Appointing a new United States Supreme Court Justice is always an intriguing process. The President of the United States is directed by the Constitution to appoint a Supreme Court Justice and the Senate must then confirm that appointment for a person to assume the seat on the Supreme Court.
With the passing of Justice Scalia, leaders of the Republican party and candidates running for the Republican nomination for the Office of President are calling for the President to not nominate a replacement and let the president that is sworn in next year make that nomination. Some have even gone as far as to say that the people should have a voice in who is appointed and waiting until after the election would give them that voice.
The people elected President Obama. Any decision that he makes is in representation to their voice. Not only did President Obama get elected, he was elected twice. The constitution doesn’t direct the President to curb all actions in his last term, last two years or even last year. The President is elected to serve a full term.
The president made a commitment to the American people that he would uphold the constitution. That’s what accountability is, keeping your commitments to people. In appointing an individual to fill the vacant seat President Obama would be fulfilling his promise to all Americans.
Politicians are lining up to say what should and should not be done. They want to control or have the power when it isn’t theirs. This issue is only showing how deep the challenges are in getting our political leaders to be real leaders, to work together, to serve the people and our needs and not their own party’s needs and interests.
The President is willing to live up to his commitment and make the appointment. What would it be like if all of our political leaders would keep their commitments as well?
