Senate Democrats Take Stand On Judges

Senate Democrats Take Stand on Judges

When I saw the headline, I had such high hopes. Maybe they have taken a stand against activist judges usurping the proper role of Congress. Or maybe they had tired of the holes in the federal judiciary. But, alas, my hopes were misplaced.

No, forget about activist judges or even a lack of them, the Senate Democrats are instead upset about recess appointments and are threatening to block all nominees until they get the proper "I'm sorry" from Bush.

"The president's use of recess appointments to circumvent the advise and consent process puts a finger in the eye of the Constitution," said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.

Perhaps if there had been an effort to advise and consent, we wouldn't be in this position. But instead, we are in a position where nominees are getting stonewalled and blocked for nothing more than partisan bickering. The Senate Democrats have, to a large extent, refused to uphold their end of the bargain. Our system of checks and balances says that if Congress refuses to advise and consent, the President has the power of recess appointments.

Such high hopes, dashed by reality. Damn.