Dear Mr. Brasch. great article. The picture that's painted of judge O'Connor is one of impartiality & achievement. I wish her well.
One of your comments puzzles me though. "If he [George W. Bush] continues to disregard the advice of those who aren’t his closest political advisors and sticks to his promise to nominate someone acceptable to the evangelical right-wing of his party, his legacy may be further tarnished. Not only would he show disrespect for the legacy of Justice O’Connor, but will have set into motion a political battle that may eventually lead not only to a greater division in the country, but of a Supreme Court that may be responsible for a further reduction of constitutional freedoms.
From the tone of this last part of the article you write like this shouls worry Mr. Bush. He has surrounded himself with sycophants & has, in Gonzales, someone who believes in the judicial use of torture. Can you really see Bush overly worried because he's divided the country, tarnished O'Connor's legacy & established a supreme court that will further reduce constitutional freedoms? I don't think it will cause him too many sleepless nights.

Bosk - I think you are correct. Bush hasn't lost much sleep over any of his appointments and would prefer to be surrounded by sycophants than honest advisors.

Brasch's article is otherwise an excellent summary of a true maverick - someone who would always speak out regardless of the incumbent president's POV. I doubt we will have another independent like her in the foreseeable future. A shame.