NDM Statement on the nomination of Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court of the United States
NEW YORK, N.Y., Nov. 8– New Democratic Majority (NDM) joins People for the American Way (PFAW), the National Organization of Women and MoveOn.org and other progressive organizations across the country in opposing the nomination of Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court of the United States.
The organization with 10,000+ members voted overwhelmingly to oppose the nomination of Judge Alito and reiterated its commitment to progressive American values. NDM stands for basic concepts of justice, freedom and democracy, such as keeping the government out of private health decisions. “It is clear, in the aftermath of Harriet Miers’ withdrawal, that the president has capitulated to the extreme right wing in nominating Judge Alito to the Court,” said NDM’s Executive Director, Edward Hartzog, a practicing lawyer and member of the New York Bar.
“We are extremely concerned about the short and long-term ramifications, should Alito be confirmed to the nation’s highest court. A review of Judge Alito’s opinions reveals a frightening willingness to overly restrict the application of existing legal protections for ordinary citizens, especially with respect to the Family Emergency Medical Leave Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act,” remarked Hartzog. “Clearly, this nomination represents an attempt by the White House to shift the balance of the Court decisively to the right. The Court is already conservative, however, and a Justice Alito would move it firmly out of the mainstream of American legal thought.”
Hartzog went on to note that, “Alito’s qualifications are not the issue, rather it is his judicial philosophy. Indeed, with a majority of Americans expressing disapproval of George Bush and his presidency and where he is taking this country, his selection for the Court must viewed with skepticism – in terms of representing current American values. In the end, we’re very comfortable with having a political debate about whether or not the Senate, and the American people, share the views that led to the Alito pick.”
New Democratic Majority (http://www.newdemmajority.org) is an activist grassroots organization whose mission is to increase citizen participation in government and advocate for progressive public polices. NDM educates and empowers voters through issue research and education programs and trains activists in political outreach and organization.