I’m oversimplifying, but the headline above gives you a good sense of the main theme in Disrobed: The New Battle Plan to Break the Left’s Stranglehold on the Courts (Crown Forum, 2006).
Author Mark W. Smith argues that the battle for the courts is lost as long as conservatives focus on judicial restraint, originalist or strict constructionist interpretations of the Constitution, and respect for the rule of law.
Smith argues instead for “conservative judicial activism,” and he says conservatives should look for “Judicial Reagans.”
A strong-willed Judicial Reagan would defend core principles rather than the elite opinion of the Washington Post and the New York Times. He would not only love America but also recognize that this nation is the greatest nation ever to exist; understand that evil exists and must be fought domestically and internationally; appreciate the importance of a strong military and thriving free markets; be skeptical of government interference in the economy; and accept that the best way to resolve many moral and social issues is on a community-by-community basis rather than by nationwide judicial fiat.
How might we spot a potential Judicial Reagan?
They should be able to tell you about the last book they bought from the Conservative Book Club, their favorite Fox News Channel show, and the last Rush Limbaugh Show they heard (and quoting South Park or The Family Guy‘s Stewie would also be a plus). If they start gushing about Nina Totenberg or All Things Considered, then, as Tony Soprano might say, “forget about it.”
