Here is a pretty interesting post on how elderly are treated, tied into the macrabe manner with which the media and, well, we, treat impending Supreme Court vacancies:
Frankly, I don’t think that I am overreacting. We Baby Boomers act like narcissistic playboys (and playgirls) whose every whim has been indulged and now, like some crown prince, lusting for the throne, feel it our divine right to throw mama and papa off the train.
Is there one iota of evidence to support the notion that, for whatever physical ailments may afflict them, Rehnquist or O’Connor are contributing any less to the functioning of the Court than they ever have?
No! In fact, in Rehnquist’s case, the evidence, as recounted by one Court-watcher on this morning’s Diane Rehm Show, is that the Chief Justice continues to effectively guide discussions of upcoming cases and rulings among his colleagues, as well as presiding actively over the entire Judicial Branch and the major renovations to the Supreme Court building going on in D.C. right now.
Much of the speculation about Rehnquist and O’Connor reflect a disdain of the elderly that is profoundly disturbing.
An interesting angle, and one I had not considered. It does seem that in the rush to get the judge ‘we’ want, we are assuming that Rehnquist and O’Connor are simply incapable of performing adequately. Well worth a read.
Jimmy Jazz
OK, but I’m still not loaning Rehnquist my car.
over it
Tee hee…
Made me giggle Jazz….
As long as they mantain their sharp judicial minds….I do not care if they are wheeled in in their beds. It is my (not so) humble opinion that their age and experience are an asset….not a reason to push for their retirement.
p.lukasiak
With regard to O’Connor, the speculation is not based on the idea that she is no longer up to the job, just that she wants to retire. Lets not forget her outburst on election night 2000, where she expressed her wholly partisan disappointment that Gore looked like he was going to win — and her husband explained that she wanted Bush to win so she could retire and have a Republican take her place. (Unsurprisingly, O’Connor helped the steal the election for Bush when it got to the Supreme Court.)
So for four and a half years, O’Connor has been stuck on the court in an attempt to save her reputation….and she now finally has a way out.
sidereal
“we are assuming that Rehnquist and O’Connor are simply incapable of performing adequately”
O’Connor has never been able to perform adequately. That’s pretty clear. Age really has nothing to do with it. Anyone who has to tailor 18-part tests in every decision because she’s apparently neurotic about setting a precedent really shouldn’t be on the SCOTUS.