Lessons from the Chief: Remembering William Rehnquist

Jeff Bleich, who is currently the President of the State Bar of California, clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist in the early 1990s.  In November 2005, he published an article about his experience working with Justice Rehnquist that highlighted the Chief Justice's personal characteristics and "rules for living", which were not widely known.  Despite their differing views on legal principles and philosophy, which often generated lively discussions with the Chief Justice, Mr. Bleich developed a deep and sincere appreciation for Justice Rehnquist.  Justice Rehnquist's selection of Mr. Bleich as his law clerk (while knowing of his views) was a testament to the Chief Justice's respect and appreciation for the diversity of viewpoints and the people who hold them, and Mr. Bleich's article reciprocates with the same values.  The link to Mr. Bleich's article is provided here, as it showcases the spirit that fosters a more collaborative, better-functioning government. 

http://www.osbar.org/publications/bulletin/05nov/rehnquist.html

New Bipartisan Website (republished from Donklephant.com) 7-30-08

By Alan Stewart Carl

There’s a new website for those who are looking for something outside the usual partisanship. It’s called Bipartisan Bridge and is striving to be a meeting place/advocacy group for those who what politicians to work towards solutions and stop the endless bickering. Here’s how site founder Brad Kane describes the effort:

The Bipartisan Bridge was created to provoke thoughts, inspire ideas, constructively contribute to the national discourse, and provide a meeting place for all who are dedicated to elevating bipartisanship, non-partisanship, and post-partisanship over the fractiousness of partisanship. As partisanship takes an ever-increasing toll on our governmental institutions, a redirection toward mutually-beneficial collaboration is necessary to stem the tide, before the situation declines beyond repair. While there certainly is a role for partisanship on election day and the month or two leading up to it, it must be contained, so as not to impair our government’s ability to function effectively. The competition of elections must be separated from the collaboration of governing.

I’m always in favor of cooperation over rancor – although vigorous, constructive debate and not blind compromise is, I think, the real goal. To that end, Bipartisan Bridge has posted 50 Bipartisan Policy Ideas which readers can read and presumably discuss on the site’s blog or perhaps on some upcoming community page. Beginning with concrete ideas rather than a general “stop the yelling!” message is a good sign for this new site – after all, being bipartisan and heard is not an easy mission.

Such bipartisan efforts have existed before, from the well-funded but ill-fated Unity08 to the long-running but usually dormant Centrist Coalition (which seems to be pretty much just the Centerfield blog now). Politics is about power and removing yourself from partisanship tends to remove you from power. It’s a bit of a Catch 22 for us independent types.

Nevertheless, I think a lot of people would agree with the Bipartisan Bridge’s message and I hope the site succeeds in bringing some attention to the idea that not every issue has to be a left vs. right power struggle. There are alternative ideas and alternative ways in which to discuss important matters. Check out the site and see what you think.

Anti-Poverty Campaign 6-21-07

Anonymous writes "Former Senators Bill Frist and Tom Daschle are leading a very important anti-poverty campaign called ONE Vote '08, which Bono has also been instrumental in organizing. "