Last week the Democrats introduced nine bills, including bills to lower gas prices, reduce the cost of health care and help veterans. If the nuclear option becomes a reality, the Democrats, rather than deferring to the Republican legislative wish list, will insist these new bills be voted up or down.

This is not bringing Senate business to a standstill. This is a matter of ending deference. These bills are not obstuctionist measures. They are bills on issues the Democrats care deeply about, but would normally be on the back burner or introduced as amendments to other bills because the party in power usually sets the agenda.

If the Republicans want to continue to set the legislative agenda in Congress, they can forego the nuclear option and business will proceed as usual.

The Democrats, and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid in particular, are wise and well within their rights to stand firm on the right to filibuster extremist judicial nominations. It has been an option in this country for 217 years. It is essential to our system of checks and balances.

All 45 Democratic Senators are firmly behind the right to filibuster. Some Republicans are on board as well. Senator John McCain is one. We need to reach out to other principled Republicans, so that Sen. Frist will see the folly of his ways and not insist on a nuclear option vote.

Now is the time to let your Republican Senators know that you, as a constituent, oppose the nuclear option. Call or write your Senator and tell him or her. You can quickly call any of your Senators through the Senate switchboard operator, (202) 224-3121.

But first and foremost, help dispel the myth. The Democrats are not threatening to bring the Senate to a standstill. They will no longer show deference to the Republican legislative agenda and instead will seek hearings and votes on their own bills.

Update: Other takes on the conference call: Chris Bowers at MyDD; Ben at Al Franken's blog on AirAmericaRadio; Armando at Daily Kos;