The more and more I read about the liberal reactions to the O’Connor retirement the more calm I become about how this will play out. The liberals are in a crazed panic mode. Their worlds are about to fall apart. Mark Coffey at Decision ’08 and The Kommissar have some great commentary from the liberal fringe (which is now the core of the democrat party). While these people are running around doing a fine chicken-little impression, the MSM is barely containing themselves, as we can detect in this NYTimes editorial that seems to show a hint of panic itself:

Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s retirement is going to trigger an enormous political collision. This is one time when it’s not an overstatement to say that the choice of her successor could have an effect on the nation for generations to come. But as critical as the coming fight is, it would be a shame for the combatants to come out swinging before Americans had a chance to reflect on the career and contribution of the woman who is leaving the bench. In fact, the more time we spend thinking about this sensible, pragmatic jurist, the better. Perhaps it will convince President Bush that he can best serve the country, and his own party, by nominating a new justice with the same values.

Of course, this tactical attempt to force the GOP and everyone else to use O’Connor as the gold standard is really a bad move. Janice Rogers Brown could be considered the same type of person in many ways. And you can simply respond to anyone saying she is not enough like O’Connor by reminding them we are all unique. There are no clones of O’Connor out there. Anyway, more sense of panic from the editorial

We are, in fact, beginning to miss her already as we envision the bitter confirmation battle that will take place if President Bush nominates a hard-line conservative to replace her. Senate Democrats, who have been willing to block ideologues nominated to the lower courts, will certainly do everything they can to prevent a right-wing ideologue from joining the nation’s highest court.

That’s it folks. Anyone who holds strong, religion based convictions, need not apply. Otherwise the end of the world is upon us! So sayeth the Gospel of St NYTimes.