When the public elects the next president of the United States, the U.S. Supreme Court could be shifted to the point of irreparably redefining the Constitution and American society.

Already, justices are distinguished based on their political tendencies, a sad fact no matter which way a person leans. It’s unfortunate that the ultimate interpreters of the Constitution have obvious favoritism toward specific liberal or conservative beliefs.

While no lawmakers likely can have faceless, non- opinion-based decision making powers, the Supreme Court should be the closest to perfect in regards to following the Constitution to the book.

Any stability that can be salvaged in the Supreme Court should be protected at all costs.

If voters re-elect President Bush, he will have a chance to name as many as four justices, depending on how many seats are made available.

The appointments could put the Constitution in the hands of staunch conservatives, and American freedoms could fade away into irresponsible perceptions of the document sworn to provide even the smallest minority group a fair say in this country.

The consequences of a conservative court could make the Iraq war and more recent controversial happenings seem silly.

Issues that have no business being considered illegal, and rights that should never be questioned, will be pondered by those with similar interests as our simple-minded president.

Gay marriage would move from a taboo subject for some to an illegal issue for all.

The U.S. government would endorse a Christian god and frown at conflicting beliefs at a level that would revive so-called witch hunts, and discrimination could once again rear its ugly head and rattle the foundations so many civil rights leaders have struggled to establish.

If granted a second term, Bush could more effectively disrupt equal rights struggles that have been fought since this country was founded based on personal freedoms and minimal governmental control.