Wave Maker

I have to admit that I have been very uncomfortable with the extent and degree of pugnacity exhibited, in Congress and especially the blogosphere, over the issue of judicial appointments and the so-called "nuclear option." As I daily peruse the political blogs (left and right), I have the empty feeling that we are bound to be left with a scorched earth in the end -- courtesy of two sides equally at fault. This is a feeling I'd rather not express in the comment threads in my preferred conservative blogs, as there is enough genuine moonbat red meat there for the carnivores, and I am fond of my extremities and don't care to see them eaten in front of me.

So I am greatly relieved when someone of impeccable credentials and obvious brilliance says what I feel, and in a manner so much more eloquent than my own.

Ted Olson, former Solicitor General of the United States (2001-2004), lawyer for the Bush campaign (and architect of the Florida litigation strategy), and "no quiche-eating lefty," as Glenn Reynolds notes, wrote a piece in the Wall Street Journal yesterday aboout the growing (political)attacks on the federal judiciary. At the end of his essay, he says the following:

"No discussion of the judiciary should close without reference to the shambles that the Senate confirmation process has become. It does no good to speculate about how or when the disintegration began, which political interest has been the most culpable, or the point at which the appointment of judges became completely dysfunctional. That sort of debate is both endless and futile. The only hope for an end to the downward spiral is for the combatants to lay down their arms; stop using judicial appointments to excite special-interest constituencies and political fund-raising; move forward with votes on qualified, responsible and respected nominees so that those who have the support of a majority of the Senate can be confirmed, as contemplated by the Constitution; and remove the rancor and gamesmanship from the judicial selection process.

We expect dignity, wisdom, decency, civility, integrity and restraint from our judges. It is time to exercise those same characteristics in our dealings with, and commentary on, those same judges -- from their appointment and confirmation, to their decision-making once they take office."

What he said.

Sit down, make a deal (requiring actual compromise), stop screwing with the damn rules, and get to work.