I happen to be a lifelong Democrat. As far as I know, I have never voted for a Republican and, under the current hijacking by the fundies, I never will. I also happen to be fiscally conservative, prolife (not a zealot), in favor of marriage rights for gays, advocate a strong federal government with an equaly robust judicial branch. And, well forgive me -- but I happen to think John Roberts is a good man. Why? His following responses to questions tell me all I need to know:
1) "The right to privacy is protected under the Constitution in various ways. It's protected by the Fourth Amendment which provides that the right of people to be secure in their persons, houses, effects and papers is protected. It's protected under the First Amendment dealing with prohibition on establishment of a religion and guarantee of free exercise. It protects privacy in matters of conscience." There is a SUBSTANTIVE right to privacy too, folks!
- "I do know this: that my faith and my religious beliefs do not play a role in judging. When it comes to judging, I look to the law books and always have. I don't look to the Bible or any other religious source."
- "As a judge, I have no agenda. I have a guide in the Constitution and the laws and the precedents of the court and those are what I would apply with an open mind, after fully and fairly considering the arguments and assessing the considered views of my colleagues on the bench. That's the way I would approach cases in that area as in any other area."
As a judge with little paper trail and an obligation to preserve judicial impartiality and the integrity of the Court, Roberts answered the only way he should or could have. Some Democrats are doing their level best to permanently wreck the balance of power by asking pointed questions in the confirmation process that will compromise that integrity and independence. Wake up Democrats! If and when a real ideologue comes along FIGHT BACK WITH ALL YA GOT! In the meantime, do not deprive the Nation of the gifts of this brilliant lawyer and judge. Justice Roberts may actually make conservatism respectable again. Republicans with a soul and conscience? Now THERE"S a concept. 'Nuff said?