.

So...

--No, DELUSIONAL'S comments were not "way harsh" (as mentioned above by another poster).
--And no, it isn't just a matter of, "...no one will ever be able to meet your standards". (accusation made by the same poster).

Such comments, at first blush, may come across as rather fair and evenhanded in contrast to DELUSIONAL'S words - but they constitute an overly simplistic reaction to the rather complex matter of holding "one of ours" accountable for grievous treachery.

DELUSIONAL has it right. For a guy who greased the skids for Alito, to now be leading a charge to "defend our individual freedoms" is the pinnacle of hypocrisy. Yeah, I'll do whatever I can to help stop the Patriot Act and to help push for an investigation into illegal spying - even if Byrd is leading the effort. But you won't find me among a throng of devotees running out into the streets to join any parades led by Robert Byrd.

There are a whole bunch of elected officials that had a hand in that. Byrd supported his constituents and that is what our representatives should do. They are elected to represent us, not themselves.

Robert Byrd is a hell of a Senator. He is a Southern Democrat through and through.

"Senator Byrd did not singlehandedly confirm Alito. There are a whole bunch of elected officials that had a hand in that."

Yeah... they're called Republicans.

"Byrd supported his constituents and that is what our representatives should do. They are elected to represent us, not themselves."

If supporting Alito's elevation to the SCOTUS somehow translates into support for the people, I guess I'm missing something.

"Robert Byrd is a hell of a Senator."

Sometimes he is and sometimes he isn't. I'd suggest that we hold off on the brass bands and the ticker tape parades until a little more time has passed since he betrayed us on Alito. But hey, that's just me. Unquestioning allegiance has its place, I guess.

You clarify and focus beautifully. I agree wholeheartedly.

Your kind words are appreciated.

and we were trying to get petitions signed regarding the money he recieved from Move On.

Two months before that he was a hero for speaking out against this administration.

We are fickle fans. I dont agree that Alito was the best choice, but I do believe that the state that Robert Byrd represents is conservatively democratic and it isnt a stretch to believe that he represented them with his vote.

Fickle:
1. Liable to sudden and unpredictable changes.
2. Democratic politicians lacking in conviction who abruptly change allegiance to support a fascist corporate agenda.
3. Well-informed constituents who criticize the politicians who screw them. (Also see: patriot) ;-)

Fan:
1. An ardent follower.
2. A political constituent's relationship to his/her representative; usually associated with the Republican party, but some rare Democratic sightings have been made. ;-)

When it comes to politics, you imply that you are a "fan" who is never "fickle". Yet I am almost never a "fan" and stand ready to be "fickle" toward any Dem rep who abandons core Democratic principles when it matters most. We're polar opposites.

You don't believe that Alito was the "best choice". I suspect he will be our "worst nightmare".

We apparently have a different world-view and probably wouldn't agree on many things. But we're both Dems who will check the same boxes in November.
:toast:

with his support for Alito as far as I am concerned. I felt particularly betrayed since I sent him money due to moveon.org's suggestion. His response to my letter to him was a beautiful piece of "political" drivel. Screw him! He would be in hell, if there was a hell, justice or anything else after we are gone from here. If the opportunity comes up, all we can do is piss on his grave. I hope that the line isn't too long...

and the actions correcting your mistake on the Patriot Act. I wish you could correct your mistake on Alito, but it's too late.

I don't feel we're in any position to push a Dem away, especially one who has been true on most issues and has a great record. We need all the help and exposure we can get!

Of the Constitution like the one he carries.

-Hoot

Sorry, I get a bit peeved when these senators act all worthy because they voted one way and yet we couldn't count on him to help prevent Alito getting nominated.

He can kiss my ass, thank you!

secrecy in government but wait, because he didn't vote with us on Alito he's no good. Sorry, but if we didn't have Byrd in office in WVA we would probably have a much more pro-Bush Senator not fighting him on any of those issues.