A Jurist for the Future, For Sure

The Senate confirmation hearings are now underway for future Chief Justice Roberts. It is theatre but a purposeful and powerful play nonetheless. Do the elected officials in the Senate do a service to our separation of powers by asserting that Judge Roberts must share his views on controversial issues that are divisive even among constitutional law scholars?

Consider that by requiring Judge Roberts to disclose his positions on sensitive issues that we weaken the balance of power that separates our nation from most others in the world. A jurist should not be popularity seeking, nor politically correct. Rather, that person must undertake a solemn duty to uphold the law, regardless of whether elected officials agree or disagree.

We only know that Judge Roberts is a man of the future, fore sure as he will be appointed for life. Let us hope that his brilliance will illuminate and brighten the land of the free to ensure free and fair elections available to all voters, to ensure that our nation follow the rule of law in the international community and that we continue to allow the first amendment to strengthen our democracy. What he has advocated in the past may foreshadow his opinions on controversial areas of the law, but the role of a judge is different than a lawyer. We can lay our hope on that distinction, fore sure.

Update 9.29.05

Judge Roberts is confirmed as Chief Judge of the United States Supreme Court. Let us hope and pray for a justice for the people.

Do You think that Mike Hatch is the person for the Job?

Mike Hatch is running for Governor. This, of course, is no surprise. Those in the know have stated that Mr. Hatch has been running for several years through his efforts to garner publicity in the name of consumer rights.

Let’s be clear about one thing. It is a rare person that is seeking political office if not for power. It happens that Mike Hatch has a passion for consumer rights and it would not be a bad thing to have that change in our state’s highest office-even if there might be some of the power seeking thing going on.

At least the average person will have more of a voice with Mike Hatch as Governor, that’s for sure.

The High Cost of Oil

The paper today ran an article predicting that heating costs here in the Midwest will be 30% higher than last year.

Who will be paying for this? Who will be unable to pay their heating bill? Can the power company cut off your heat if you do not pay the bill? Give them a call so you know your rights, or it could be a very cold winter.

Senate to Commence Roberts Hearing 9.12.05

The Senate today begun the process of examining the President’s appointment of John Roberts as the next Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Let us hope that this confirmation process elicits sufficient candor from the nominee such that the “advice and consent” of the Senate is meaningful.

For more information, check out this site:People for the American Way.

Bob Christensen