The Fifth US Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked President Biden’s order that all private businesses with over 100 employees enforce a vaccine mandate. The court stated: “Because the petitions give cause to believe there are grave statutory and constitutional issues with the Mandate, the Mandate is hereby STAYED pending further action by this court.”
There are 94 federal district courts. During the Trump administration, we saw single district court judges attempting to block presidential executive orders nationwide, and leftist law professors applauded. But there are only 13 courts of appeal below the Supreme Court. When one of them warns of “grave statutory and constitutional issues,” we need to listen closely.
So who were the three Appeals Court judges who ruled unanimously against the administration? Were they ignorant anti-vaxxers? Anti-science fanatics? Far-right extremists? Rabid Trumpists? Crazies who just don’t understand that Dr. Fauci’s authority supersedes the Constitution and all laws? Lunatics who don’t accept Health über Alles? No doubt apologists for the administration will try to portray them as such.
Or are the judges careful guardians of our liberty? Are they, unlike so many government officials, faithfully keeping their oath to the Constitution. You know, the actual Constitution as written. Yes, that Constitution, which has served us well since its adoption in 1789. That’s right, the Constitution under which all federal officials, from the president down, exercise their authority. If the Constitution is no longer valid, then these officials have no legal or moral claim to our obedience or loyalty. Those who claim the Constitution is outmoded need to keep that in mind.
It all depends on our point of view. What’s yours?
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