Stand Strong

25 May 2005

You did the right thing by compromising and trying to restore civility in the Senate. In order for the people’s work to get done, and that is more than judicial nominations getting confirmed, there must be collegiality in the Senate.

I am pleased that you placed civility, the country, the U.S. Senate, and the Constitution above politics and personal gain I see there is nothing you are gaining from this action. I am praying for this incivility to go away. I have respect for others opinions, but wish they would be more respectful. I chose to be respectful because it is the right thing to do.

I urge you to stand firm.

The deal will hold, the judges will receive votes, and those who are deemed acceptable will be confirmed. I thought the up or down vote was what this was all about, I guess not. Maybe it was all about changing the rules.

I also have faith in the colleagues you made the deal with on Monday. I trust you to make this type of decision that is so delicate it has to be handled carefully. I understand the balancing act one must play as a Senator. It is never easy. However, I get the feeling that you were never the kind of person to take the easy road. You prefer the road less traveled. I appreciate this.

I believe in you! Please do not give in.

While I personally did not agree with the rules change, if you would have felt it “necessary” to vote on the rules change now I would have, not forgotten, but understood. I will understand if it becomes necessary. However, for now let’s work together and solve problems.

I see a pure heart, good intentions, a good Christian, and a great American when I look at you. You always do what is best for the country. Not everyone is going to agree, I am sorry that our fellow Republicans from around the country cannot accept your decision, even though it will, in the end, be more profitable for everyone than changing the rules would have been.

I am not angry at those who are angry at you, just disappointed in how nasty they are being toward you. I am very disappointed in what political discourse has become it is not civil. You are always civil to all, even those who are mercilessly attacking you for this compromise. This is one characteristic that I admire, that I wish I had.

I encourage you to stand strong and keep doing what you think is right. Let your conscience be your guide. This is a difficult time, but I am proud of the way you are dealing with it. Everything seems to roll off your shoulders because you are such a positive person. I feel that you believe in the American People.

In closing, I encourage you to stand strong no matter how bad it gets, and I have the feeling that the storm has only begun. I believe in your goodness and your love for our country. I just wish our Republican Party could accept dissenting views and that more people understood the unique balancing act a Senator must perform. Oh, well you can’t have everything because that would be too easy.

Thank you for your service and may God Bless you.