Antonin Scalia's Death And What It Means For The Country | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Antonin Scalia's Death And What It Means For The Country

Watch as Obama and the Senate republicans play a game of high stakes chess for the future of America.

6
Antonin Scalia's Death And What It Means For The Country
The Libertarian Republic

Justice Antonin Scalia, a long time conservative force on the Supreme Court, passed away a little over a week ago on February 13th. His death has caused chaos and a further rift between parties in Congress as Obama hurries to get a nomination for his replacement approved.

Scalia was an extremely vocal presence on the Court, writing the majority on a huge number of cases. He was one of the more vocal leaders on the bench, leaving the rest of the block much quieter without his presence. He was an avid believer in interpreting the Constitution how it was written, falling on the conservative side of the many cases that he heard. Now the Court is split, 4 liberal Justices and 4 conservative Justices, and the Court does not adjourn until June. This could be a staunchly divided Court on issues such as Union salaries and abortion, with a high probability the Justices will split a lot of the cases they have left to hear this term 4-4. When this happens, the Court upholds the opinion given in the Court of Appeals without setting a national precedent or issuing a majority opinion. This could mean judgments for a lot of lower court decisions that Democrats are hoping to preserve, especially where abortion laws are concerned.

His death and an open seat on the Supreme Court heats up the politics of the current presidential race as voters could be turned off from both parties as the fight for the nomination brings out just how stubborn Congress can be. Republican forces in the Senate have vowed to shoot down any candidate President Obama brings to the table, regardless of how liberal or moderate they may be. Even though this could hurt them when the liberal decisions of the lower courts are being upheld, it is no surprise that they are standing in the way of Obama, red-faced with steam coming out of their noses, ready to fight. Congress is best at getting nothing done, just when it needs to accomplish the most.

As moderate voters look towards the candidates for this upcoming election, we may see some voters choose an alignment based on how the different parties in the Senate handle this situation. Who would want to vote for someone who refuses to participate in the democratic process right when it is trying to do what it is designed to do? Not me, and hopefully not you.

Obama has been quoted, stating that he will nominate a predecessor in due time, and that he does not see any Constitutional reason for the Republicans in the Senate to block his nominations, although he does sense trouble is coming. He recognized that this nomination was absolutely bigger than partisan politics, and that these partisan politics should not pervade the Court.

This is a big deal. It is, quite literally, the history of our country in the making. The Justice who fills his spot could be, and most likely will be, the difference in huge policy movements for our nation in these next couple of years. Millennials, pay attention and follow this story, it will affect you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

10 Things To Know About The First Semester Of College

10 things that most incoming college freshmen have no idea about.

414
campus
Pexels

Starting college is pretty scary and fun at the same time. You are free of your parents(in most cases) but this is the first time you have no idea what the heck is going on. Here are 10 things you may want to know going into your first semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter

It's not all morning coffees and singing along to the radio.

1183
The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter
morethanwheels

I've been in college for four years now. I spent half my time as a commuter and half as a resident so I've experienced both sides of the housing spectrum. One thing I've learned comparing the two is that my struggles as a commuter far outweigh anything I went through while living on campus. Commuters have to deal with the problems school brings along with a slew of other issues; I've filled up my gas tank in the worst kind of weather conditions and napped in random places in public more times than I'm proud to say of. This is a list of some of the most challenging aspects of being a commuter.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

3895
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

17970
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments