Appointing Justice Garland- Obama’s Final 10 Days

In Obama’s final ten days in office, he still has the power to confirm Judge Merrick Garland, a liberal judge, to replace Justice Scalia (a conservative judge). This appointment was refused by the Senate, however, it is still possible for Obama to confirm Judge Garland’s place in the Supreme Court. This would cause great divide about Obama’s respect of The Constitution, and would probably cause a disruption before Trump takes office, but Obama still has the power to make a huge change before his time in office is over. Obama could make a “recess appointment,” where when the Senate takes a ten day rest in the next week, Obama could take this time to bypass the Senate and appoint Garland.

Justice Scalia was a very conservative judge, who publicly opposed the Roe v. Wade decision, and was not a supporter of gay marriage. Garland, on the other hand, would continue to support these rulings. If Obama does not act to confirm Garland to the Supreme Court, Trump’s pick would tip the balance to the Republican side. Trump has stated that he would appoint a judge which would continue the Scalia legacy. Trump already has control of the House and Senate; will the Supreme Court be under the Republican control as well?

The last thing this nation needs in more Republican control. What’s the use of a democracy if the nations governing body is completely biased towards one side? The Republicans (in my opinion) already have too much control. If Obama doesn’t act to confirm Garland, and Trump’s pick takes Scalia’s place in the Supreme Court, important cases like Roe v. Wade may be overturned. This nation needs continual forward progress; however, Trump threatens this progress. The Roe v. Wade extended protection and privacy to women who decided to have abortions. This case took place in 1973, but is still talked about to this day. Yes, Trump’s control may lead to the change of a ruling that took place 40 years ago. If that doesn’t speak volumes to the threat he poses to our country, I don’t know what does. The recent nationwide legality of gay marriage would be threatened as well. Basic human rights (even the right to love) will be under threat in the Trump administration. Obama should seriously consider confirming Justice Garland to the Supreme Court in his last week in office. Although it would cause a great divide and possibly cause an even greater divide between the Republican and Democratic Parties, Obama needs to take advantage of this chance while it lasts.