Talking Points? I get a lump in my throat every time I write them...

It seems I've been mistaken for George Lakoff(come on guys, you know the sorts of things involving elephants that I advise against-thinking is the LEAST of them) and some basic facts on John Roberts have been requested. Here's my best shot:

First off, a better man and better journalist has some information on Roberts' ideas on Roe v. Wade. A good quote to memorize and repeat-

"Roe was wrongly decided and should be overruled. [T]he Court's conclusion in Roe that there is a fundamental right to an abortion," argued Roberts, "finds no support in the text, structure, or history of the Constitution."

Second, Roberts is enough of a mystery to everyone that conservative groups are worried that we could have another Souter on our hands. Another Souter would be a good thing, but it's not going to happen. I imagine that this is actually a plant story devised to make people like us feel better and not ask that many questions.

Third, it's less important that WE know all about Roberts now than it is that our Senators actually do their job and grill the hell out of him during his confirmation hearings. Groups exist with the intent of convincing the public and the Senate that the questioning should be limited in scope. This is simply unacceptable. It was a good thing that Ted Kennedy destroyed Robert Bork back in the 80s, and if Roberts has a record that deserves a repeat of that, it should happen. Call your Senators and remind them-now.

Third, here's his profile on Findlaw.com. It doesn't tell much, but at least it hasn't been spoon-fed to us. Better yet, here's the PFAW preliminary report on him. You should be able to make your own favorite bulle points with this.

Fourth, I don't have a clue, but read this article from Alternet because it's good and written by a much bigger insider than myself.

Hope this helps, and don't forget to call your Senators, even if they're not on the Judiciary Committee. You can find their phone numbers here. CALL THEM!