3 minute read
Kava-Nope
Editorial by Dara Rosen
Tell the Truth. Demonstrators opposed to Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh protest inside the Hart building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 27, 2018.
Photo courtesy of Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/TNS
Although President Trump and other Republican leaders are satisfied with Brett Kavanaugh as a Supreme Court justice, he is not the right choice to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court nor is he the right choice for the future of the United States.
A Supreme Court Justice should show an even-temperament, high moral standards and exemplary leadership skills, alongside honesty and integrity. However, Brett Kavanaugh shows none of these characteristics.
When being questioned at his confirmation hearings, Kavanaugh avoided answering directly; he was evasive and combative.
Unlike Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who remains tranquil and sensible when explaining her opinions, and Chief Justice John Roberts, who was confirmed to the Supreme Court with little opposition, Brett Kavanaugh is a hot-headed, disrespectful man, who, in such a high ranking position, is a danger to this country.
He will be a guiding force in the U.S. government’s laws for years to come, which is something to be fearful of based on his recent conduct. As evidenced by Kavanaugh’s treatment of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, the future of women’s safety and rights are in serious jeopardy.
When asked about his personal position on a women’s rights on the second day of the confirmation hearings, Kavanaugh refused to share his conservative views on abortion.
It seemed as though he did not definitively or clearly answer many of the questions that were asked.
Three women in total have accused Kavanaugh of sexual assault: Deborah Ramirez, Julie Swetnick and Ford. However, Kavanaugh denied all claims and was extremely defensive when asked about the accusations.
His rebuttal to Ford’s allegation only further exemplified how guilty he appeared. How do you expect to look innocent when you immediately attack the people questioning you? In fact, it actually makes you look more guilty.
Kavanaugh also specifically attacked Democrats during his confirmation hearings saying things like “this whole two-week effort has been a calculated and orchestrated political hit.” He directly tied himself to Trump and the GOP, even though judges are supposed to be nonpartisan.
One who cannot follow laws should not be in a position of power to apply them. Kavanaugh committed perjury when he lied about what the word “boofed” means and what the “Devil’s Triangle” is. He also lied under oath about his drinking habits in college, in an attempt to preserve his image.
According to Law and Crime, “multiple legal experts, pundits and former peers of Brett Kavanaugh believe the embattled Supreme Court nominee lied under oath during his re-hearing in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee.”
If Kavanaugh is willing to lie about insignificant details, what is stopping him from lying about larger issues at play? How can someone who has espoused falsehoods be allowed to sit in judgment of any other individual? Kavanaugh, a morally questionable person and a man who lacks an even temperament, will hold this seat for the rest of his life.
Kavanaugh’s prior rulings as a judge shed light on where he will side in future Supreme Court cases. Kavanaugh is known to dissent on issues such as abortion, climate and gun control. This country does not need another opposing view on the Supreme Court to drive a bigger gap between the parties; it needs a balanced, fair-minded individual to try to bring people together.
In an effort to be more inclusive of a variety of student opinions, the Eagle Eye began including guest editorials from students outside of the newspaper staff during the 2017-2018 school year. Following Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court, our editors offered several conservative students, through Politics Club, the opportunity to share why Kavanaugh’s selection was positive. However, no students followed through on submitting an opposing editorial. Our editorial board chose to go to print with the con editorial, which reflects the beliefs of both the writer and the editorial board.
