A scary Specter
According to recent news releases, the recently re-elected Senator for Pennsylvania, Arlen Specter, may be the next chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Such a selection could well undo much of the progress that was made, and cripple the efforts of those who seek a strict constructionist judiciary, however.
Personally, I don't think it's unreasonable to ask that Justices appointed to our highest court to interpret our nation's constitution, do just that: interpret it, and interpret it as it is written, not as they may wish it was written.
Senator Specter, on the other hand, has indicated by his past words and actions that he will impose a litmus test to prevent conservative nominees, such as Robert Bork, from being ever getting past the judiciary committee. In describing himself, Specter said: "I would characterize myself as moderate; I'm in the political swim. I would look for justices who would interpret the Constitution, as Cardozo has said, reflecting the values of the people."
Whatever does that mean? "Reflecting the values of the people" - wait a sec, Arlen, didn't you just say you would look for justices who would interpret the Constitution? Does that mean the Constitution is a "living" document, which easily warps to appease the will of the majority?
If men like Arlen Specter continue to get their way, as they have for much of the past century, our Constitution will soon be little more than a hollow document, echoing the whims of whomever it is currently manipulated by. The ramifications of diluting our seminal document like this are scary.
Hopefully the Senate Republicans not be bullied by one of the leftist members of the party, will stand up for those who laid down their lives for this nation, and will choose a judiciary chairman who supports the constitution, and will not denigrate its authority.
Personally, I don't think it's unreasonable to ask that Justices appointed to our highest court to interpret our nation's constitution, do just that: interpret it, and interpret it as it is written, not as they may wish it was written.
Senator Specter, on the other hand, has indicated by his past words and actions that he will impose a litmus test to prevent conservative nominees, such as Robert Bork, from being ever getting past the judiciary committee. In describing himself, Specter said: "I would characterize myself as moderate; I'm in the political swim. I would look for justices who would interpret the Constitution, as Cardozo has said, reflecting the values of the people."
Whatever does that mean? "Reflecting the values of the people" - wait a sec, Arlen, didn't you just say you would look for justices who would interpret the Constitution? Does that mean the Constitution is a "living" document, which easily warps to appease the will of the majority?
If men like Arlen Specter continue to get their way, as they have for much of the past century, our Constitution will soon be little more than a hollow document, echoing the whims of whomever it is currently manipulated by. The ramifications of diluting our seminal document like this are scary.
Hopefully the Senate Republicans not be bullied by one of the leftist members of the party, will stand up for those who laid down their lives for this nation, and will choose a judiciary chairman who supports the constitution, and will not denigrate its authority.
posted by jph | 9:46 AM
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