RELIGIOUS JUDGES

       The most important qualification for judges is that they be impartial.  And yet during the recent
debates on the confirmation of Supreme Court judges, I seldom heard that word uttered.  What I
did hear a lot were accusations of anti-religious bigotry on the part of those who raised concerns
that the nominees' rulings might be influenced by their religion.  And yet amid all the victim-playing
there were no denials that they would do just that.

    The recent ruling on partial birth may be have been Constitutional, but concerns that the
Catholic Church, in this case, may be influencing the Court remain.  After all, Church officials have
been openly pressuring lawmakers to use their positions to impose Catholic doctrine on the
American people.  And even if the justices' own religiosity rather than the commands of their
archbishops are directing their decisions, then that too would be an unacceptable breach of
impartiality.  Mind you, it's not which religion you are it's how religious you are.

    It's almost as though the Catholic Church and Evangelical Christians feel they have an
automatic right to take over the government.  Opposition to theocracy is treated as religious
discrimination and therefore not legitimate.  But non-discrimination applies to factors that are
irrelevant, such as skin color or family origin.  Attitudes and beliefs that affect public policy issues
are fair game.

    It's hypocritical for the Church or any religious group to play political hardball and then play the
PC card to claim immunity from criticism or opposition.