David Halperin, Director of Campus Progress, delivered remarks at today’s rally at the Capitol against the filibuster, led by students from Princeton who had been filibustering on their campus for two weeks and arrived in DC yesterday. Other speakers were Senators Jon Corzine and Chuck Schumer, Reps. Rush Holt and Frank Pallone, and Ralph Neas of People for the American Way. Here’s what David said:

Thank you for inviting me to your filibuster. I’ve brought along a classic to read:

Four cups chopped porcini mushrooms.

This is an old recipe from Strom Thurmond.

I’m glad to be here with my friend Ralph Neas and with all of you. I thank Sens. Corzine & Schumer & Cong. Holt & Pallone. I’m especially honored to be with you students. On behalf of Campus Progress and the Center for American Progress, I want to say: Thank you, students, for standing up for our democracy.

Thank you, students, for standing up against extremist judges who would weaken our Constitution. Who would undermine the principles of our Founding Fathers. Who would go against equal opportunity. And privacy. And the environment. And common sense.

We launched Campus Progress 12 weeks ago, and from our CampusProgress.org website to our student publications to our speaking events, the best things we’ve been associated with are not efforts that originated in our office. They’re initiatives that started with young people themselves.

These students have been filibustering for more than 2 weeks. These students have juggled their final papers and exams to teach us all a lesson: People, including young people, have the power, if they are determined, to rise above all the professional talking heads and make their voices heard.

It’s up to the rest of us to heed the message of these extraordinary students and stand up for justice. Give the minority side a say in the process, because our courts belong to all Americans. Keep the checks and balances that prevent abuse of power. Confirm presidential nominees in the mainstream, but draw the line at extremists who stand against our traditions. Abandon the dangerous nuclear option and protect our Constitution.

As always, check up on all the newest action at the Princeton Progressive Review's site.