Oh, the games people play…
(Did I not say a too often used title?)
There’s a vacancy on the Supreme Court. I really, really hate to say this, but I tend to think that an open seat evokes the worst in us… especially in the establishment, so-to-speak.
On a February of 2016 morning, sitting Justice Antonin Scalia was found unresponsive. He was at a Texas ranch, and reportedly died in his sleep. His death was considered shocking and tragic.
Then Pres. Obama did what all sitting presidents are called to do; he nominated a successor.
The succeeding nominee was D.C. Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Merrick Garland.
The Republicans, who at that time had a majority in the Senate — the confirming body for Supreme Court justices — refused to hold any hearings on the prospect of Garland’s confirmation. Insisting that the next elected president should fill the vacancy (which albeit, seemed a colossal long-shot at the time), they ignored the Garland nomination.
Oh, the games people play…
With the closing of the recent Supreme Court session, Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement. At age 81, the ending of his tenure was not unexpected, as it had been rumored for months.
Then Pres. Trump did what all sitting presidents are called to do; he nominated a successor.
The current, succeeding nominee is Judge Brett Kavanaugh, who also serves on the D.C. Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.
The Democrats, who at this time are a minority in the Senate — rushed to denounce the nomination. In fact, they denounced the nomination before they even knew who it was.
Oh, the games people play…
Friends, I realize this will be one of my more unpopular posts. We are not very fond when a group we identify with or typically support is highlighted as having behaved in an unscrupulous manner. The reality certainly seems as if two men of integrity were/are being opposed by established parties acting with a lack of integrity.
The role of the Supreme Court — the highest federal court in the land — is to determine what is — and is not — constitutional. That’s it. It’s really that simple.
And yet our legislators — on both sides of the aisle — are playing politics with who sits on that court.
Yes, I hear you…
Oh, you don’t understand…
The reason they acted this way is because of ______ [your choice — fill in the blank]…
Yeah, but they did it first…
And the schoolyard retorts remain in full refrain.
Note some of the votes of those before them…
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg, confirmed 96-3…
- John Roberts, confirmed 78-22…
- Sonia Sotomayor, confirmed 68-31…
Many were confirmed unanimously — Scalia and Kennedy included. Certainly, political differences existed, but integrity was still intact.
I desire something better, friends. Something purer. I care less about ideological agreement than about integrity in the process.
Currently, I’m not sure I see that in either established party.
Oh, the games people play…
Now whether or not we can identify more than one of the game players…
Respectfully…
AR