Dodd and the Constitution
Last Saturday I joined with other Exeter residents on the front lawn of local Democratic chair, Joe Pace and his wife Sarah, to hear SEnator Chris Dodd of Connecticut talk about his candidacy for the PResidential nomination. While most folk were undoubtedly swimming, fishing, hiking or boating on this gorgeous, hot afternoon, Dodd was pursuing, ardently, his goal: educate voters about the need to restore the Constitution!
Standing in the hot sun, flanked by his lovely wife and his two YOUNG daughters, Dodd talked passionately about his respect for the Constitution, as he whipped a well-worn copy of the document from his pocket, a gift, I believe, from Senator Robert Byrd. He articulated the Bush Administration's violations of the Constitution in ignoring the writ of habeas corpus, in their warrantless wiretapping (supported by a majority of Congress only last week!) and in the continued overriding the will of Congress through signing statements!
Dodd is right, of course. He has been right about many things over the years. I lived in Connecticut for years before moving to New Hampshire, and I voted for him as MY Senator in several elections. His persistance in passing the Family Medical Leave Act in particular was important to me as an activist in women's issues. His support of disadvantaged children and educational reform have long been on his radar screen.
I am currently supporting another candidate in this Presidential primary run, for reasons I have explained elsewhere. But should Dodd be nominated, I would gladly support him. Moreover, I would urge the next President, who will surely be a Democrat, to appoint him to a significant cabinet post if he isn't the nominee himself!