polite society

Since 2005, John Roberts has been the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. During his confirmation hearing that year, he explained his judicial philosophy. He made the case for his future career as one of the 12 most impartial people in america with this quote: "I will decide every case based on the record, according to the rule of law, without fear or favor, to the best of my ability. I will remember that it’s my job to call balls and strikes, and not to pitch or bat." Judges are the so-called umpires of US politics. They are neither the pitcher nor batter, not home nor away. Similar statements from other future Justices litter the congressional record. Each of them vows to be impartial, to judge all people with equal unbiased vigor.Parts of american society encourage us to internalize certain beliefs and practices. Many people view impartiality as one of the greatest virtues a person can have. Sober, rational thought is a must for the decisions we make, or to see a position in a fair…