Historic Case Demands Televised Coverage

Continuing to ignore requests from throughout the country, the U.S. Supreme Court continues to prohibit the televising of its proceedings to the people of this country. By its lack of wisdom, and contrary to virtually every other branch of federal, state and local governments, the Court refuses to allow the citizens to watch their government in action. The Justices' reticence makes a person wonder if they're still shy because of the ruling on the Bush-Gore election.

As a devotee of C-Span and Cal Channel, and a person who has frequently watched the proceedings in the Supreme Court Building in Washington, DC, I find it incomprehensible that the court dodders along a hundred years behind the times by providing only delayed radio broadcasts of its public actions.

The week's three day hearing on the Administration's affordable health care plan passed by Congress two years ago may well decide the future of accessible and affordable health care for this and future generations, yet we get only second hand opinions on their actions by a few of the 400 privileged souls who caged seats in the Chambers. We don't even get pictures, just artists' sketches of the Justices.

The antiquated greeting when Justices enter the Chambers "....Hear Ye, Hear Ye, the Honorable, the Supreme Court, etc..." has a certain old world charm, but not allowing us to watch them has no charm and no rational basis. Are powdered wigs next?