As displayed in the writings of conservative punditry and, most interestingly, among American Thinker contributors, by far the most fascinating thing about the Miers nomination is the resulting turmoil within the conservative movement. Some thoughts...

The consuming void in what should be a vibrant Democrat response to a Republican nominee shows not only how pathetic that Party has become, but also how the responsible right—left dynamic is almost entirely within the Republican Party.

Harriet Miers has become the Yoko Ono of politics.

To the President's faithful, she is a tribute to his constancy and loyalty, to his once devoted fans, now detractors, she is an inexplicable destroyer of the dream.

Notice also how the President's defenders attack, in a personal way, pundits gone off the reservation: George Will is pompous, Krauthammer is elitist, Buchanan is a Neo—Nazi, etc.

Conversely, the President's supporters are said to be enablers, Kool—aid drinkers, sycophants to the King.

This nomination was perhaps the straw—that—broke—the—camels back, but with all the obvious underlying angst, no doubt a very healthy occurrence for the future of the Republican Party and by extension, the Republic.

Why is this healthy? Like any un—diagnosed illness, it's unfelt, quiet existence is perhaps its most dangerous aspect.

All this existed before the nomination. But the flash—point was not reached. With the lame—duck Presidency only a short year away, the cathartic energy unleashed by the Miers pick, will concentrate the conservative mind wonderfully, to paraphrase Dr. Johnson.

Liberalism is dead. But what is the alternative? Big government "conservatively" directed? Or classic Burkean conservatism, pure in its disdain for big—spending "problem solving" and large—scale societal improvements?

My guess is that these discussions will only grow more intense whether or not the nomination moves forward. But they are absolutely vital discussions which may have never occurred without the appointment of Ms.Miers.

Time to clear the air. While the Hilary monster is still safely over the horizon.

Andrew Sumereau   10 12 05