http://www.bisbeeobserver.com/BO1/03/0123/c001.shtml
The Supremes: God, gold, and glory By Jim Dwyer The Bisbee Observer It must be a real head scratcher for relatives of United States Supreme Court Justices to consider what to give them for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions, like the awarding of another honorary degree. I mean when you have everything, including God, gold, and glory, who needs another audience with the Pope, another Rolex, or another president to appoint to the White House? But, according to recent news reports, some of the Supremes are not happy with their fat salaries, their pampered lifestyles, and their chilling authority. They want more, as in MO! Consider Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who recently was the main speaker at a Religious Freedom Day ceremony in Fredericksburg, Va., where thousands of Yankee soldiers died 140 years ago to save the Union from slavery and medieval mindsets. According to Justice Scalia, there is not enough "God" in American institutions, especially in public schools. One of Scalia's sons happens to be a Roman Catholic priest. Another happens to hold a cushy job in the Bush Administration. Obviously if any faithbased proposals are challenged in the Supreme Court, Bush knows that he has one sure vote. After a parade the Roman Catholic Knights of Columbus, and several rounds of "God Bless America," Justice Scalia, to cheers, questioned the fuss about the phrase "one nation under God," not mentioning that it was inserted into the Pledge of Allegiance by a Cold War Congress during the 1950's after pressure from the powerful Knights of Columbus. Justice Scalia also failed to mention that early settlers came to America to escape state-sponsored religious terrorism. Perhaps they were foolish. And then consider Chief Justice William Rehnquist, clutching his begging bowl as he cruises Washington in a chauffeured limo, hitting the power spots in the capital, wailing that Supreme Court Justices, and federal judges in general, are underpaid for their awesome duties. Too bad school teachers don't have such a powerful advocate in appreciation of their awesome duties. Justice Rehnquist, leader of the gang of five on the Supreme Court that gave Bush Jr. the presidency, complains that his fellow justices earn only 3.5 times the median household income, $150,000 for the justices and $192,600 for the Chief Justice. 'Nuff to make you weep. But while pleading for MO, Rehnquist doesn't mention his book contract, that of Arizona's own Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, and especially that of Justice Clarence Thomas, who recently was given an advance of $1.5 million by HarperCollins for his memoirs. HarperCollins happens to be owned by hard right media mogul Rupert Murdoch, of whom Chicago columnist Mike Royko once wrote: "No self-respecting fish would allow itself to be wrapped in a Rupert Murdoch newspaper." Those unaware of Justice Thomas's conservative leanings should consider that he officiated at radio ranter Rush Limbaugh's third wedding, and, according to Slate.com, Limbaugh will read sections of Thomas's book on his talk show! How right can you get? Adding up Thomas's gold, we see that in 2003 he will be raking in the $1.5 million for the book advance, plus his usual salary of $150,000. And never mind the book royalties, the speaking fees, the perks, etc. Just keep in mind that he and his fellow justices need a raise just to maintain themselves. And if God and gold where not enough to have on your side, how about the power, the glory? Consider Justice O'Connor at an elite cocktail party in Washington the night of the 2000 Election. The incredibly influential are watching the returns when the networks begin forecasting that Al Gore looks like a winner in Florida and in the White House. Justice O'Connor, with an "Oh, my God" look on her face, lapses into momentary despair as she complains aloud that if Gore is elected, she will not be able to take early retirement, since that would give the Democrats an opportunity to appoint a "liberal" justice. Finally she comes to her senses, realizing that she and her poverty- stricken conservative justices can turn this whole thing around, and instead of the Democrats appointing a liberal to the Supreme Court, she and her colleagues will simply appoint a conservative to the White House. And to hell with judicial impartiality, objectivity. And remember that on the night of their dark deed in December 2000, the gang of five fled through the back door of the Supreme Court, leaving their clerks to hand out the 5-4 decision on the front steps. Ashamed to face the media, the public, the Supremes gave the lie to "the dignity of the court." And now, not being satisfied with having God, gold, and glory on their side, they want MO! Pardon me while I visit the vomitorium. _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
