Law Abiding We Are

Today President Bush spoke before the Federalist Society during their conference on The Presidency and the Courts. Familiar with his public speaking skills and the courts I had to listen in.

He led off with some remarks about the economy. It's strong and resilient. The American workers are working hard to pull it through.

Then he read gave his speech. He reminded the staunch conservatives in attendance of his success in nominating over 1/3 of the current active federal judges including two to the Supreme Court. He brought up unpopular court decisions such as Boumediene v. Bush where the Supreme Court said terrorists had the same rights as U.S. citizens. (Note: If you check the U.S. Constitution, there is no restriction as to whom the writ of habeas corpus applies.) And he brought up popular decisions to applause and cheers: the ban of the "grisly practice" of partial birth abortion and the affirmation of Second Amendment right to own a firearm. He pointed out that the US Constitution is not a living document but an enduring one and "good" judges know the difference. Then he went on to complain about how Miquel Estrada, nominated to an appeals court, was treated by the Senate--they didn't hold a vote. Bush is disheartened by the uncertainty, delay, and ruthlessness (yes, he said that) of the confirmation process and how it's unacceptable and bad for the country. And he said the Senate needs to act on the nominees currently awaiting. The Senate has a problem with the consent part of advice and consent.

Of his many notable accomplishments, appointing so many judges will probably have the longest lasting effect. After all, we are a nation of laws--when it suits us.