I love faith and politics. Both are being challenged by the fight over our next Supreme Court Justice.
The only thing “wrong” with nominee Brett Kavanaugh is that he is not Merrick Garland. The same was true of Neil Gorsuch, the last nominee.
Both Gorsuch and Kavanaugh are conservative Justices, which is appropriate and expected from the current president. Nothing wrong with that. It’s the Senate that frustrates me.
Presidents are to nominate qualified persons to serve on the Supreme Court, and the Senate is constitutionally directed to give or withhold their advice and consent.
Upon the death of conservative Justice Antonin Scalia, then President Obama named Merrick Garland to fill the vacancy. Before that, and before the nation could finish grieving Scalia’s passing, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced that the Senate would not give advice or consent to any nominee of President Obama. There was nearly a year left in Obama’s term as president.
To add insult/hypocrisy to injury, McConnell claimed that Obama, who was following the Constitution, was being improperly “political,” while McConnell, who was not following the Constitution, was guilty of improper partisan politics.
Merrick Garland was clearly qualified for the Supreme Court, as are Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. What’s a democrat to do now? As Annie Oakley said, “Two wrongs don’t make a right.” Given the current “wrong” circumstances, the Senate democrats should do the “right” thing and consent to Kavanaugh’s appointment. He is qualified.
How do we avoid these awful, toxic circumstances of partisan dysfunction in the future?
Firstly, elect only Presidents and Senators with character, honor and integrity, who will do what is right for the country and constitution, over partisan politics.
Secondly, amend the US Constitution as follows:
Require president and congress to serve as non-partisan officials, elected by partisan political elections, but serving all the voters after election, in a non-partisan capacity. They do not need to change any of their beliefs, but they need to serve/represent everyone, not just their partisan supporters.
Require two-thirds, of the Senate members present, for advice and consent, which shall be deemed waived, if the Senate does not provide one or the other.
Set 12-year term limits on all federal justices and judges.
Each of these amendments is guaranteed to eliminate or reduce the partisan political abuse of constitutional responsibilities by President or Senate. Any or all them will help restore my faith, and make our politics better.
Did I mention that I love faith and politics?