President Obama nominated Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court in likely response to the Republican position to deny any nominee a hearing or vote. Garland is a hard choice for Republicans to deny as he is a moderate choice who may lean conservative on some issues. He was confirmed on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals with only 23 Republican senators opposing. Republicans had little to say against Garland's qualifications. The votes against him were geared towards whether additional seats were needed on the District of Columbia court of Appeals. President Obama is playing a game of chess with Republicans in much the same way, Republicans did in nominating Clarence Thomas to fill Justice Thurgood Marshall’s seat. President George H. Bush nominated Clarence Thomas in 1992 to fill the seat of retiring Justice Thurgood Marshall. Marshall, the first African American justice to sit on the Supreme Court was known as the champion of civil rights causes—having won the landmark … [Read more...] about Is SCOTUS Nominee Merrick Garland the Next Clarence Thomas?
Republicans
Scalia’s Vacancy Brings Out GOP Rage
Justice Scalia’s death resulting in a vacancy to the Supreme Court brings out Republicans’ disregard for the U.S. Constitution. In a letter that totally makes their position clear, the Senate Judiciary Republicans say they will not even meet to discuss President Obama’s eventual nominee to the Supreme Court—let alone hold a hearing or a vote on the nominee. The position is despite the fact the U.S. Constitution makes clear that upon a vacancy to the high court, the President shall nominate with the advice and consent of the Senate. The position is despite the fact there is almost eleven months until the next president will be sworn in. This position is despite the fact there is no precedent for coming to their decision. Republicans are now making up the rules as they go along—except this is not a game. It makes a mockery of the U.S. Constitution and our laws. And the only reason is to ensure the balance of the court does not change hands. The Supreme Court is now … [Read more...] about Scalia’s Vacancy Brings Out GOP Rage
Black History Month: A Tale of 2 Political Parties
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to celebrate Black History Month as seen through two very different lenses with events held by the Republican National Committee (“RNC”) and another one at the White House. February is a time when many organizations are hosting events to honor the accomplishments of African Americans in America. The White House event consisted of a forum given by Association for the Study of African American Life and History (“ASALH”). The RNC event was a luncheon at the historic Howard Theatre honoring the recent political black Republican wins and a tribute to former Senator Edward Brooks and co-hosted by Roland Martin. Both evoked the singing of Lift Every Voice and Sing, known as the "Negro National Anthem". But that is where the similarities ended. At the RNC Trailblazer luncheon, the honorees were Senator Tim Scott (R. SC), Congresswoman Mia Long (R. UT), Congressman William Hurd (R. TX)and the legendary Senator Edward Brooke who recently passed in … [Read more...] about Black History Month: A Tale of 2 Political Parties