Who is John G. Roberts, do you know?
With all the talk about Supreme Court judicial nominee John G. Roberts Jr. one has to wonder what do we really know about Roberts? For starters we do know that Roberts is a Conservative with an impressive resume, working for the Regan administration in the White House Counsel’s Office from 1982 to 1986. Roberts also served as Deputy Solicitor General under George H.W. Bush from 1989 through 1993. It has been said that Roberts is exceptionally liked by many Democrats and Republicans alike, but will and should he make it through confirmation hearings?
In preparation for the September 6 hearings Democrats have decided to focus their attention on the issue of document disclosure. Just recently the Bush Administration announced that it will not release Roberts’s federal tax returns or papers from his time as Deputy Solicitor. While the issue of document disclosure raises a red flag, Democrats should also take a close look at Roberts’ opinions regarding other controversial issues, such as abortion and civil rights, that will likely resurface to the Supreme Court. It was reported in the San Jose Mercury News that in December the new justice will hear arguments regarding Ayotte vs. Planned Parenthood, a parental notification case. If confirmed Roberts will probably be the deciding vote, which potentially could change a womens’ right to choose.
Careful scrutiny of Roberts’ political beliefs and core values is extremely important. With another conservative possibly joining the bench alongside staunch conservatives’ Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, it is hard to imagine that the pendulum will not swing more to the right of American mainstream values. The stakes are high. Clearly President Bush wants a candidate that aligns with his political and social agenda, and can further his conservative legacy long after he leaves office.
As our country debates controversial issues like pro-life, prayer in school, and federal restrictions on stem cell research, we also need to keep an eye on present and future presidential Supreme Court appointments because Supreme Court decisions do affect our individual lives, our freedoms and our future.
UPDATE: AUGUST 31, 2005 NAACP OFFICIALLY OPPOSES JOHN ROBERTS NOMINATION
With all the talk about Supreme Court judicial nominee John G. Roberts Jr. one has to wonder what do we really know about Roberts? For starters we do know that Roberts is a Conservative with an impressive resume, working for the Regan administration in the White House Counsel’s Office from 1982 to 1986. Roberts also served as Deputy Solicitor General under George H.W. Bush from 1989 through 1993. It has been said that Roberts is exceptionally liked by many Democrats and Republicans alike, but will and should he make it through confirmation hearings?
In preparation for the September 6 hearings Democrats have decided to focus their attention on the issue of document disclosure. Just recently the Bush Administration announced that it will not release Roberts’s federal tax returns or papers from his time as Deputy Solicitor. While the issue of document disclosure raises a red flag, Democrats should also take a close look at Roberts’ opinions regarding other controversial issues, such as abortion and civil rights, that will likely resurface to the Supreme Court. It was reported in the San Jose Mercury News that in December the new justice will hear arguments regarding Ayotte vs. Planned Parenthood, a parental notification case. If confirmed Roberts will probably be the deciding vote, which potentially could change a womens’ right to choose.
Careful scrutiny of Roberts’ political beliefs and core values is extremely important. With another conservative possibly joining the bench alongside staunch conservatives’ Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, it is hard to imagine that the pendulum will not swing more to the right of American mainstream values. The stakes are high. Clearly President Bush wants a candidate that aligns with his political and social agenda, and can further his conservative legacy long after he leaves office.
As our country debates controversial issues like pro-life, prayer in school, and federal restrictions on stem cell research, we also need to keep an eye on present and future presidential Supreme Court appointments because Supreme Court decisions do affect our individual lives, our freedoms and our future.
UPDATE: AUGUST 31, 2005 NAACP OFFICIALLY OPPOSES JOHN ROBERTS NOMINATION
posted by San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP @ 8:25 AM
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