Priorities

Which is more important to you as a concerned citizen: 1. Justice Antonin Scalia went duck hunting with several of his long-time friends, including Vice President Cheney; or 2. Senate Democrats delayed the confirmation of at least one federal judge in order to manufacture the result of a pending appellate case?

Chances are that many Americans do not know that special-interest groups sent a memo to Senator Ted Kennedy, asking that he delay the confirmation of any Bush-appointee judges to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. The reason? The Sixth Circuit was going to hear the University of Michigan affirmative actions cases. These special interest groups were afraid that a Bush-appointee would vote to strike down the programs.

Senator Kennedy was pleased to please these groups: No judges were appointed to the Sixth Circuit until after it was too late for them to hear the affirmative action cases.

What is most appalling about the delay in the lack of media coverage on this scandal - Judgegate. Juxtaposed with this media blackout is the coverage of Justice Scalia's duck hunting trip. Although duck hunting with someone who is being sued before the Court shows questionable judgment, delaying the confirmation of an otherwise qualified and non-controversial judge to manufacture the result of a case is outright-criminal.