May 25 2009
How Long Before The Next Supreme Court Justice
Empathy, according to Encarta Dictionary, is the ability to identify with and understand somebody else’s feelings or difficulties. A good quality to have when dealing with people and the problems they face.
Jesus taught or attempted to teach us, with his parables that the “spirit” of the laws were more important than the “letter” of the law. Although this was a lesson not readily understood by his followers, then or now, it is a lesson that needs reflection in the case of Obama’s choice for Supreme Court Justice.
Like the Sadducees in the Bible, Senator Jon Kyl has stated that before he allowed Obama to choose a thinking, feeling person; a person who shows empathy and takes into account the human aspect of a given situation (as Jesus tried to demonstrate in the case of the animal that went astray on a Sunday – would you not try to rescue the animal even though it was Sunday or the example regarding visitations to those that do not believe/sinners as opposed to those that do believe – is it more important to court and attempt to save those who do not believe or those who believe), to obtain the vacant seat as the next Supreme Court Justice he would use the tactic of filibuster to prevent this from happening or any means necessary to postponement or disrupt the nomination, if the need arose.
In my mind Sadducees (who were more interested in politics than religion and religion is for the people) represent Republicans and Pharisees (who were more in contact with the common people) represent Democrats. Let me note here that the Sadducees ceased to exist when Rome destroyed Jerusalem and the way the Republican Party is acting of late, they too may cease to exist if they do not get their act together.
Obama has stated that his wish is to find someone who has the intellect to effectively apply the law, as well as be able to see through the eyes of another; someone who uses empathy in understanding the hopes and struggles of an individual or group of people. I agree with this decision.
Laws are guidelines and there is a distinct and relevant difference between the “letter” of the law and the “spirit” of the law; a distinction that should be reflected on before decisions are made that could affect the day-to-day living of people for decades to come.
The fight over man or woman, conservative or liberal has its merits as well but the need to choose a person who understands the “spirit” of the law is crucial from my viewpoint.
Republicans are fighting every step of the way – fighting Obama and fighting amongst themselves. Obama may have his selection ready by Tuesday of this week and the games will begin once his choice is made. One senator can mount a filibuster by objecting to consider a nominee. It would then take 60 votes to overcome this filibuster to move to a final vote. Republicans have shown repeatedly that they will fight whatever Obama tries to put through and at the cost of everything – just because they can. How mature is this especially with their record over the last eight years.
And that’s the way I see it!!!!
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