Whither the republic
Reuters reports that SCOTUS nominee Sam Alito has picked up the endorsement of PA's Arlen Specter, chair of the judiciary committee. If a nominee who threatens the very balance of powers that is the foundation of our system does not get people to stand up, then the republic itself is in serious danger.So much for Specter's oath to uphold the Constitution.
With the Republicans on the march, blasting the Democrats for being big meanies and giving little Sammy a swirley, Kathleen Reardon foresees the dangerous new ground we are treading:
Of course questions should be asked -- and they should be tough ones. Judge Alito's entire career revolves around questioning. If he can't deal with them competently and persuasively, he shouldn't be on the Supreme Court.
A cult of no criticism is emerging in Washington, evidenced once again at the Alito hearings. It's like an invisible bubble contrived to protect the White House and most Republicans from challenges. I'm to some extent reminded of my father's view of the presidency -- "Respect the office if not the man." But I have no recollection of hearing "And don't ever question or you'll be rightly demeaned and denounced for aiding the country's enemies."
If the American people and a free press demure from questions and are suckered by baseless claims of incivility, democracy will be undermined and the path for extensive power abuses will surely be paved.
posted by Kinder Gentler Little Man @ 8:29 PM
3 Comments:
I was, as a woman, offended and angry that Alitos wife left the room in in tears. A lovely front page photo USA Today. I wanted to slap her. It's no wonder people think woman are to "emotional" to be President. SHE wasn't even under fire and broke down in tears. URG
The Repugnantcans, and especially Lindsey Graham, totally exploited that situation. She actually started crying when Graham was talking about how terrible it must have been for his family to have to go through it. Later it was Graham who said that the Democrats were calling Alito a "bigot", which was a total line of bull.
I'd expect this from Tom "ripped from the womb" Coburn or John "civil liberties doesn't matter when you're dead" Cornyn, but it's disappointing that it came from Graham. He actually can be a reasonable Republican, particularly on privacy issues.
"Civil liberties don't matter when you're dead." My poor english. Actually, I edited myself into that poor grammar.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home