Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was found dead at a Texas Ranch Saturday at the age of 79. He apparently succumbed to natural causes. He was the longest serving justice, and the most conservative. His appointment came in 1986 from President Ronald Reagan.

Although it is the duty of all those who serve in government to praise him for his service, the reality is that he was the leading right wing force in the Court, and his absence will cause little pain for those who are moderates or on the left side of the aisle.

Although our founding fathers designated the judicial branch to be non-political, Scalia went out of his way to ensure that conservatives were supported by the Court.

The next president will be expected to appoint two more justices as both Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer are expected to retire. Scalia’s demise means that President Obama will appoint one more justice before his term of office ends next January.

It also means that Justice Clarence Thomas will need a new mentor in the Court. He has supported every opinion Scalia wrote during his tenure.

This may be the most important turn of events in this election year. Whoever is elected as our 45^th president will define the direction of the Supreme Court. Because Justices are appointed for life, this will affect our nation for years to come.

This news has come so quickly that no reaction from the White House has been offered. And, of course, there will be no indication of the President’s selection to replace Scalia for days to come.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

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Photo Courtesy of DonkeyHotey

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