By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
Despite an enormous public outcry, the U.S. Senate confirmed the nomination of David Ogden as second in command at the Department of Justice, a man who devoted his career to defending pornography and fighting pro-life laws.
Ogden has represented both Playboy and Penthouse and has advocated for the ‘right’ of individuals including pedophiles to purchase and possess child pornography. He also fought against internet filters in public libraries. On the abortion issue, he is equally extreme, having fought (unsuccessfully) to defeat parental notification for minor’s abortions.
In spite of this radical record, the Senate confirmed the nomination yesterday by a vote of 65-28. Republicans cast all of the “nay” votes with the exception of Pennsylvania’s Democratic Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. who also voted against Ogden.
During floor debates on the nomination, Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) said Ogden “is more than just a lawyer who has had a few unsavory clients. He has devoted a substantial part of his career, case after case, for 20 years, in defense of pornography.”
Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) agreed, saying he was “alarmed” by a nominee for such a high post in the Justice Department “who has repeatedly represented the pornography industry and its interests.”
Ogden tried to defend himself during hearings, urging lawmakers not to judge him by arguments he made on behalf of clients in the past.
“Child pornography is abhorrent,” Ogden said at one point during the hearings. “Issues of children and families have always been of great importance to me.”
The porn industry could not be more pleased. According to an article by Cathy Ruse at the Family Research Center, XBiz, a leading “adult” newswire, called Ogden a “strong pick,” and porn attorney Colin Hardacre of Los Angeles said Ogden’s nomination is “a good sign for the adult industry.”
To see how your Senator voted:
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=111&session=1&vote=00097#statestate
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