BreakPoint

Dreams of Ottumwa

Is the Supreme Court out of touch with the American people? Chuck Colson had a few thoughts on that topic. And you’ll hear them, next on BreakPoint.   This week the Supreme Court begins hearings on the future of the Affordable Care Act. And of course, by this summer, we’ll know the Court’s opinion on so-called same-sex “marriage.” Well, back in 1996, Chuck Colson was flabbergasted by what he believed was a particularly bizarre ruling from the Court. He wondered whether the Court had any idea what real life was like outside the Beltway. And then he offered a unique solution to the problem right here on BreakPoint. Let’s listen again to one of Chuck’s all-time favorite commentaries.  

After nearly 40 years in Washington, I've noticed that two things happen to people who move here: First, their sinuses are shot. And second, even the most sensible people lose touch with the real world. They begin taking their cues from the so-called thoughtful part of the nation--that is, the elites who live inside the Beltway. That's the only explanation I can find for the Supreme Court's recent decision in Romer v. Evans, which invalidated Colorado's Proposition 2. Sensible people come to the Court, and then issue irrational decisions. Now if only the Supreme Court were based in, say, Iowa, the justices might view issues like this differently. As I mused on this subject the other day, I fell asleep--and had the most amazing dream. I saw a multitude of people from every part of the country, marching on the Supreme Court. But these folks weren't interested in making speeches. My first hint was the huge tractor they were hauling. It was the NASA crawler, the 3,000-ton platform used to carry the space shuttle to the launching pad. What are they gonna do with that? I wondered. I soon found out. A man in a John Deere cap said, "We decided that since there's no way to get the ‘Washington' out of the Court, we'd take the Court out of Washington!" "Where are you planning to put it?" I asked. "Ottumwa, Iowa," he replied. "How are you going to get the Court into the crawler?" I asked. "Just watch!" the man answered. Just then the justices came out. "What gives?" asked Justice O'Connor. "We're moving the Court!" roared the crowd. "Where to?" asked Justice Stevens. "Ottumwa, Iowa!" the crowd answered. "Where's Iowa?" asked a bewildered Justice Souter. "And how are you going to get the Court there?" "That's easy," said the man in the John Deere hat. "The American people have determined that the decision whether or not to obey the law of gravity is an intimate and personal choice central to our personal dignity and autonomy." "What claptrap is this?" Justice Kennedy asked. Justice Scalia began to laugh. "It's from your own Casey decision, you nitwit," he said. And he added, "They've got us, so let's give the Court the old heave-ho." The other justices shrugged and complied. They put their hands on the side of the court building--and solemnly declared the law of gravity unconstitutional. The Supreme Court building rose gently into the air. "Westward Ho!" shouted the crowd. And away they went. Along the route, citizens invited the justices to potluck suppers. They picked up the tab for clam strips at an Illinois Howard Johnson's. They stopped into a Dairy Queen. They even invited the justices to sleep in their trailer parks. But just as the Court arrived in Ottumwa, my alarm clock went off. The traveling Court and the cheering crowds faded away in the morning light.Yes, it was only a dream. But I've always believed that moving the Court to the heartland is a good idea. It would put the justices back in touch with ordinary Americans. And it would be far more difficult to trash 200 years of American tradition--or declare big chunks of it unconstitutional--if the justices dwelt among people who actually live, and die, by that great moral consensus.

Further Reading and Information

Dreams of Ottuma: How to Save the Supreme Court In today’s commentary, Chuck mentioned the Supreme Court’s ruling in Romer v. Evans, which he considered a catastrophic setback for American self-government. To read Chuck’s reaction to the ruling and his reasons for condemning it, read his BreakPoint commentary “Democracy’s Demise.” And take this opportunity to pray for the nine justices of the Supreme Court as they deliberate this week. Ask God to guide them as they make decisions that affect the lives of our nation's people. I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior. 1 Timothy 2:1-3

Resources

Democracy's Demise Chuck Colson | BreakPoint.org | May 21, 1996

03/3/15