What Do Roberts/Alito and SCOTUS have in common with the Senate filibuster?

[Blackhatjack]

You will recall that the 'majority' Republicans under Frist threatened to 'go nuclear' and abolish the filibuster if Democrats did not let them have their way on judicial nominees. The Republicans were short circuited by a group of 'moderates' who reminded Frist and other Republicans that they might not always be in the majority, and they might need the filibuster if the tables changed and they found themselves in the minority in the future.

The filibuster was not abolished and Repubs are now in the minority.

You will also recall that Bush dressed up his ultraconservative SCOTUS nominees Roberts and Alito, and got them confirmed to the SCOTUS. Bush expected then and expects now that they will act with Thomas and Scalia to provide him with 'cover' as to whatever he decides to do as President.

However, just as moderates saw the need for the filibuster if they became the minority in the future, the SCOTUS now sees Bush with less than 2 years left as President and sees the expanded powers of the President he is asking for in the hands of a future liberal Democratic President. Plus, once power is given away, it is nearly impossible to get it back.

Therefore, Bush may not get the 'cover' to expand his Presidential powers from the SCOTUS.

They have in common the possibility that the future may change who holds the reins of power, and what powers one would like their choice to exercise today could put the same power in the hands of their opponent.

Bush may be more alone and unsupported than he ever imagined. You know what happens to the best laid plans .....

[eallen]

1. Gad, I love checks and balances.

[acmavm]

2. I certainly pray that you're correct in your analysis of the

situation.

But I don't trust the snakes period. Not at all. No way. Zip, nada, nihil.

[Blackhatjack]

3. Remember Roberts & Alito Have Terms For Life .....

.... they will look down the road far beyond Bush when it comes to giving away their power to interpret and apply the Constitution, and exercise restraint over the Executive Branch.

[acmavm]

4. Yeah, but Alito is nuts. Roberts could be a surprise.

Alito's undoubtedly still pissed that he wasn't made Chief Justice. I don't know what that insane bastard will do.

[Blackhatjack]

5. This is all about power and who wields it ... are they gonna chance it?..

Not when they could hold onto it and use that power to effect their own ends rather than give it to Bush temporarily and have it fall into the hands of a hated liberal President.

I just do not see them giving away power.

[acmavm]

6. Like I said, I hope you're right.

[Mandate My Ass]

7. I wouldn't put it past them to do another "bush v gore"

This decision only counts for Bush, nobody else can use this as a precedent. It worked before, and now we have ScAlito who just loves the unitary executive, as long as he's a fascist Republican.