OPINION: Can’t wait to see who we get on the Supreme Court

July 02--Guessing who is retiring from the U.S. Supreme Court and a likely replacement is a passionate pastime for many who enjoy pontificating on such mundane matters, although they probably would consider such an exercise one of social importance in the highest order.

The wave of bottom-feeder frenzy was touched off Wednesday by the announced retirement of Justice Anthony Kennedy, the jurist who is often referenced as a swing vote on the high court.

When a retirement or death of a justice occurs, the speculation game ramps up and reaches major-league proportions. Unless you're living off the grid, you've more than likely heard the pros and cons from the pros and cons.

Add to the mix the likely nominee will be of a conservative bent and, as many fear and others gleefully chuckle at, will create a majority on the court that will rule on the side that sits well right-of-center.

Donald Trump has been president for less than two years. He has already appointed one justice and will nominate another in July, he says. Most presidents don't have the opportunity to nominate more than that in two terms. Some never get the chance to leave their stamp on the court.

We are hopeful whatever guidance Trump is given will be well-reasoned and palatable for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, that's probably too much to ask for. His handlers and the other toadies who abound in and around the Oval Office are no doubt beside themselves with such a game-changer being served up.

The excitement and resulting salivation would make Pavlov proud.

The U.S. Supreme Court rules on a fully vetted select number of cases each term. Laws are affected, many as a reflection of societal changes and shifts in moral values.

Trump has demonstrated time and again he is loyal to the partners who brought him to the dance. We can see possible changes ahead for women's reproductive rights, gay marriage, consumer protection, immigration issues, voting rights and more.

We don't have the magic-bullet fix for what we believe lies ahead for a majority of U.S. residents. After decades of the court bending to the left, the pendulum is swinging back to the right as it has done for more than 230 years.

Righteous indignation from your recliner is not the answer. Becoming involved in the political process, from being an informed voter to running for office is a good first step.

Inaction only encourages those whose politics are bothersome: something to remember when celebrating the Fourth of July on Wednesday.

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