Let the Sunstein In
By Prescott Carlson in News on Jul 22, 2009 7:15PM
Photo via U of C
Sunstein, who was lured away from U of C last year by Harvard Law School (although he does still teach there as a Harry Kalven Visiting Professor), is an animal rights supporter and Cornyn is worried Sunstein will bring those views to his White House position and try to "push a radical animal rights agenda" that could add more regulation to agriculture and hunting:
"Sen. Cornyn finds numerous aspects of Mr. Sunstein's record troubling, specifically the fact that he wants to establish legal 'rights' for livestock, wildlife and pets, which would enable animals to file lawsuits in American courts," the Republican's spokesman, Kevin McLaughlin, said in a statement to FOXNews.com.
Cornyn became concerned after reading a 2007 speech made by Sunstein, where he stated that he "advocated restricting animal testing for cosmetics, banning hunting and encouraging the general public to eat less meat." The Senator, from Texas, where they know a thing or two about guns and eating meat, says these statements make the cattlemen and gun rights advocates in his state "nervous," and says he won't lift the hold until he can have a "one-on-one" session with Sunstein to discuss the professor's views and is convinced he won't act to harm Texas constituents (and presumably lobbyists).
Sunstein's appointment was previously held up by Georgia Senator Saxby Chambliss for nearly the identical reason, but Chambliss removed his hold after he was assured Sunstein "'would not take any steps to promote litigation on behalf of animals,' and that he believes the 'Second Amendment creates an individual right to possess guns for purposes of both hunting and self defense.'"
(Headline via Chicagoist Editor Emeritus Margaret Lyons)