John Roberts’ no win scenario
It must be interesting to actually BE John Roberts. It must be interesting and also — more than a little lonely. I say this because of what is known about Roberts. One thing we know is how important image is to him.
The preservation of respect — respect for the highest court in the land — has always meant a great deal to the Chief Justice. That is why he once made that famous comment about how we do not have Trump Judges or Obama Judges.
How long ago that comment seems! So many things have changed in the corridors of the court. Most of those changes have only alienated the Chief Justice from the American people. The fact is that Roberts, although conservative to the core, does not appear to relish the chance to shove in the faces of the American people, as do Alito and Thomas. But he is in deep denial about whether the highest court in the land can recover any respect. They may be the highest court in their land in theory, but in reality, they’re the lowest.
In light of Alito’s flag scandal, Senate Democrats have asked for a meeting with the Chief Justice. Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Dick Durbin and subcommittee head Sheldon Whitehouse want to talk to Justice Roberts about Alito as well as a code of ethics.
They sent Roberts a letter asking him to “take steps” to ensure Alito recuses himself in all cases relating to Donald Trump. “His recusal in these matters is both necessary and required,” they wrote.
They also requested a meeting ‘as soon as possible” to discuss these matters with him. Now the question is — what will Roberts do? This is his dilemma.
John Roberts at this time, is a lonely steamboat with few on board with him right now. He is alone, having failed to do anything to rein in the fanatic ways of some of his fellow Justices. If he wants the chance to at least redeem himself a little, he should take this meeting.
No, Roberts can’t force Alito to do anything. But such a move would signal to the American people that he is taking this matter seriously. Alas, this vessel may choose to continue its paddling alone. why? Because John Roberts is alone, true. But to this writer, he also appears to have given up. I hope he takes this meeting. I really do. But Roberts has shown that while he may want respect, he’s taken few steps to earn it.
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