Ex-US Supreme Court justice worries about judicial independence

[deadparrot]

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Former US Supreme Court justice Sandra Day O'Connor said that virulent criticism was threatening the judicial independence of the nation's highest court.

"The breadth of the unhappiness being currently expressed not only by public officials but in public opinion polls in the nation shows that there is a level of unhappiness today that perhaps is greater than in the past and is certainly cause of great concern," O'Connor said at the opening of a forum on the US judiciary system at Georgetown University Law Center.

...

She took issue with buzzwords, used by conservative Republicans, including President George W. Bush, aimed at justices who do not vote their way.

"The ubiquitous 'activist judges' who 'legislate from the bench' have become central villains on today's domestic political landscape," she wrote.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060929/ts_alt_afp/usjusticepolitics

[Greeby]

1. Stuff it O'Connor, you're the reason we're in this mess

And it's not like you reached the decision reluctantly, I seem to recall reading about your horror when the results came in that Gore had won the Presidency :eyes:

[ShortnFiery]

28. I wonder if Sandra O'connor regrets helping to select * in 2000? n/t

[hatrack]

2. Well go-----leee, Sandra, thanks for the tip!

We really appreciate your input.

[nickinSTL]

3. this isn't new...it was happening BEFORE she retired...

so, she shares a large portion of the blame.

She turned the court over to Roberts and Alito.

[AX10]

4. You are one of the reasons we are in this mess.

[madrchsod]

5. she caused the problem

why is she so surprised?

[underpants]

18. She VOTED FOR BUSH

Shove your concern Sandy

[tanyev]

6. Don't bother, Sandy. You'll always have your accolades

at the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame.

http://www.cowgirl.net/honorees/Sandra_Day_O%E2%80%99Connor.aspx

[katinmn]

7. You sold us down the river in 2000, Sandra. Save your breath

Too late to take back your vote. Thanks a million.

[acmavm]

8. She knew what was coming. She chickenshitted out. I know,

I know, her husband is ill. Well, she reinforced every stereotype women have had to live down since shortly after the days of the primeval ooze. She put her personal life in front of her duty. And yes, she most certainly had a duty to this country. If she didn't realize this, she should NEVER have accepted the appointment to the SCOTUS.

[MadMaddie]

9. Wow.....Sandra did serve her duty on the Bench......

Her husband I think has Alzeimers.....they are in their late 70's.....what more can we ask of a an American Judge.....she had a choice to live with her husband and enjoy the last lucid moments in his mind or continue to work....I think it is cruel to blame her for everything....she didn't plan on her husband becoming ill.....

I blame * for everthing that is happening to the courts....he has openly attacked the courts...

[katinmn]

10. She was the deciding vote that gave the election to Bush in 2000

Stopped the recount, she did.

[PsN2Wind]

11. EXCEPT, it was reported that both she and Rehnquist

wanted to retire before the 2000 election but could not stand the horror of Clinton nominating their replacements. At least, I believe,
Rehnquist died while trying to hold out beyond the reign of Bush, to somewhat rectify the mistake that He had foisted upon his country.

[Orangepeel]

27. Eh, I don't think I'd give Rehnquist that much credit

what makes you think he was trying to rectify a mistake or that he even thought he'd make a mistake?

I don't blame O'Conner for retiring -- she did wait until after the 2004 election. But I do blame her for that awful bush v gore decision.

[PsN2Wind]

30. I have no inside info on Rehnquist

but he did say he wanted to retire, but not until after the 2000 election, yet hung on until he died, rather than retiring after giving Bush the presidency. Maybe he recognized his F**k up.....maybe not.

[flyarm]

15. what more can we ask of a an American Judge.....YOU ASK??

to follow the rule of law and the constitution..she did not serve this nation..she led this nation into fascism! she did not serve this nation ..she helped destroy it!

fly

[Vidar]

21. For a Reagan appointee, she wasn't half bad, with the

huge exception of inflicting this witless dictator on us.

[Phredicles]

22. "Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the show?"

Thanks, Sandy; thanks a fucking heap.

[Javaman]

12. Fuck you sandy, you bailed on us when we needed you the most.

eat shit and die.

she's the female version of powell.

[gratuitous]

13. Not to mention threats from the AG

Sounds like Sandy baby might be an enemy combatant. These are dangerous remarks, aimed at limiting the president's ability to fight a war. Please take note, Mr. Gonzales.

On the other hand, it's nice to hear a little remorse, even if it is too little and far, far too late. I hope they don't hang you by that pretty little neck, Mrs. O'Connor.

[Supersedeas]

20. Once you are labeled an enemy combatant--you have no independence or

'rights'

Save it for the extreme interrogation measures -- Justice O'Connor and Katherine Harris represent a particular kind of vile create. Now that they have been used and disposed of--now,now, they recognize their folly.

[flyarm]

14. well you, you filthy bitch were the reason for this and the coup of 2000

you better hold yourself SANDRA accountable..because history sure will...

you will be the piece of shit in our history books, in the future, that will be held to account for fascism in this once proud nation...you are responsible

S A N D R A !!!!!!!!

FLY

[mom cat]

16. Sorry Sandy ... you should not have quit!

[Bunny]

17. Bite me Sandy. You had your chance.

But you wanted to be Bush's butt boy - you got your wish, now deal with it.

[knight_of_the_star]

19. Too little too late

It's not like your partisanship helped the situation any, you helped put this monkey in power and history will not forget it.

[Thickasabrick]

23. Damn people, she quit because her husband has Alzheimers and

she wanted to spend more time with him. Lighten up on the woman.

[bemildred]

25. She did not "lighten" up on us.

Where was her mercy, and here pledge to protect the Constitution, when we needed it? How many have died because she voted to put that asshole in the White House?

[glitch]

29. Tell that to the families of the dead.

:(

[bemildred]

24. Kiss your "legacy" goodbye, Sandy.

After the 2000 selection, nothing else will register.

[UTUSN]

26. How'bout when you VOTED-BITCH????? n/r

[leesa]

31. Screw you O'Connor. You caused this problem.