Problems of God and Family

I find the chance that Rep. Gephardt might be on the short list quite upsetting. I think for various reasons he would be a lousy choice. See here for some suggestions why this is so. This article on the confirmation hearings of Judge Bybee, involved in the torture memoranda, is interesting on various levels. Of particular concern: matters clearly relevant to his nomination apparently aren't the business of those examining it (the Senate) and his philosophy that likely effects of counsel to the President really doesn't matter. [Credit]

According to CJ Rehnquist's opinion in the Pledge Case, President Washington said: "Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the problems of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor. . . ." I think that works pretty well in a way, though "problems" apparently should be "providence." Anyway, fret not -- spell check problems exist at the highest levels.

Michael Newdow himself has an interesting, and admirably above the fray, article on the rights of parents in family courts in Slate. His milking the cow example suggests the problem -- many feel he is looking at things too impersonally, putting his rights over his child. I comment on this concern here; see also here.

Overall, I remained throughout respectful of those worried about the little girl in this case, but could not deny he as a father had an important interest as well. And lest we forget, the right exists in part because the connection he has to the child is important for her interests as well. Criticize him, in some way you criticize a part of the child as well.