It is with a heavy heart that we say farewell to the Chief
Justice of the United States Supreme Court, William H. Rehnquist.
Chief Justice Rehnquist was more than a jurist. Rather, he was
a patriot, a friend, a husband, and a father. He was known by
those in his inner circle to be kind, personable, and fair-minded.
His ostensibly stern demeanor did not accurately reflect his
social prowess and passion for the law.
In Rehnquist's 33 years on the Court, he took part in many
of the most controversial decisions of our time. Of particular
note, he was one of only two dissenters in Roe v. Wade,
the decision that rendered anti-abortion statutes void nationwide.
Rehnquist's dissent
in Roe serves to demonstrate the fortitudinous nature
of his convictions. Rehnquist opposed moral philosophies capable
of unraveling the delicate moral fabric of our nation. He understood
and articulately elucidated that abortion, euthanasia, and physician-assisted
suicide are not constitutional rights. The establishment clause
was not
designed to banish God from the public square. Most importantly,
he understood that the Constitution must be interpreted according
to its text, history, and structure. Judicial restraint relies
upon the notion that the Constitution was written once, and cannot
constantly be rewritten to suit the prejudices of individual
jurists. To summarize, Chief Justice Rehnquist believed that
because the Constitution
did not have a pulse, it could not be considered a "living"
document.
While being socially adept and personable, Chief Justice Rehnquist
never broke with his moral and ethical convictions to reach a
decision. He answered a higher call than the expedients of politics.
The Chief's resolve in holding to his values and beliefs merits
veneration and provides us with an archetype to which we all
should aspire. The UIS College Republicans extend their most
heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Chief Justice
Rehnquist. The Chief leaves behind a legacy that will live on
in the hearts and minds of a grateful nation.
