Matt Welch has penned and excellent essay explaining why he opposes the confirmation of Alito which is well worth a read, but moreso because it contains this piece of advice for the current Republican party:
A good rule of thumb when weighing the wisdom of a high-voltage appointment, or fundamental shift in governance, is how that re-balancing of power will affect things when the other team’s in charge. Because some other team will be in charge some day, and they will find their own unique opportunities to abuse whatever power they inherit.
When I survey the things the GOP has done over the past few years, from the rule changes castrating the minority party in congress to the assertions of executive privilege and executive authority at the White House, it has become pretty clear that the majority of the current Republican party, as well as the cheerleaders in the media and in the blogosphere, think we have reached the time of permanent Republican majorities.
Man, is November ever going to be a shock to these folks.