Checks and Balances

While I ended up as an English major in college, and currently make my living teaching English to middle school students, I loved Social Studies (or History) when I was a student.  In fact, had I taken a class or two more, I would have been certified in that and who knows how my career might have been different.

With that said, one of the things I loved as a student was the study of American history - specifically the Constitution.  I seem to remember that the founding fathers created three branches of government to allow for checks and balances - keeping one branch from having too much power.   I always accepted that that was the expectation here in the US - the Legislative made the laws, the Executive carried out the laws and the Judicial made sure it was all kosher.

So you can imagine my dismay as I continue to follow the follies of the Trump administration and their blatant disregard of the judicial branch of government.  They seem to do whatever they want and, sadly, the Judicial branch seems to be completely ignored. But what is more disturbing is that the Supreme Court - the ultimate arbiter of Constitutionality in this country - seems to be, if not blatantly ignorant ,then at least anemic when it comes to assuming their rightful position in the whole "check and Balances" equation.

It's time for the justices to remember that their job is NOT dependent on who is in the White House once they've gotten the job. And it's time for the justices to remember that they have an obligation to uphold the  US Constitution - even if it pisses off the Chief Executive.

So what do you say justices?  How about doing your damned job. And not making the judicial branch simply an extension of the Executive branch. Because that's not what the founding fathers intended.

Do your job.