Free Republic

Ever since Brown v. Board of Education, liberals have used judicial activism as a substitute for political persuasion. But we shouldn't ask judges to make laws. It is difficult to imagine a more fundamental assault on the separation of power than this spring's shameless attacks on the judicial appointments process. With their threats to end the right of filibuster and to measure judicial nominees by political standards, Republicans like Rep. Tom DeLay and Sen. John Cornyn brought partisan warfare and violation of basic principles to a new low. Either they do not understand the essentials of our constitutional system, or...

WASHINGTON (AP) - Attorney General John Ashcroft remained hospitalized Saturday in an intensive care unit for treatment of a severe case of gallstone pancreatitis, a serious and painful abdominal illness. Justice Department spokesman Mark Corallo said Ashcroft was being treated with antibiotics and painkillers. Corallo said there has been no change in his condition. Doctors were still evaluating the attorney general and awaiting results of tests before deciding on their next steps, which could include surgery. Pancreatitis is treated with antibiotics and fasting, and often clears up after a week or so. But in some cases, surgery is required. In...