I faithfully watched three days of the Senate Committee hearings on Alito. I understand why so many Americans opt out of politics. It is easier to be ignorant of the issues rather than know what your political leaders are doing or not doing on your behalf.
Today, I listened to the senators go through the motions, and I know without a doubt that Alito will be confirmed.
What really bothers me is that this white boy gets to lie his way to the highest judicial job in the land. He ignorred a promise he made to the judiciary committee during his confirmation to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. The Senate Judiciary Committee issued clear instructions to recuse himself when cases come before him that pertained to any of his financial holdings.
What would happen if a newly release convict on probation ignorred the instructions of the court? Can he say that he is not bound because of time limitations? Can he/she dismiss court instructions because leading ethicists of the day interpret the law loosely? I don't think so.
Throughout this hearing Alito was given priveledges and benefits of the doubt that a common man would never receive. It was a mistake. It was an oversight. If I break a law or fail to follow a judge's instructions, it is not an oversight but a punishable offense against society.
Today, a panel of sitting judges vouched for Alito's character. Sen Feingold noted their testimony was a highly usual practise consideiring they are still sitting on the bench with cases possibly reaching him for legal appeal.
The judges seem more interested in perserving a broken system than protecting the rights of ordinary citizens. If no one watched, all the judges were appointed by Republicans Nixon and Bush 41 except one who was appointed by Democrat President Johnson. Today, I saw an affirmative action program in work for white males only.
Alito was given for greater leniency on his record and judicial opinions than the justice he dispensed toward many dispossed plaintifs. Of course, there were a few token blacks and a woman judge summoned before the committee hearings. All these people who spoke on his behalf hadn't worked with him intimately on a daily basis. Some people hadn't worked with him as a professional colleaque in years or decades.
However, these people were considered by the committee as people who knows him well. Folks when your apply for a job, most prospective employeers look for current references within the last 5 years. People do change for the better, and even yes, the worst over time. These people aren't familiar with his judicial temperment or clearly objective in offering an objective recommendation.
Republicans have a habit of appointing mediocre candidadates to the Supreme Court, and then later lying about their creditials and records to the public. Thomas and Roberts are two most recent nominees that come to mind.
I just pray the Republicans get everything they wish for because they deserve what they get. The party will rue the day that they put Roberts and Alito on the court. One day, the public will wake up and realize what the Republicans have done and hold them accountable.
For some reason, Republicans think their majority status is a God given right, never to be take away. No party remains in the majority forever.
And, remember, pay back is a bitch.