"MODERN TIMES"

 

HARRIET'S ANSWERS

By

Lloyd Garver

 

The Senate Judiciary Committee has said that Harriet Miers' answers to their questionnaire were "incomplete, "unsatisfactory," "elliptical," and just plain "incorrect." Through a leak from a source I can't name, I received a copy of what is purported to be her questionnaire. I will never reveal this source unless I'm threatened with jail or if anyone yells at me. I don't know if this document is really legitimate, but I feel it's my duty to share it with you. Perhaps you, the public, should decide if it's truly a copy of the actual questionnaire.

 

 

 

 

NAME: Harriet____________

 

 

 

Q: Considering your relationship with the President, under what circumstances would you recuse yourself from cases involving the Administration?

 

A: Don't mean to be picky, but I think you made a spelling mistake. There's no such word as "recuse." You obviously meant, "accuse."

 

 

Q: As a woman on the court, would you feel a special responsibility to deal with women's issues, or do you feel that it would be your duty to concentrate equally on issues that affect everyone?

 

A: That is an excellent question – the kind of question I like to roll up my sleeves and take a bite out of. I am both a person and a woman, and while I do feel a certain kinship to others of my gender, I also feel I'm part of the great human family. I also consider myself a "lady," and I don't really think it would be ladylike of me to go into any more details about this issue.

 

 

Q: What are your feelings about the separation of Church and State?

 

A: I have always felt that government should stay out of religion.

 

 

Q: At what age were you admitted to the bar?

 

A: 21, but I'm not much of a drinker.

 

 

Q: Even though it's not specifically stated in the  Constitution, do you think it guarantees everyone the "right of privacy?"

 

A:  I'd love to answer that question, but to do so would invade my privacy.

 

 

Q: Without violating attorney-client privileges, was there anything that you learned from President Bush that would make it inappropriate for you to be a Justice?

 

A: President Bush is the smartest and coolest man I've ever met.

 

 

Q: Because of your lack of judicial experience, we'd like to know, is there any judge whom you admire and whom you might model yourself after?

 

A: I like Judge Judy.

 

 

Q: In what way do you think you would positively contribute to the makeup of the Supreme Court?

 

A: I look good in black. But not as good as Laura, of course.

 

 

Q: Are there any words of wisdom that inspire you?

 

A: "Don't Mess With Texas."

 

 

Q: What quality would you bring to the bench that other judges might lack?

 

A: Well, I'm very nonjudgmental.

 

 

Q: Since Roe Vs. Wade was decided by the Supreme Court, would you say that issue has been dealt with and therefore should remain the law of the land?

 

A: Another typo or spelling mistake. It's Karl Rove, not Roe.

 

 

Q: Would you call yourself a "strict constructionist?"

 

A: No, I'm an Evangelical.

 

 

Q: Are there things you still want to accomplish in your life that serving on the Supreme Court might prevent you from doing?

 

A: I'll just do them after I finish on the Supreme Court. It's not like it's for life.

© Lloyd Garver 2005