Senate Republicans are not only refusing to hold confirmation hearings and a vote on the nomination of Merrick Garland for the Supreme Court, most of them are refusing to even meet with him in private meetings, a customary first-step for Supreme Court nominees.
This is not only an insult to President Obama, but to Judge Garland, who most certainly does not deserved to be blithely ignored for partisan gamesmanship. It is also an insult to the American people.
President Obama was elected by the people and has the responsibility to nominate a replacement when an opening on the court exists. President Obama has fulfilled his duty, a good 10 months before he will be out of office. The Senate now needs to fulfill its duty, a good 10 months before a new President will be inaugurated. Congress needs to act NOW. The American people cannot wait 10 months to have a fully functioning Supreme Court, and Justice Garland should be treated with respect by Republican partisans in the Congress.
