OK, so don't vote then

American Handgunner, Sept-Oct, 2008 by Roy Hungtington

First, the groundwork. While the Supreme Court Justices are not generally labeled as a political body, the truth of the matter is different. Historically, they are often labeled as "Conservatives, Moderates" or, at times, "Liberal."

It's generally accepted that Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Scalia, Alito and Thomas comprise the conservative wing. Justices Sourer, Ginsburg, Stevens and Breyer are usually labeled liberal. While Justice Kennedy--usually labeled as a moderate with conservative leanings--is often the swing vote determining the outcome of some cases.

At the end of the next president's first term, the age of the older, and potentially retiring justices, will be as follows:

John Paul Stevens (L) 92

Ruth Bader Ginsberg (L) 80

Antonin Scalia (C) 76

Anthony Kennedy (Mod/Con) 75

Stephen Breyer (L) 73

David Souter (L) 72

Just as his predecessors have, the next president will have the power to nominate Surpreme Court Justices, just as Bush has appointed two during his tenure (Roberts and Alito). These--and all--appointments will serve for their lifetime. They will interpret the Constitution of the United States and laws from both national and state legislatures.

Their decisions will affect you and I for the rest of our lives--and for the lives of our children. Just look at the landmark cases now being heard regarding gun rights, civil rights and more, and you'll get an inkling of the critical effect these handful of people have on our lives. The next president will be making nominations. Who do you want nominating future justices ?

O'Bama has clearly established his stance on issues regarding our Second Amendment rights. He is a gun-grabber extraordinaire, and you have only to look at his history in the record of the Illinois legislature to see it time and time again. Interestingly enough, that's really about the only thing we know fl)r a fact about him. The other stuff has been a result of superior public speaking skills, and spin-doctors.

As for Clinton, her record also stands on its own. She is an avowed gun-grabber and if put into power, will waste no time taking back what she's had to give in to due to the work of the NRA and voters like you and I.

Then there's John McCain. He has an "A" rating with the NRA and has always voted with us. His war-hero status at least shows he has real-world experience beyond the halls of academia and lawyer-dom Clinton and O'Bama sprouted from. McCain has been hungry, has been physically beaten by an enemy for standing up tbr America's rights, has been in combat to defend his country, knows the rights of the people shall not be infringed regarding firearms, and seems to understand the desire that most moderate to conservative Americans simply wish to live our lives unmolested by big government.

We are America, not our elected representatives, and they so often seem to forget that. The concept they work for us and nobody elected them to decide what they think is best for us seems to elude them. We think what's best for us, and right now, what's best for us is for all of us to mobilize, to reignite that fever we Americans have for liberty, justice and yes, the American way, which is a tangible thing, and make sure you vote to show those who would take your rights away from you and tell you it's best for you--are wrong.

No thank you.

And, as a matter of fact, we're tossing you out onto the sidewalk, so pack your wall plaques and get out.

Now.

Please take the time to vote.

For you, for your children, for what's right, at the most basic level--and for America. Show them who's boss.

Because we are.