One crucial fact was not mentioned in this press release from Americans
United: the reason we know about Alito's letter is because James Dobson
took great pleasure in reading it on the air to his devoted followers, on his
daily radio program. Much like he revealed that he had received private
assurances about the previous nominee, Harriet Miers.
I hope in reporting on this letter that journalists will make mention of the
sense of outrage expressed in the press release, which speaks for a
great many people in this country.
Craig Gingold
Mariposa Co. CA
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 1, 2006
1:32 PM
CONTACT: Americans United for the Separation of Church and State
Joe Conn, Rob Boston, Jeremy Leaming, (202) 466-3234 | http://www.au.org
Alito Thank-You Letter To Religious Right Leader
Is Grossly Inappropriate, Says Americans United
New High Court Justice Should Follow Command Of Constitution,
Not Dobson, Asserts Church-State Watchdog Group
WASHINGTON - March 1 - Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito has sent
a cloying thank-you note to Focus on the Family head James C. Dobson, a
move Americans United for Separation of Church and State says is further
evidence the new justice is firmly in the pocket of the Religious
Right.
"Justice Alito should follow the commands of the Constitution, not the
orders
of Dobson and the Religious Right," said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn,
executive
director of Americans United. "This note strongly suggests that Alito is
carrying out a right-wing agenda instead of being a justice for all.
"This is grossly inappropriate," said Lynn. "Alito sounds like a
political
candidate doing a victory lap and thanking his backers rather than being
a fair and independent judge."
The Associated Press reported today Dobson received a six-paragraph
personal note from Alito. In the letter, Alito thanked Dobson for
backing his
nomination to the Supreme Court.
Read the note, "This is just a short note to express my heartfelt
thanks to
you and the entire staff of Focus on the Family for your help and
support
during the past few challenging months. I would also greatly appreciate
it if
you would convey my appreciation to the good people from all parts of
the
country who wrote to tell me that they were praying for me and for my
family
during this period."
Alito went on to write, "As long as I serve on the Supreme Court I will
keep
in mind the trust that has been placed in me" and expressed his desire
for
a personal meeting with Dobson.
Dobson and other Religious Right leaders enthusiastically backed Alito's
confirmation because they think he will restrict civil rights and civil
liberties
and rule against church-state separation.
==========================================================
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