Not to be judgmental...

This moning my heart almost stopped while listening to KQED. Linda Gradstein (sp?) was introducing the next story - it was about Supreme Court retirements - and I heard the words, "Rehnquist issued his statement early this morning...(really long stressful pause) and he does not have immediate plans to retire..."

Phew.

Not that I love the guy but having him step down right now would be sort of a mess. I guess he needed to issue the statement because reporters have been stalking him in DC and near his house over the last couple weeks ever since Sandy threw in her towel.

I'd be pretty annoyed if the paparazzi was setting up camp outside of my house while I was finishing the spring session while simultaneously being treated for thyroid cancer. As a side issue, SC Justice don't necessarilly have armed or secret service personnel assigned to their detail. In fact, about two years ago, David Souter got mugged on Capitol Hill one morning or evening while he was out on a jog. The thief that mugged him had no idea who he was. I guess he kind of roughed up Souter, too, with some punches and pushing.

Also, this is off topic, but I guess Souter still drives around an '84 VW Rabbit. Yes, probably evidence that we don't pay these people enough money. But maybe he's just a mousy eccentric...