Grand Inquisitor

Earlier this year, some religious conservatives got into hot water for suggesting that liberals want to impose a religious litmus test against "people of faith" who are nominated to the Supreme Court. The righteous indignation the Democrats expressed was out there for all to see. Conservatives were forced to back off this line of attack.

Now, with the nomination of John Roberts, Dick Durbin is fueling new suspicions about the issue. Last Friday, Durbin, the Illinois Democrat, is reported to have asked Roberts about potential conflicts between their shared Roman Catholicism and the law. Frankly, Senator Durbin, who made you the Grand Inquisitor? It's none of your business.

It's the job of Roberts to faithfully interpret the law. It's your job to decide whether he is fit for the job (and he obviously is). Drop the quizzes about the state of the nominee's soul ... or join the priesthood.