USA
 

Triangle Foundation joins other leaders from the civil rights community in expressing outrage at the "recess appointment" of Charles Pickering, Sr. to the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. His record in public service indicates a troubling history of racism, published anti-gay opinions, anti-choice activism and opposition to equal access to fundamental American institutions, such as the right to vote.

"George Bush's 'recess appointment' of Pickering is more than political appeasement to his hard right-wing base," said Jeffrey Montgomery, Executive Director of Triangle Foundation. "It's a subversive move that undermines the Constitutional role of the United States Senate's advise and consent duty in the consideration of judicial appointments.  This latest chapter in the ongoing Pickering affair also exposes Bush's blind insensitivity to racial tensions in America."

"A year ago on Martin Luther King Day Bush announced is opposition to affirmative action; this year on King's birthday he installed Pickering on the Federal bench. Pickering's record is one of an anti-
integrationist, and of hostility to civil rights in general. Making the appointment in the midst of the country's celebration of Dr. King's legacy is not ironic; it is insulting, cynical and arrogant," Montgomery continued.   

"We remain opposed to a Federal judgeship for Pickering and call on George Bush to be more responsible and less divisive in exercising his privilege to appoint," Montgomery concluded.

Triangle Foundation is Michigan's leading anti-violence, civil rights advocacy organization working for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people throughout the state.

20 January 2004