Quite the opposite of an entry on God. Just today I finished "The Nine: Inside the Secrets of the Supreme Court". While not the greatest page-turner, it helped me realize even more who and what really pulls the strings on our marionette nation. The Supreme Court tends to be the branch, most politically saavy individuals turn a blind eye to. Its a body of nine who interpret the constitution of our beloved republic. In reading this book I was able to mold my own constitutional understanding. I find myself drawn to originalist belief which takes the document as it stands. While some believe some aspects are anachronistic (i.e. the second amendment), I retreat to the opinion that if we disregard one, we'll end up disregarding all. People blatantly forget that a lot of our fore fathers hated each other, but they came together to blend philosophy, religion, society, science, economics, and thousands of years of political thought. Our constitution is our law. If we break that law and nothing is done, it gives no credibility to the law. Lawlessness begets lawlessness. While this book tends left I have to say it is a phenomenal read. It highlights the last 11 years of the Rehnquist court and the early Roberts reign. The decisions, the stories, the passion, and the personalities make our high court the most interesting body to study. To hear of Scalia calling Breyer a commie, and Breyer insinuating his colleague a militant nationalist, all the while doing it through note passing during a case makes me laugh. Not to mention Rehnquist's scolding of them as the patriarch of the justices. Vignettes like these give birth to thought that interpreters of our constitution can be ideological counterparts, yet still enjoy each others presence. It gives praise to political stability and our constitution to hear of unlikely friendships. Im a conservative, and I believe its the only way I can approach my life, and it works. That does not mean I think liberalism isn't needed. It is... but within the confines of our constitution (this is why I'm vehemently against universal health care, yet indifferent to gay marriage). Ive seen liberalism work and it does not fit my philosophy to best live my life. If liberals... and conservatives can live within the guard rails of constitutional law, then our society can live peacefully. John Adams once said that, "We are a nation of laws." I am inspired by our new court and even Justice Sotomayor's views. Sure she is left of center, but within the mainstream, but there could be a shake-up. Is she a stealth candidate for the pro-life cause (being the 5th catholic on the bench)? Time will only tell. The court in the 90's represented a rightward shift in regards to religion, responding to the Clinton administration. The early 2000's titlted left in response to the Bush years, before the resigning of O'Conner. So will the stronger right tilt influence Sotomayor... we'll see. But my interest also lies that if the ideologically drawn court will sustain the commradery I read about? Can conservatives, liberals and the moderate Kennedy all co-exist? Ask Mary Matlin and James Carville?
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