Gambling away the Supreme Court

It is an insult to politicians that are flip-floppers to call Donald Trump a flip-flopper. As a Casino owner, he is a bona fide dice-roller, making what he would do in office a complete gamble. ------

Consider just six of his many positions on who he likes to be Supreme Court Justice. Die side 1-Trump would appoint his sister, who has held that the Constitution protects the practice of partial-birth abortion.
Die side 2: Justice Thomas is the best Conservative Justice.

Die face 3: Justice Scalia was wrong on affirmative action

Die side 4: “Justice Roberts turned out to be a nightmare for conservatives . . .I’m going to appoint people that have great reputation that are great within the legal profession.” Die side 5: Trump would 'consider' appointing a judge who would overrule the same-sex marriage ruling.

Die side 6: Trump supports the liberal decision Kelo v. United States and laws that would restrict religious freedom in violation of the First Amendment.

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Each of Donald Trump's comments represent both inconsistency and ignorance about the Supreme Court that is inexcusable for someone who is seeking to have the power to appoint Justices to the Supreme Court. First, No one should suggest appointing anyone pro-choice if they hope to get the Republican nomination-- yet Trump did. True, Trump admires Justice Thomas, but this does not explain whether his admiration will translate lead him to appoint a judge who yet opposes his views on affirmative action, eminent domain and religious freedom. Third, Trump wants to appoint people of great reputation to the Supreme Court-- and yet slams Justice Roberts (who had such a reputation). Last, Trump's statement that he would 'consider' appointing a judge who believes our Constitution does not require same-sex marriage is inadequate.

I have focused on Trump's statements prior to Justice Scalia's passing, because they paint a more credible picture of how Trump really feels than statements made in the heat of the campaign. The choice could hardly be clearer: Republicans must not vote for Trump if they value the Supreme Court.

It should not be a surprise that a vote for a casino owner is a gamble. With Supreme Court nominations on the line, we have no time to gamble.