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Senators should stand up against ideologues 

Editor: 

When Newt Gingrich took out his “Contract on America” the Republicans demonstrated no hesitation in obstructing Democrats by any means available, and with no concern for the public good.  

The means by which the presidential election was stolen is their most recent and egregious example of this behavior.  

While it may sound nice to talk about “conciliation” and “unity”, I believe that such talk is a sucker's move. 

Republicans haven't afforded Democrats such a courtesy. Look at how many Federal judgeships have they blocked in the last eight years! 

I strongly urge Democratic Senators to block the confirmation of at least four of President-select Bush's cabinet nominations: Gale Norton (Interior), John Ashcroft (A.G.), Donald Rumsfeld (Defense), and Tommy Thompson (HHS).  

These are right-wing ideologues, extremists, and people dangerous to our way of life in America.  

They will roll back social progress and cause the economy to collapse through war-mongering defense spending. 

Normally, both political parties give the incoming President a “honeymoon” to establish a Cabinet according to his ideology.  

However, in this case, the President's election is illegitimate, due to the partisan stoppage of vote counting.  

He has been selected President in spite of the fact that Gore received over half a million more votes, and most probably a majority in Florida as well. 

It is time to stand firm.  

Forty-one Democratic Senators can stop any confirmation, whether for Cabinet or for judgeships.  

This is the last best power Democrats have until 2002. They'd best not default on stopping the rampage of right-wing Republicans. 

Bruce Joffe 

Oakland