alito, abortion, etc

Supreme Court wannabe explains away his 1985 written statement that he did not believe there was a right to abortion as merely the sort of lie one tells to get a job. But now, Sam says, he "knows better." In other words, he knows enough to not say what he believes quite so baldly, at least not until after he's confirmed. And various others (mostly people who would be appalled at Alito's nomination if they had any doubt he was soft on abortion) point to his belief in settled precedent, etc, as proof he hasn't already made up his mind on abortion. Hell, in his suck-up letter he said how proud he was at advancing the anti-abortion cause among others.

In addition to saying "the Constitution does not protect a right to an abortion" and opposing various quotas, Alito came out in favor of a government role "in protecting traditional values" (whatever the hell THEY are).

Interestingly (to me), in one opinion as judge, Alito opposed a federal law protecting consumers from odometer fraud in used cars, saying "It is the states, and not the federal government, that are charged with protecting the health, safety and welfare of their citizens."

Break up the Department of Homeland Security? Kill off the Environmental Protection Agency? Leave the protection of the needy and the environment (which we all need...) to state governments like the one in Texas? Talk about a reactionary view.