As were so many from all sides of the political spectrum, my reaction to President Bush's newest Supreme Court nominee, Harriet Miers, was mixed.
From the moment the AP broke the story yesterday morning, I felt disapointed that someone well known like Janice Rogers Brown or even someone pleasantly surprising like Florida Senator Mel Martinez weren't picked to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
It isn't that I think Ms. Miers to be unqualified or liberal on important moral issues, but rather that she is virtually unknown and hasn't ever given more than a hint of leaning one way or the other on the issues that will dominate the time of this next court.
Much wiser friends have had mixed reactions to the nomination, as well. Two of my most trusted political (unbeknownst to them) mentors offered differing, but compatible, words of wisdom yesterday.
In Gary Bauer's End of Day, he made clear his anger over the fact that we cannot get a nominee who has clearly stated their pro-family convictions publicly and decisively. With so many pro-family wins, the biggest being both of George W. Bush's bids for the White House, why can't we get a nominee with a clear view? Apparently, Americans have shown that they are decidedly pro family. Frankly, I share Gary's frustration. Will a real leader please stand up?
On the other hand, I completely understand why my friend, Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council, encouraged conservative Americans to 'wait and see'. I don't think we have any other choice at this point. Too, Ms. Miers is a shew in and in a matter of weeks will ascend to the highest court in the land. You never know, we might be very pleasantly surprised by Ms. Miers. She is a conservative Christian, supporter of MIssions and one of George W. Bush's closest friends. I trust the President--I can't wait to be reassured.
