I thank you in advance for listening. It is my sincere wish that you and the other esteemed members of the Judiciary Committee block the nomination of Mr. Alito. Although it seems clear that he is a level headed, down to earth man and an effective judge, it is much too troubling to have to guess his position on matters that will affect my life and the lives of generations to come. This is a position on the Supreme Court not a condo association board. We pay taxes in order to finance a better system of governance...not a mystery theatre production. I think it's shameful when these nominees get an ugly grilling at the hands of grandstanding senators but I think it's much more shameful to have an ambiguous and possibly deceitful choice nominated because he was agreeable, qualified and spun onto the Supreme Court of the United States of America through a marketing campaign...not a judicial nomination process. In light of the effort to keep the public in the dark about who this nominee really is I fully support a filibuster if that's necessary. I sincerely appreciate what a challenge these matters have become for you folks and I thank you for taking on a tough mission. I also hope and pray that the American people still hold some sway over the hearts and minds of our elected officials, especially regarding matters as serious as this one. Our President seems to have lost interest in the common good of our nation and what most of us believe democracy truly stands for. Please don't follow him down that road. I apologize for any offense caused by my frustration and sincerely wish you the best.                         Sincerely, Don Conoscenti / Chicago IL  1-17-06