Can Rehnquist handle the job?
The chief justice refuses to discuss his health. His position is too important for continued uncertainty. When the U.S. Supreme Court reconvenes Tuesday, it will once again be without its leader. This is not good for the court. More importantly, it is not good for the country. The court announced Sunday that Chief Justice William Rehnquist will continue to read briefs, participate in conferences and vote, but he will not be on the bench to hear oral arguments. This has been his routine since October, when he had a tracheotomy after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer. At the time, medical experts surmised his cancer was the most virulent kind and there was wide speculation as to whether Rehnquist was up to the demands of his job, or, in fact, if he should be expected to be. Those questions about Rehnquist’s health arose because of his refusal to publicly discuss it. They have only become more magnified with his continued absence from the bench. In fairness to the American public, the q
