Now it begins

MANIFESTO

Souter resigns from the SCOTUS. Good commentary on the situation can be found here and here.

It's pretty clear that the 89-year-old John Paul Stevens will also soon call it quits—one way or another. I realize I'm not a big fan of politicians who've outworn their welcomes, but with his lifetime appointment, Stevens' longevity was a blessing. Who knows what horrid decisions might have been made with an ironclad 5-4 Republican majority on the Court? Certainly the recent news from the DoJ shows just what the Bushies thought of "justice."

Meanwhile,

Support for gay marriage, legalizing illegal immigrants and decriminalizing marijuana all are at new highs. Three-quarters of Americans favor federal regulation of greenhouse gases. Two-thirds support establishing relations with Cuba.

With these situations going on, it's about time for the SCOTUS to get with the rest of the nation. Here's hoping that the 73-year-old Little Antonin and his porter soon see the wisdom of Souter's decision.