I'm presenting at panel discussion at CBU on Wednesday the 21st on abortion rights and constitutional interpretation and how the "living Constitution" and original intent theories of Con Law affect the issue.

This article by David Savage in the LA Times (hat tip to the Volokh Conspiracy) gives a great and very balanced report on Roe v. Wade's history. It is sad and depressing to recall that Roe was not thrust upon us due to Blackmun's results-oriented jurisprudence so much as his bumbling attempt to protect doctors from prosecution and the naive assumption that doctors wouldn't kill babies for money. Now that is depressing. Perhaps new Chief Justice Roberts can rectify this embarrassment.

I have to cop to not watching all of the Senate SCOTUS hearings on John Roberts. I watched a fair portion of the first day and find it disheartening to say the least. Are there no statesmen in the Senate??? None? Regardless of party -- none seem up to the task of turning a phrase or mounting a cogent attack on any position. All blather and bluster, but no substance.

John Cornyn seems serious, but even he is uninspiring. Perhaps Senators are supposed to be so? Thank God I look elsewhere for inspiration or I would be in a world of hurt.