I don't exactly agree with his politics but I like Chief Justice John Roberts and his demeanor.
This Alito guy, however, scares me.
However, I digress.
I've been watching much of the hearings and this guy comes across as arrogant, flippant and disrepectful of the court and position that he was applying for. He cocks his head and appears to be staring down the Senators with his beady little eyes.
The reason that I say these things is that It seemed to me as if he thought his approval vote was a given. I want to see him act a little more humbled by this nomination instead of coming off so cold and arrogant.
I especially do not like Alito's views on seeming to want to increase the power of the Executive. I believe that the Executive has enough power as it is.
Alito has also said that he would "keep an open mind" about roe v. wade but that doesn't give me much comfort that he would uphold the settled law of Roe. Anyone can say that they would have an "open mind" about ANYTHING but that doesn't mean that they will uphold settled law and that terrifies me.
He wouldn't, however, say that Roe was settled law nor would he say that the Constitution guarantees a woman's right to choose an abortion even though the Constitution guarantees the right to privacy. Nor does the Constitution allow for someone to force their religious and moral beliefs upon another person. Some might say, "Well pro-choice folks then too don't have the right to force abortion upon me!" To which I say, "For one, Roe has been settled law for 30 some years and if you don't like abortion then don't have one!!
Anyway, Alito's reasoning behind this was because it might come before the court. However, he would say how he would rule on other issues such as those regarding the commerce clause.
Hmmmm.
All of this knowing that he said he was "particularly proud" of his earlier work for the [justice] department in arguing that "the Constitution does not protect a right to an abortion." Senator Schumer brought up a great point in asking why he seemingly doesn't agree that there are any mitigating circumstances for allowing abortion such as rape, incest, health of the mother, etc.
His answers were not answers at all. He just filibustered around until he exhausted Schumer.
I want a judge that will fill the role of the moderate conservative Judge Sandra Day O'Connor and I do not feel that Alito as moderate as O'Connor in the least.
I got the feeling that I am listening to Tony Soprano's lead legal council.
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3 comments:
I hear ya, James. I haven't been able to follow the hearings, but from what I have heard pre-hearings and read, this guy gives me the willys.
To add to what you have written, Alito doens't believe in "One person, One vote"! I cannot understand this! If Alito had his way, congressional districts wouldn't have to have near-equal populations when they are apportioned. We would be back to the very bad old days when the congress was fully and easily rigged and democracy was seriously comprimised.
Tom: Yeah, the "one person, one vote" stand scares me to death as well. Especially given the controversial nature of elections over the last 5-6 years.
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