As a liberal Democrat, I was delighted that the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the so-called Obamnycare health care law. I was disappointed that it was a 5-4 decision rather than a more robust expression of support. But for a change, Chief Justice Roberts, rather than Justice Kennedy, cast the deciding vote.
I particularly appreciated Justice Roberts' supporting statement in which he explicitly noted that Congress is the dominant branch of government and that the Supreme Court must show restraint in "policing" acts of Congress. The founders of this nation are undoubtedly applauding in their graves. The present Congress may be a collection of imbeciles and miscreants, but that will ultimately change, and we must hope that the idea of judicial restraint and the dominance of Congress will be recognized as a worthy precedent to be followed by future courts.
However the very fact that Justice Clarence Thomas, in spite of his evident conflict of interest -- not recusing himself, is very disturbing. His wife took $1.4 million for lobbying for the health industry, which Justice Thomas forgot to report for 12 long years. He has admitted (Justice Clarence Thomas Amends 1997-2009 Financial Forms) an oversight on record and paid taxes on it.
Similarly, Justice Scalia's openly hobnobbing with the Koch brothers, is decreasing the broad trust on the system.
The Supreme Court of the United States was going downhill. Thus Justice Robert's vote is important.
-- Sandip Dasverma, Richland
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