Being at the right place at the right time

Woody Allen once said that ‘Seventy percent of success in life is showing up!’. I think being at the right time at the right place is a part of that 'showing up'. A good example of it is the current Supreme Court nominee John Roberts. After graduating from the prestigious Harvard Law School, Roberts did the expected things – worked as a clerk to a Justice, and worked for Regan and Bush Sr. administrations. He argued a number of cases before the Supreme Court, gaining experience while managing to keep out of controversy with the excuse that his opinions are client’s point of view, not his. It was no surprise that he got selected by President Bush to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice, Sandra O’Connor. He was almost a shoe-in for confirmation. Then something unusual happened. Just before the confirmation proceedings were to start, Chief Justice Rehnquist passed away. President Bush now had to nominate a candidate for that position also, and it will take some time for the candidate to be confirmed. So, why not nominate John Roberts for the post of Chief Justice also? It is a matter of some paperwork, and the confirmation can proceed as planned. As for the vacancy of Sandra O’Connor, Justice O’Connor has agreed to remain in the court until a replacement is found. This means that the Supreme Court can convene shortly without any open seats. Everything works out wonderfully! Thus John Robert's nomination for Associate Justice got elevated to Chief Justice's post. He was at the right place at the right time. Wonder how chief justice hopefuls Justice Scalia and Justice Thomas, feel now ;)
I fear that John Roberts is an ultra conservative in sheep’s clothing. Hope that he will not be as damaging to the country as Chief Justice Rehnquist who swung the 2000 election to George Bush’s favor. God save United States of America!