Stop the Filibuster!

Dobson and his allies seem determined to force the confrontation. On
April 24 they hosted a “Justice Sunday” rally at a Southern Baptist
church in Louisville, Ky. During the event, which was broadcast to
conservative churches all over America, speakers insisted that
Democratic opposition to the Bush judges is a form of religious
bigotry.

The event at Highview Baptist Church was officially
sponsored by the Dobson-affiliated Family Research Council. Speakers
included Dobson andFRC President Tony Perkins.

During his remarks, Dobson called the Supreme Court “unelected and
unaccountable” and “out of control.” He added, “For 43 years, the
Supreme Court has been on a campaign to limit religious freedom. It’s
all on the line. It’s time to stop the filibuster.”

Frist, in
videotaped remarks, called for an up-and-down vote on Bush judicial
nominees. While working closely with the far right, Frist took pains to
try to maintain his moderate conservative image. He distanced himself
from House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas), who has called on
Congress to explore ways topenalizejudges who issue rulings thatdisplease conservatives.

“When we think judicial decisions are outside mainstream American
values, we will say so,” Frist said. “But we must also be clear that
the balance of power among all three branches requires respect–not
retaliation. I won’t go along with that.”