Will Bush get a third SC pick?

The Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States as of 2007: Top row (left to right): Stephen G. Breyer, Clarence Thomas, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Samuel A. Alito. Bottom row (left to right): Anthony M. Kennedy, John Paul Stevens, Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Antonin G. Scalia, and David H. Souter.

I read something truly terrifying early today - that President Bush is preparing for another departure from the Supreme Court. The two justices most likely to go would be either Justice Ginsburg or Justice Stevens. If any of the liberal justices go before Bush is out of office, it would be an unmitigated disaster for the court, and our country. Both Ginsburg and Stevens have steadfastfully denied that they will step down. God, I hope they don't.

When I read the piece today on ABC News.com, I couldn't help but think back to 2000 and especially 2004, when the battle cry among Democrats and moderates was, "if for no other reason (and there were plenty), vote for Kerry because there are going to be Supreme Court vacancies." Two appointments later, here we are.

A third Bush justice would be a disaster; too horrific to contemplate. I wonder how many people think their vote for president doesn't matter now? I certainly hope those people are few and far in between. Between the Supreme Court's Bush v. Gore decision in 2000, and the many civil liberties threatened by the current court that already leans conservative, everyone who cares about these issues should be voting in 2008.

Stay healthy, Justice Ginsberg and Justice Stevens. Please.