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September 14, 2005
Supreme Court Hearings
After thinking long and hard about the John Roberts hearings (ya know, the guy nominated for the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?), I have this to say:
YAWN.
That yawn is not even worthy of an exclamation point. The problem is that the Supreme Court is SO BORING. I mean, they're old, practically unimpeachable, and very, very solemn. Come to think of it, even the ABC network and Sally Fields couldn't make the Supreme Court interesting.
Which is all very sad, because the Supreme Court is so important. So very, very important. But honestly, I tried to listen to an audiocast of a Supreme Court hearing and just about fell asleep at the wheel. It's lucky we have people like Mr. Bad Apologies to get enthused about this branch of government for us.
Now this is what a confirmation hearing should be like.
I look to Mr. Fliven for confirmation of my point.
Comments
OMG, I found the thing enthralling! I streamed it all day! Right to privacy! Legislative Branch's autonomy to shelter certain subject matter from judicial review! Stari Decisis. STARI DECISIS!
Posted by: Mr. Bad Apologies at September 14, 2005 01:23 AM
In a shocking turn of events I have also been listening to the hearings during the work day. Who would have guessed. I admit I don't understand most of what is said, but I do get the impression that Roberts isn't a crazy conservative. Then again I might have missed the part where he outted himself.
Posted by: La at September 14, 2005 07:32 AM
I have to admit that I too have watched the hearings with a touch of enthusiasm. The dynamics between the Senators (rhetoric machines) digging into Roberts (clearly an excellent lawyer) to get to the *dirt* was fantastic.
My oppinion? Nominating Roberts may be the one good move the Bush Administration makes. Go figure.
(I reserve the right to change my mind, of course)
Posted by: mandy at September 14, 2005 09:38 AM
It's not just that they are boring (I'll take your word for it, I haven't been streaming at work), it's partly that my quota for political/governmental American passion is still largely absorbed by Katrina. Stories still emerging through the media and from my friend M consume my thoughts.
And in the end, I feel totally powerless over the Supreme Court decision anyway. I don't even HAVE voting representation in the legislative branch, and it's pretty clear the executive branch could care less about us D.C. residents as well. Why should I expect some hope from the judicial branch? I'll save my energy for the local level, and if the Supreme Court starts taking away my civil rights, then I will just move to Europe, and strive for better there. I probably will anyway, and hopefully before the federal/local government has a chance to show their ineptness again in the face of a major emergency situation in D.C.
Posted by: Red at September 14, 2005 12:22 PM
I've found it boring to listen to, but interesting when it's liveblogged. SCOTUSblog (http://www.scotusblog.com/movabletype/) has, in my opinion, the best coverage. It also includes editorial comments from the blogger that make it more interesting to read, like these entries from yesterday's hearing:
"12:23 - Biden is talking about "tacit postulates." (At some point, the Gang of 14 will decide this is an improper filibuster.)"
"7:31 - Durbin asks whether the Reagan Administration's position in Bob Jones was correct. Roberts says no, it was the wrong position. (This is a rare moment of clarity.)"
Posted by: Flounder at September 14, 2005 02:28 PM
