In God We Trust!

In retrospect, it almost seems prophetic that only one day after Supreme Court nominee John Roberts stated in his confirmation hearings that a judge should not legislate from the bench (I paraphrase), another judge did just that.  U.S. District Judge Lawrence Karlton ruled that saying the pledge in public schools is unconstitutional - primarily because of the phrase "under God.".

 

Maybe he was trying to get his last ups before the rules started getting enforced again.  Because, what is actually unconstitutional is a judge making a law, which is what this man did.  It's ridiculous.  It's abhorrent.  Fortunately...it also won't stand!  The line has finally been crossed...brace yourselves for the storm about to hit.  The people of this country will not let this ruling survive.  It's one thing to take away their homes...that's bad enough.  It's another thing to take away their right to publicly affirm their belief in God.  Ultra left-wing liberal fanaticism and societal mass-intimidation has just peaked, my friends, and I'd say it's days are now numbered.

 

We need the extremes in this country, both left and right, because they help us maintain our focus.  Most of what we have regarding laws are the products of hard-fought compromise.  I remember a friend in 7th grade who wouldn't say the pledge because he was a Jehovah's witness.  Fine - that was his choice and right.  At least he stood out of respect for the rest of us.

 

Please read my posting from December 15, 2004.  What's old is new again!

 

Oh, and I hope Michael Newdow got paid in chickens or something for his legal services, because I'd hate to offend his sensibilities by forcing him to take money emblazoned with such a blatantly coercive slogan as "In God We Trust." 

 

September 11, 2001

REMEMBER!

Rehnquist's Legacy

Those of us who have lost parents can appreciate what Chief Justice Rehnquist's family is going through. My thought's and prayers go out to them during this time of mourning. His death is also loss for the nation. Since 1969 from the US Attorney General's office, to the supreme court beginning in 1972, the Chief Justice's family shared him with the nation. For this, I am grateful. He was a champion of judicial restraint in a time of increasing activism in his own, and lower courts. His candidness and direct approach on the Supreme Court's rulings will be missed by the country.

His loss creates not just a second vacancy on the court, but actually, also a third. President Bush now has to fill two Associate Justice positions, and the vacancy left by Chief Justice Rehnquist. While he could nominate someone from outside the court directly as Chief Justice, filling two positions at once, I believe he should, and will nominate from within. While this will present the nation with months of speculation, nominations and, finally, three confirmation hearings, I believe it is the right approach.

The best way to honor Chief Justice Rehnquist's judicial legacy is to fill his vacancy with someone who shares his view of the constitution and the court's role. To do this, President Bush need look no further than Associate Justices Thomas and Scalia. This nomination should occur first, and quickly, as the president suggested in his press conference this morning. It would be neither imprudent nor inappropriate for the Senate to conduct confirmation hearings for a new Chief Justice nominated from within before conducting the confirmation hearings for John Roberts or a second Associate Justice.

I am in the middle of reading Mark R. Levin's book, "Men in Black." If you haven't read it yet, you should. If you haven't heard of it, find out here. I can't say I agree with every one of his interpretations on the Supreme Court's rulings, but his basic premise is hard to dispute - judicial activism is leading the Supreme Court away from the role intended by the founders. Throughout the book, Justice Rehnquist's opinions are referenced as examples of a judicial originailism and restraint. He was a voice or reason and will be missed by a grateful nation.

RIP: Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist

Chief Justice William H. Renquist, who served on the Supreme Court for almost 34 years, passed away this evening at 80 after a long struggle with cancer. During his tenure, he was involved in many landmark cases and helped shape the current face of the court. Frequently, he was among a conservative minority trying to stem the tide of judicial excess. He was surrounded by his three children when he passed away.

Links:

Michelle Malkin
Fox News
New York Times

In Katrina's Wake

For the past few days, I have been watching, listening and reading the reports of the damage and loss in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.  To say I am saddened and shocked is an understatement.  There is absolutely nothing I can use as a basis for comparison in my own life.  It actually hurts to watch.

My heart goes out to all the victims and survivors.  My prayers are with them and the rescue workers as they struggle try to put their lives back into some semblance of order.

Please, to anyone who reads this if you're interested in helping, please do it smartly.  I was reading the on the Red Cross web site that "in-kind" donations must actually be handled carefully in order to not overwhelm relief workers and make sure they get to their intended recipients.  Who would have thought - but it makes sense.  Check out the following link.

About Donating Goods to the Red Cross for Areas Impacted by Hurricane Katrina

If you see a a call for in-kind donations, please check to make sure that they have their own distribution structure in place, or have linked with a local one prepared to receive and distribute the goods.

Gifts of cash can be made at:  Red Cross Online Donation Form - be sure to select "Hurricane 2005 Relief" from the box to target your gift.

I haven't heard anything yet about blood donations in response, but if you do, I encourage you to donate.  It is an often overlooked resource, and often in short supply.  I have been donating blood for 22 years and find it very rewarding.

My best to all of you, and keep the people affected by Katrina in your thoughts.