Posted on 07/02/2005 11:37:23 AM PDT by RWR8189
This week marks a historic occasion, not only for the U.S. Supreme Court, but for America -- the retirement announcement of our nation's first female Supreme Court justice. The process in the U.S. Senate for considering her successor should reflect the best of the American judiciary -- not the worst of American politics.
Justice O'Connor has provided a voice of judicial restraint on a number of important issues on which the court was closely divided. Throughout her 24 years on the nation's highest court, Sandra Day O'Connor worked to restore common sense to our criminal justice system and foster due regard for the powers reserved to the states under the Constitution. Thanks to her, victims of crime are more likely to receive justice and inner-city children are no longer constitutionally barred from access to school choice programs. And although I have not always agreed with her rulings, I have always felt a deep and abiding respect for her commitment to public service and reverence for the law.
The announcement of Justice O'Connor's retirement has now set a familiar process in motion. Soon the president will nominate, and the Senate will have the responsibility to consider, an individual to serve a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court. As a senator, I must decide whether to vote to confirm or reject this nomination. This is a responsibility not to be taken lightly.
The president has the sole responsibility to pick his nominee. It is crucial that he do so with an eye toward character and temperament. The nominee must be intelligent and wise, thoughtful and careful, and always fair-minded and impartial. The nominee must have good moral character and demonstrated commitment to public service and the common good. And he or she must be open-minded and willing to consider all arguments before
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Opening salvo. Good work, senator.
Guess he's not on the short list.
Bush will put up a woman or a Hispanic, you think?
Actually, I'd heard that Senator Cornyn was under consideration and I can't say that I mind that . . .
Nice to see pre-emptive action on the part of one Senator.
Senator Cornyn, I hope you realize we're counting on all of you to get this right. Talk to your collegues. Souter's, kennedy's and O'connor's are not permissible. This President has the right to nominate the Justice of his choice, and they have the right to a vote.
No more secret deals behind closed doors with a gang of fourteen is tolerable.
Bush should nominate an undocumented left-handed latina lesbian of color moslem amputee. It's only fair.
Actually, I'd heard that Senator Cornyn was under consideration and I can't say that I mind that . . .
Only, his nomination of Brown would be right in Kennedy's face.
I suppose you are thinking about a certain senator from Utah! Yuck!
I believe Senator Cornyn will be sponsoring 5th ciruit judge and San Antonio native Emilio Garza.
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