Once upon a time, it was an article of faith among right-wing groups that the President was entitled to deference regarding his choices to fill the various governmental positions, especially the cabinet and sub-cabinet positions, and it was the Senate's role merely to confirm or reject these nominees.
Of course, that time just happened to coincide with President Bush's time in office ... and now that it has passed, so too apparently has that standard:
Thirty pro-life leaders and representatives of pro-life groups representing millions of Americans have authored a letter to Senate leaders opposing the fast-tracking of the next set of nominees. They say President Barack Obama has appointed people to key positions who are pro-abortion and pro-euthanasia.
According to the letter they provided to LifeNews.com, the groups are specifically opposed to Dawn Johnsen, David Ogden, and Thomas J. Perrelli, each of whom are top Justice Department picks.
Predictably, they are now concerned about the "politicization" of the Justice Department and demanding that these nominees face "serious deliberation" and be required to give "serious answers":
"If confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve in high offices within the Department of Justice, Dawn Johnsen, David Ogden, and Thomas J. Perrelli could have a dramatic impact on the state of this nation's legal order," the letter says.
"Each of these nominees has made public comments or has taken positions indicating strong support for a shift in national policy regarding the culture of life. Whatever one thinks of the culture of life, dramatic shifts in policy on such important national questions should not happen without serious deliberation ... [now] without any debate or discussion, the Obama Administration is putting forward an absolute political zealot from two of the nation's most Leftist groups."
...
The letter concludes by asking that ample time be given to question the nominees "and demand serious answers so that the American people can continue to play a part in defining the cultural fabric of our nation."
Some of the signers of the letter include representatives of the Family Research Council, National Right to Life Committee, Americans United for Life, Susan B. Anthony List, Life Issues Institute, Eagle Forum, Thomas More Society, American Values, Heartbeat International, Presbyterians Pro-Life, Culture of Life Foundation and Human Life Alliance.
Isn't it amazing how, only after they have lost control of the government, the Right has suddenly started caring about checks and balances and the need for "serious deliberation"?
Purely coincidental, I am sure.
