Humans of Coronado is a photo series where we “bump” into residents and visitors around the “island,” completely unplanned and unfiltered. It was inspired by Humans of New York. Next time you are out and about around town, you may just find yourself part of the next HOC series!
This segment of Humans of Coronado concerns the controversy following the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. On February 13, 2016 Justice Scalia passed away, leaving a Justice vacancy on the Supreme Court. Article II, Section 2, Clause 2 of the United States Constitution, known as the Appointments Clause, states that the President “shall” appoint Justices of the Supreme Court. That one tiny word “shall” seems to be interpreted by some people to mean it is a definite duty of the President, whereas others interpret it to mean that it is open for discussion.
Some people are adamant that President Obama should nominate a new Supreme Court Justice to replace Justice Scalia, who was appointed by Republican President Ronald Reagan in 1986. Other people feel that, because the next Presidential election is less than a year away, the next incoming President of the United States should be the one responsible for nominating a new Supreme Court Justice rather than President Obama. What do you think?
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“I would say wait until the incoming-President takes over because he’s [President Obama] already spent eight years. It’s time to let someone else appoint a new Justice.”
“My opinion is that I’m very apolitical, and I believe that the Supreme Court should be apolitical as well. Unfortunately it’s not. The whole issue of appointees by Obama before he’s out of office is a political one, absolutely political in my mind. I really don’t know the correct answer to it. What frustrates me is the politics that enter into it. It shouldn’t have a place. The Supreme Court should be looking at our Constitution and the law, not politics. We’ve reduced it [Supreme Court] to something else. I think it’s an extension of what’s wrong with our current political system, where you have both sides that are in their corners duking it out and getting very little accomplished. It’s very frustrating. That’s my opinion.”
“I think President Obama should, and he has the right to nominate. It’s his right as the sitting President. It’s also, from what I’m hearing, typically a Republican move to block a potentially liberal judge.”
“I believe that within a certain amount of time that anyone should be replaced such as Justice Scalia. His passing was unfortunate, but I do believe that he should be replaced within due amount of time, and not lengthen out the process.”
“I don’t think Barack Obama should. Absolutely not! First of all, he [President Obama] doesn’t follow the Constitution as it is, so why give him the power to put somebody in charge who’s going to vote on issues the way he [President Obama] does? It’s just going to strengthen his position to not abide by the Constitution.”
“My opinion is that he [President Obama] should elect a Supreme Court Justice because it’s his constitutional duty. Every President who has had the opportunity to do so has done it, and I don’t feel like there’s anything out of the ordinary for him to do so.”
Resident, Educator, Military Spouse, and Mother."I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list." - Susan Sontag.Have news to share? Send tips, story ideas or letters to the editor to: manager@coronadotimes.com