OPINION:
As he attempts to exert influence on the Supreme Court in favor of Obamacare, President Obama waded into dangerous territory with the shot he has fired across the bow of the highest court in the land (“Inside Politics: Sotomayor won’t let on to Obamacare decision,” Web, Tuesday).
The president has warned the court as it formulates its decision that overturning the law would be an “unprecedented, extraordinary step.” He derisively refers to the court as “an unelected group of people,” to which I would respond that there is a reason this body of jurists is designated “Supreme.”
If the president wishes to have direct influence on the Supreme Court, perhaps he should have been the individual who argued the administration’s case before it. Otherwise, he should do what every other president has done in similar circumstances: Remain silent, at least until the decision is issued, and respect the separation of powers.
Supreme Court justices are appointed for life so as to be immune from political pressure - like the kind Mr. Obama is seeking to exert now.
Consequently, one must be hopeful that the president’s efforts to influence the court will fail and that the issue of the health care bill will rise or fall on its own merits.
OREN M. SPIEGLER
Upper Saint Clair, Pa.
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