Requiem for a Thought

(Supreme Court Justice?) John Roberts, Jr.

I don't know much about Judge John Roberts, Jr., but he was nominated earlier tonight to replace the vacancy soon to be created by Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.Currently, he is on the appeal's court in D.C.; he's 50 years old (pretty young); and he went to Harvard (undergrad and law).

I was extremely impressed by his brief statement after President Bush introduced him. Very classy:

"Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you.

"Thank you very much. It is both an honor and very humbling to be nominated to serve on the Supreme Court. Before I became a judge, my law practice consisted largely of arguing cases before the court. That experience left me with a profound appreciation for the role of the court in our constitutional democracy and a deep regard for the court as an institution.

"I always got a lump in my throat whenever I walked up those marble steps to argue a case before the court, and I don't think it was just from the nerves.

"I am very grateful for the confidence the president has shown in nominating me, and I look forward to the next step in the process before the United States Senate.

"It's also appropriate for me to acknowledge that I would not be standing here today if it were not for the sacrifice and help of my parents, Jack and Rosemary Roberts; my three sisters, Kathy, Peggy and Barbara; and of course my wife, Jane.

"And I also want to acknowledge my children, my daughter, Josie, my son, Jack, who remind me every day why it's so important for us to work to preserve the institutions of our democracy.

"Thank you again very much."