Judicial excellence means that a Supreme Court justice must have a sense of the values from which our core of our political- economic system goes. In other words, we should not approve any nominee whose extreme judicial philosophy would undermine rights and liberties relied upon by all Americans.

Herb Kohl

Categorized in : Mean Philosophy Rights

I will vote my hopes and not my fears

Herb Kohl

vote

We cannot and will not ban the creation of violent video games. But, we can prevent the distribution of these disturbing games to children, where their effects can be negative

Herb Kohl

games children negative

Its time to stop defending a system that is clearly in dire need of reform, stop issuing reports and setting up new roadblocks, and start providing Americans with prescription drugs that are both safe and affordable.

Herb Kohl

reform drug needs

As all of us with any involvement in sports knows, no two umpires or no two referees have the same strike zone or call the same kind of a basketball game

Herb Kohl

basketball games sports

Judicial excellence requires candor before confirmation. We are being asked to give the nominee enormous power.

Herb Kohl

confirmation excellence giving

As the guardian of our rights, the Supreme Court makes decisions every year which either protect the individual or leave him at the mercy of more powerful forces in our society.

Herb Kohl

powerful rights years

Whether interpreting the Constitution or filling in the blanks of a law or a regulation, every word of the court's opinion can widen or narrow our rights as Americans and either protect us or leave us more vulnerable to any winds that blow.

Herb Kohl

rights blow wind

If confirmed, [Judge of the Supreme Court] will write the words that will either broaden or narrow our rights for the rest of your working life. You will be interpreting the Constitution in which we as a people place our faith and on which our freedoms as a nation rest. And on a daily basis, the words of your opinions will affect countless individuals as they seek protection behind the courthouse doors.

Herb Kohl

rights writing doors

We give Supreme Court justices this freedom because we expect them to remain above the pull of politics, to avoid the effects of public excitement and allow a broader view, not tied to the whims of the majority at a certain moment in history.

Herb Kohl

views justice giving

A nominee [to Supreme Court] must possess the competence, character and temperament to serve on the bench.

Herb Kohl

court benches character

Judicial excellence requires an understanding that the law is more than an intellectual game and more than a mental exercise. He or she must recognize that real people with real problems are affected by the decisions rendered by the court. Justice, after all, may be blind, but it should not be deaf.

Herb Kohl

real law exercise

The judicial branch has, in its finest hours, stood firmly on the side of individuals against those who would trample their rights.

Herb Kohl

branches rights sides

Over the course of more than 200 years, it has found a right to equal education regardless of race. It has guaranteed an attorney and a fair trial to all Americans, rich and poor alike. It has allowed women to keep private medical decisions private. And it has allowed Americans to speak, vote and worship without interference from their government.

Herb Kohl

government race years

Through its interpretation of the Constitution, the Supreme Court hugely shapes the fabric of our society for us and for future generations.

Herb Kohl

fabric generations shapes

Before we decide to trust you with this power, we ask you to stand before the public and explain your views. Justice may be blind, but it should not be deaf.

Herb Kohl

views justice may

We need to fight the plague of the uninsured the way we have fought other threats to our way of life and our basic values.

Herb Kohl

fighting way needs

Businesses want to offer solid, affordable health insurance to their employees, but it is getting harder to find every year.

Herb Kohl

healthcare want years

Even as we pour hundreds of billions of dollars into our efforts in the Middle East, there is much that needs to be done to win the war of ideas in the Muslim world and beyond

Herb Kohl

easter winning war

When the President makes something a priority, we see action

Herb Kohl

priorities president action

We need to take steps to strengthen and mend Social Security so that its promise of a secure retirement is just as real for seniors in the future as it is today.

Herb Kohl

senior real retirement