The current members of the United States Supreme Court are:
“Liberals”
- John Paul Stevens, born in 1920, is 88 years old; appointed by Gerald Ford (R).
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg, born in 1933, is 75 years old; appointed by Bill Clinton (D).
- David Hackett Souter, born in 1939, is 68 years old; appointed by George H.W. Bush (R).
- Stephen Gerald Breyer, born in 1938, is 69 years old; appointed by Bill Clinton (D).
“Conservatives”
- Clarence Thomas, born in 1948, is 59 years old; appointed by George H.W. Bush (R).
- Samuel Anthony Alito, born in 1950, is 58 years old; appointed by George W. Bush (R).
- John Glover Roberts, Jr., born in 1955, is 53 years old; appointed by George W. Bush (R).
- Antonin Gregory Scalia, born in 1936, is 72 years old; appointed by Ronald Reagan (R).
“Swing/Conservative”
- Anthony McLeod Kennedy, born in 1936, is 71 years old; appointed by Ronald Reagan (R).
It is possible that the next president could be appointing as many as four replacement justices they get re-elected in 2012. Even more interesting, based on age alone, it is likely that the justices being replaced will be from the more liberal side of the court.
Think on that long and carefully, please. Only two justices appointed by Democrats are left. Do you really want a Supreme Court even more unbalanced than the one we have now?
Hat tip to RaisingKaine’s aznew for starting me thinking along this track.
Now get yourself registered to vote, get active, contribute, get involved, do something.
{ 3 } Comments
Most people focus on the rhetoric that lasts for 24 hours.
Some people focus on the policies that will last for the term of the President, and a bit beyond (until countermanded).
Few people focus on the appointments that could last for decades.
John Aravosis of AMERICAblog says pretty much the same thing in his posting: “Do Hillary supporters care if Roe v. Wade is overturned?”
I’d prefer it if he was a little more conciliatory, but the basic point is real. This is a very serious matter and people need to calm down and really think about who the next President will appoint to the U.S. Supreme Court.
To prove your point…
http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/06/12/breaking-supreme-court-backs-gitmo-detainees-5-4-decision-against-bush-administration/
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