Rehnquist's illness points to new judge

Finally, something to cheer the spirits: Chief Justice William Rehnquist was hospitalized this past weekend for thyroid cancer surgery. Though no one deserves cancer, or the emotional trauma that comes with it, Rehnquist has reminded us that he will not live forever. Much as Senator Strom Thurman's death came as a shock to America, Rehnquist's health problems are a testament to the constantly changing world.

Rehnquist, appointed by Nixon to the Supreme Court, has an interesting record as far as views go, and the next president will likely appoint one or more new judges. Hopefully the president for the next four years will be a little more reasonable and a bit more liberal, breaking the thin line between majority and minority in the court. For example, according to the Los Angeles Times, a 5-4 majority was all that agreed America was at war after being attacked. This even representation will likely be stirred up next year.

Racial discrimination, conservative views and importance of state rights over individual rights characterize Rehnquist's record. He disagreed with the outcome of Roe v. Wade, which did not allow abortion to become a criminal act (this statute is now in the process of being overturned). He regularly supports the state and police procedures against criminals challenging the system or arguing their innocence from crimes they are accused of having committed.

The Supreme Court has had the same members since 1994. It's time for a change in policy and representation. The next president will choose replacement judges when our current representatives either retire or die. This is one of the more lasting things presidents do, because while their decisions determine history, their judicial appointments are lifetime positions.

President George W. Bush views Justice Antonin Scalia as a good example of a court judge, sticking to the Constitution in an ultra-conservative manner. During the presidential debates, Kerry stated that his mark of a good judge is "When you're reading … their opinion, you can't tell if it's written by a man or a woman, a liberal or a conservative, a Muslim, a Jew or a Christian." This is exactly how court appointments should be made, by fair and unbiased decisions that fluctuate based on each individual case.

Rehnquist has served his beliefs well on the Supreme Court, leaning toward the extreme right. Next term, hopefully there will be a new appointment to the Court, one who does not view court cases through conservative or liberal glasses, but judges each case individually.