Supreme Court as Politburo?

Supreme Court as Politburo?




"Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist's health is shrouded in mystery, the extent of his thyroid cancer a closely guarded secret. Several coming events could give the public an idea about the seriousness of his condition.

The return of the court, which next hears arguments on Nov. 29.

The annual court Christmas party on Dec. 17, an event Rehnquist relishes.

President (elect) Bush's inauguration on Jan. 20. The chief justice normally swears in the president. Bush could choose another justice or other government official..."



One of the things I miss most about the Soviet Union is the lost art of Kremlinology - that inexact science of looking at the Politburo lined up along the Kremlin wall and trying to figure out, from the order in which they were standing, the inner gears and workings of the Soviet high command.

A subscience in Kremlinology was the Siberian Cold, the long-lingering mystery illness that was invariably followed by all stations cutting to somber military music for 18 hours, followed by the announcement of the new Fearless Leader.

I kind of get that feeling following Rehnquist's health...