Justices pay tribute to Rehnquist (all except Souter, who refuses to issue statement)

CNN ^ | September 4, 2005 | CNN

[SpringheelJack]

(CNN) -- The Supreme Court released statements by seven Supreme Court justices who paid tribute to Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, who died Saturday. A statement from Justice David Souter is not expected, the court said.

Justice John Paul Stevens:

"William Rehnquist's independent, impartial and dedicated leadership of the Supreme Court has been an inspiration to those of us privileged to serve with him -- and to the entire nation as well. Charles Evans Hughes, a great chief justice whom he particularly admired, would have been proud of the example he set as the leader of the court.

"He was truly the first among equals in discharging his judicial duties in a prompt, scholarly and fair manner. He was a good friend, maintaining his sense of humor and proportion throughout the difficult period that marked his most recent service. We shall miss him."

[SpringheelJack]

More follows on the link.

I wonder what the story is with Souter.

[Texas_Jarhead]

Perhaps he was brought up not to speak ill of the dead so he's just keepin his mouth shut.

[patriciaruth]

Does anyone know if Souter is gay?

[bnelson44]

why ask such a question?

[RWR8189]

Maybe he's biding his time so his letter of resignation does not take away from discussion of Rehquist's legacy?

Hey...a fella can dream...

[dmw]

He's worried about his house being taken from him (eminent domain).

[Lancey Howard]

I am pretty sure that I would not get along with a weasel like Souter either.

[dmw]

Why not?

[SpringheelJack]

Perhaps he was brought up not to speak ill of the dead so he's just keepin his mouth shut.

Keeping your mouth shut in an instance like this speaks pretty loudly.

[freekitty]

The reason may be innocent.

[chrispycsuf]

thats a stupid question that is an attack on his personal life....comments like that belong on a democratic site, as only they sink that low

[quantim]

I wonder what the story is with Souter.

Maybe his latest PSA is positive and he's thinking for the first time in his life.

[SteveMcKing]

Justice ASHCROFT.... pleeeeease.

[nicmarlo]

The Supreme Court released statements by seven Supreme Court justices who paid tribute to Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, who died Saturday. A statement from Justice David Souter is not expected, the court said.

fyi ping.

[Lancey Howard]

It seems likely that Souter is gay. This is relevant because it may explain his complete betrayal of everything that he portended to be prior to getting confirmed to his lifetime appointment. I truly believe somebody has some serious dirt on this scumbag Souter.

[CalRepublican]

That's truly bizzarre, especially since this obviously transcends politics.

I hadn't hear that there was anything personal between the two. But Souter is a very unusual and private guy.

He's also no good as a judge, btw.

[LoneRangerMassachusetts]

why ask such a question?

One of a short list of questions to explain bizarre behavior. Maybe Rehnquist quietly chided him about it the time he got mugged in the park.

[cynicom]

Chief Justice Hughes is the man that forced Justice Owen Roberts to switch from Conservative to left winger and support FDR in his bid for socialism. Hughes was a weak man.