[Sacajaweau]

This is something that should never be. The Supreme Court was set up totally separate from the "checks and balances" system.

I believe Madison said that was the danger of this court.

There should be absolutely no contact between this court and any branch. The court is unique.

And it was given a job for "life" so no one would be beholding for a job when they left the bench.

[AnotherUnixGeek]

This is something that should never be.

Agreed. If Obama's Justice Department has a legal argument to present to the SC on this matter, that's one thing. Attempting to pressure the courts through the media and berating the SC justices to their faces at State of the Union addresses (as Obama successfully did) are unethical practices which show either an ignorance of the separation of powers or a complete disregard for it.