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Supreme Court Rules; Brown Versus Board of Education Reversed

Affirmative Action: Separate But Equal

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

It is official Brown versus Board of Education has been reversed. Providing equal education opportunities to all children, regardless of race, color, or creed is no longer a priority. The 1954 Court decision that invalidated the principle of “separate but equal” was overturned on June 28, 2007. This day will live in infamy. In another of the many recent 5 to 4 split decisions, the neoconservative Supreme Court canceled the promise made to students of color.

Regret Reactivity to John G. Roberts Record ©

I admittedly apologize for my own reactivity. Earlier in the week, I began writing a missive on Judge John G. Roberts.; the topic was to be, “comparable worth.” I was inflamed by his positions on women. However, I was distracted; life took precedence, other issues entered my consciousness, and I delayed in completing my composition.

My head and heart were filled with disdain for the candidate during those days and therefore; I reacted to a report in a less than thoughtful manner. Instead of continuing my missive on Roberts and women, I wrote of Roberts, the voice of Reagan. Upon reflection, I realize my words were more reactive than reflective. My original mission influenced my feelings. In retrospect, I acknowledge a need to be true; I need to write of what really concerns me and why, and I need to voice my apology for my previous posture.

I will start with my regret and realization and then turn to what is accurate, the deplorable reality of John G. Roberts and his record. I will write of Roberts and women, Roberts and the Bush administration, Roberts and the law, Roberts the environment, and Roberts on “us,” we the people.

John G. Roberts, the Voice of Ronald Reagan ©

Weeks ago, it was thought, John G. Roberts Jr. did not wield much power while serving as a White House lawyer in the Reagan administration. His official title was special assistant to the attorney general, William French Smith. Surely, all his work was done on behalf of his superiors. He, as a subordinate had little authority. However, since early, this week, when the Reagan Library released some 5,400 pages of Roberts wrings, we discover that the earlier notion was in error. John G. Roberts Jr. was actually quite an influential force. Roberts served as a judge, not merely a legal advisor while working with the Reagan administration.

Roberts adjudicated who could see President Ronald Reagan. He decided when the President was available, where he would appear, and under what circumstances. Roberts mission was to protect the President from his friends. Roberts worked to ensure that the actor-President would not promote commercial ventures. Roberts' role was to save the President from himself. There was an accepted fear the Commander-and-Chief word harm himself if he spoke spontaneously; who knew what his words might cause.

ROBERTS RECORD, FLOOD OF FILES, AWASH WITH WHAT IS MISSING ©

Senate Democrats are demanding access to more of John G. Roberts’ writings. Before they approve the Supreme Court nominee, they wish to know who is this man. However, information is inaccessible. The Whitehouse refuses to supply it. Filibuster is the form that the administration is adopting. The Whitehouse states it has accommodated requests for papers; they have saturated Senate offices with 15,000 pages of text. These folios document Roberts’ service during the early Reagan years. Some say, shifting through these sheets of paper is as reading tealeaves; there is much roughage and little of it advances a message.

Senator Patrick Leahy wonders; is the Whitehouse, “flooding us with stacks of really unimportant materials in order to divert attention from those that the matter most.” One never knows; however, we can surmise.

The documents that were delivered are old. They date back to 1980 -1981. In these years, Roberts served as a special assistant to Attorney General, William French Smith. In this position, his power was limited. His personal and moral views were, rarely, if ever visible. Roberts worked for the Attorney General. The views he expressed were not his own, they were those of his superior. Therefore, pages from these years reveal little of the man.

The documents from more recent years, those that the Whitehouse states are “secret,” are thought to be of greater importance. Senators believe the latter pages will divulge more about the man. The administration argues, these documents do not necessarily offer Roberts’ personal views. Some in the beltway say this stance is the “crown jewel of attorney client privilege.”

DOUBLE PLEASURE, FUN, AND STANDARDS, JOHN G. ROBERTS AND WIFE ©

I recall the 1992 Presidential elections, vividly. Beginning in 1991 with the primaries, continuing into the campaign, and later, even after the votes were counted, the press and public expressed great concern. They stated it openly, frequently, and loudly. There was apprehension. The potential First Lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton was considered an activist, well educated, intelligent, and a professional woman.

The accepted image of a First Lady differed from the public impression of Mrs. Clinton. Former First Lady’s were thought to be demure; they appeared to sit silently by their husband’s side. They were content be courteous. They needed nothing more. Many doubts were expressed about Hillary. It was believed that she would not be well suited for the position of First Lady. Numerous persons predicted Mrs. Clinton would serve as a second president; they were certain she would. For years, the clamor continued. Remember the health care commission.

Yet today, when asked of the activist, professional life of Jane Marie Sullivan Roberts, wife of Supreme Court nominee John G. Roberts, United States Attorney General, Alberto Gonzales stated strongly, inquiries into her life are off limits. The Attorney General was interviewed on CBS’s, Face The Nation.

• Please read this recent release, Confirmation Path May Run Through Florida. Jeb Bush spokesman Jacob DiPietre told the Los Angeles Times, "Judge Roberts was one of several experts who came to Florida to share their ideas. The governor appreciated his willingness to serve and valued his counsel." The now President appreciated his service as well.