I am, Sam.

I am, Sam.

Today is a big day. First, Judge Samuel Alito will finally get his up or down vote in the senate having survived the confirmation process. I suppose that it is too late for Harry Reid to call for the application of Rule 21. But I fear that the Republicans would just see it as yet another bluff by the Democrats. Reid and the majority of the Democrats in office could use a little courage.

Of course after the votes have been cast and counted, there will be a little swearing in ceremony. The newly annointed Associate Justice will be wisked away to the Supreme Court where he can unceremoniously toss Sandra Day O'Connor out on her backside.

Of course various members of the Republican Party, and not to mention Bush's "opinion leaders" will be telling all that will listen that the Republicans already control the Legislative, the Executive branches and now they control Judiciary as well. And who in the "right" mind actually believes that Alito isn't another "activist judge". I find it absolutely impossible to believe that Judge Alito isn't going to "legislate from the bench".

After a full days activities of self congratulatory back-slapping the Republicans will head back to the halls of Congress where Bush will proceed tell a fabulous tale of how his taxcuts will set you free; how Medicare is saving seniors millions; the war in Iraq is going according to plan; that the insurgents attacks are a sign of weakness; that his administration is building up a coalition against Iran. (And not to be outdone, Iran has laid their cards on the table.) Of course there will be wonderful talk about rebuilding New Orleans.

More importantly Bush will tell the public that as president he has the power to illegally wiretap whomever he desires. (To say nothing of torture.) I expect to hear Bush say more than once that his "most important job as president is to protect and defend the American people." That is not what the Constitution says.

Bush can end his day knowing that he is one signing statement away from running the dictatorship he likes to make jokes about.