President Obama has selected his nominee for the Supreme Court to replace deceased Antonin Scalia. If the Senate approves Obama’s choice, Chief Judge of the US Court of Appeals for the DC circuit Merrick Garland will be the new supreme court nominee.

Considered by some to be a “moderate” judge, his history includes defending corporations from lawsuits including the tobacco industry. Garland fought against the clean air act and has voted against allowing Guantanamo detainees to see relief in civilian courts.

Garland appears to be yet another corporate henchman who was chosen out of spite against the Republican senate rather than providing a true progressive liberal to the courts which could sway many important future rulings.

Time will tell whether or not the Republican Senate will even acknowledge President Obama’s chosen nominee as they have already indicated that they will remain strong on their refusal to select a nominee while Obama is in the White House. Whether they approve Garland or continue to refuse to select anyone, liberal progressives lose.

Sydney Robinson is a political writer for the Ring of Fire Network. She has also appeared in political news videos for Ring of Fire. Sydney has a degree in English Literature from the University of West Florida, and has an active interest in politics, social justice, and environmental issues. She would love to hear from you on Twitter @SydneyMkay or via email at srobinson@ringoffireradio.com