Why is it that every president of the US who has been fortunate to nominate somebody to the highest court in the land drawn so much attention and fanfare?
This has been one glorious week for President Obama on the politcal front. No matter how many days it has been, President Obama is by all counts surpassing the expectations of the status quo. So, I won't complain!
The victorious nomination of Kathleen Sebelius for the position of US Human and Health Secretary was almost predictable, but the time it took was ridiculous. Then Alan Spector abandoned the Republican ship and that caught everybody in a surprising tailspin and infuriorated Rush Limbaugh. We know we love it when this happens.
THEN by complete surprise, Supreme Court Justice David Souter announced he will retire from the bench of the most prestigious keeper of the land! OMG! I don't think we could take another surprise for at least another 100 days, except if it's news that we are no longer in a recession in which case I would be driving to splurge on breakfast at the IHOP and not frying my own eggs and being careful not to leave any yoke attached to the shell.
When I heard about the pending retirement of Justice Souter, I became immediately excited for President Obama AND Michelle (First Lady). YOU just know she will be helping to find the perfect candidate. I am still trying to comb through my mental cliff notes to see if Michelle herself could vye for the seat. Let me know, please.
So, when I think of the ultimate accomplishment of having to decide who to pick and what that will mean in maintaining or tilting the (in this case maintain) balance of the court, Supreme Court Justice Souter's retirement could not have come sooner. Now, I learned in poli sci /law classes that the Supreme Court Justices take that bench very, very seriously. They are extremely loyal and committed for the lifetime appointment. We know they are meticulous with their opinions and we know that Clarence Thomas was appointed for coloring the bench.
I remembered something else my professor told our class and that was that a Supreme Court Justice will never, ever retire by choice if there is a bad president in office. He called it the Supreme checks and balance. Hmmm.
So, I immediately began smiling that Supreme Court Justice felt absolutely confident in throwing in his robe after just 100 days of President Obama's leadership and he had no desire to leave under Bush's helm. To me that says a whole lot!
Now, President Obama has the power to further decorate the bench and align it with his progressive ideals for the country and I am confident it won't be all the hokey-pokey sillyness as the Clarence Thomas Senate Hearings. President Obama will enjoy going in the history books as the first African-American President to ever nominate a Supreme Court Justice. His choice will be celebrated like no other just because of that. President Obama has demonstrated that he has the intelligence and instinct to find people who are extremely qualified for the position, but for whatever reason, they would not have otherwise been considered for the job. There is a US justice out there who will be transforming his or her dreams, fantasies, etc. into prophetic destiny.
Ok, so who do I think the Obama's will come up with for a nomination?
I have to wait and see who is out there and who they pick from, but my hunch tells me she will be black descent! (Teehee).
Posted By: agnes levine
Friday, May 1st 2009 at 11:44AM
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