[FredZarguna]

But actually, is the quote or the historical reference apt?

It does not seem to me that Roberts actually faced the kind of dilemma that Germans faced; he sold his soul quite cheaply -- for the sake of the approbation of jackals; jackals which will tear him to pieces if his next opinion doesn't please as mightily as this one has.

He was not a career military man faced with obedience or death. He was not even a powerless old man faced with the choice of losing his pension. He was the Chief Justice of a Court held inviolate for over 200 years with a lifetime appointment. He was in no danger and he sold his soul for virtually nothing at all.

Here is my preference on the question of John Roberts' profit. Thomas More to Richard Rich after the perjury that sealed his doom:

Why Richard, it profits a man nothing to give his soul for the whole world... but for Wales?!

[grey_whiskers]

*If* some of the rumours are true -- say (for argument, or illustration) that the NY Slimes found dirt on the Roberts adoption, or that he is a closet queer -- then he was subject to blackmail, as the historical allusions are accurate; if, on the other hand, he did it to remain in good standing with the cocktail party circuit, and to uphold the august nature of the court (I think I read he was trying to imitate Taney?) -- then he sold his soul for a "mess of pottage."

In either case, however, the freedom from wanton taxation for NOT doing things, is gone.

Next step for those who worship death -- destructive, ruinous taxes on all those NOT having an abortion. Then on those attending church or synagogue. The principle has been established: you're free to do it, or not. The government is just exercising its taxing power, right?

NO cheers, unfortunately.