Signs of Life? Yes, from Wisconsin!

Just when I'm about to sink into permanent suicidal despair about the lameness of Democrats, and the unvarnished evil of Republicans, a beautiful happening:

Democrats speak out! In Roberts' opening hearings today, Republicans gave the usual rhetorical blow jobs to John G., while Democrats actually started to realize that they have a Constitutional duty, not to mention a political and moral one, to question and evaluate this guy.

Kudos to Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI), who referred several times to the right of privacy, the right to choose, and even to the Violence Against Women Act, in laying out the important issues that must be addressed by Bush's latest "freedom from freedom" hitman.

And divalicious kisses to Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI), for offering up some oft-overlooked truths: a pretty demeanor does not a worthy Chief Justice make. Asking questions on important constitutional and judicial issues, from fundamental rights, to ethics, to separation of powers, is not "undignified" nor pugilistic, nor inappropriate. On the contrary -- it is every Senator's Constitutional duty.

Finally, failing to uphold the fundamental rights and liberties cherished by Americans is absolutely grounds for rejecting a nominee to a Supreme Court. As Sen. Feingold said, Roberts is 50 years old. And he looks healthy. So thanks to them for ensuring that the guy who may shape our laws and our nation for the next 3 to 4 decades has to meet some minimal standards of respect for our freedoms.