The American people have lost Antonin Scalia, the Supreme Court
justice with a rock solid understanding of the constitutional framers original
intent of limited government. Scalia stood in the way of those justices who
subscribe to a “living constitution” that should change with the times. As
such, Scalia was a stalwart defender of liberty.
Scalia apparently passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at a
ranch in Texas. Conspiracy theories are bound to arise; so I trust that a
thorough autopsy to determine the causes of death will be conducted. Many are prone
to believe that events that change the political landscape do not happen by
chance. They must be satisfied to avoid endless controversy conducted on the fringes.
It is too early to know what comes next. Will President
Obama have time to push through a nominee of his choice? At a minimum, Scalia’s
passing brings home the importance of the 2016 election and the new president’s
choice for filling Supreme Court vacancies.
Scalia’s passing could also focus attention on the replacement choices
that different Republican candidates might make. Republican primary voters may
consider a candidate’s core beliefs rather than showmanship. In this regard,
Ted Cruz might have a stronger case than his primary opponents, in particular Donald Trump. It
could also direct attention to Michael Bloomberg, whom voters might think will
choose a “moderate” Justice and this avoid a national fight to the finish.
