a good choice

John Roberts was approved today as the next chief justice of the supreme court. I never really doubted whether he would be confirmed, unless some horrible piece of dirt was exposed from his past. but the whole process reminded me of how corrupt our political system is getting. Somewhere along the way, the senators and reps have gotten the idea that they have all power and the government exists to mold into whatever would suit them best instead of thinking that they represent their constituents.

During his questioning, the senators were trying to get Roberts to say how he would vote when certain cases came before him. But he would not answer them, saying he wasn't going to refer to any specific cases, but instead told them how he would come to the decisions. I thought about it and this is just a very wise thing to do. These senators wanted a guy that they could trust to make decisions they wanted made instead of confirming a justice who would make decisions based upon the constitution. These politicians thought they could influence the decisions of the supreme court, but Roberts was above that. he wasn't going to pander for votes. He wasn't going to tell people what they wanted to hear. He wasn't going to give hints or clues as to how he would rule, and that's the way it should be. We shouldn't put justices in because we know how they are going to rule, but because we know they will approach it the right way.

Unfortunately, most of the rest of the politicians haven't made the same committment. They instead make decisions that keep them safe in their job, while once in awhile throwing a bone to the voters by passing some warm and fuzzy bill that boosts their approval rating, ensuring reelection. here in california there is a proposition up for vote that would redistrict the state, and most of the politicians don't want this because they are safe where they are. Democracy doesn't exist because none of the positions are in danger. The redistricting has always been done by the politicians themselves, which has only led to them bargaining and negotiating so that none of their districts come into question. But this is trying to be done by nonpartisan judges so that the voters actually have a voice. hopefully, this will be another good choice.