Judicial Nominations
July 29, 2004
Reason: Call your respective Senators at
the Capitol Switchboard (202-224-3121), and urge them to vote
against Claude Allen nominated for the United States Court
of Appeals, Fourth Circuit.
Issue: President Bush nominated Claude Allen
on April 28, 2003 , and renominated him for the United States
Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit, on January 20, 2004 . The
Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing regarding Claude
Allen on July 8, 2004 and thus, decided not to vote until political
concerns could be resolved. Claude Allen demonstrates a troubling
lack of regard for the law in favor of pursuing personal ideologies
that are hostile to fundamental rights. The Fourth Circuit
Court of Appeals consists of Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia,
North Carolina, and South Carolina.
The Allen Record: It is within the power
of the federal judiciary to enforce the United States civil
rights laws and to protect equal rights for all its citizens.
Claude Allen has exhibited a marked hostility not only to civil
rights, but also to the core constitutional values that uphold
equality for all Americans. Claude Allen's disturbing record
includes support for Jesse Helms' position against extending
the Voting Rights Act (1984), and defending, at that time,
Helm's racist fundraising efforts. In Gingles v. Edmisten ,
a three-judge panel cited the Helms campaign as an illustration
of how racism continued to flourish in North Carolina politics.
Additionally, Mr. Allen's work as Virginia's Secretary of Health
is indicative of insensitivity toward some of America's most
needy populations. This record reflects profound indifference
to NASW priorities as well as manifests extremist views that
would undermine individual liberties and freedoms.
Social Work Action: NASW believes in equity
and balance in the United States judicial system. Claude Allen's
record is one of intolerance, indifference, and even disdain
concerning the principles of civil rights. Moreover, Allen's
work as campaign spokesperson for Helms and Virginia's Secretary
of Health underscore a lack of commitment to core constitutional
values and to sustaining equal rights for all Americans. Claude
Allen has not demonstrated in public policy nor program action,
that he is sincere about reaching out to Americans with dissimilar
views. His immoderate positions should disqualify him from
serious consideration for any federal circuit, much less the
Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Americans require equanimity
and adherence to the principles of Democracy for officers of
the courts. In view of such, please call, write, or
e-mail your Senators and urge them to oppose confirmation of
Claude Allen to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Contact: Lawrence Moore, III at 202-336-8289. |
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