In an unprecedented move of executive cooperation, Prime
Minister Harper and President Obama announced in a shared press conference this
afternoon that they have agreed in principle to exchange Supreme Courts.
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| Pleased with the Agreement |
In a move to more appropriately align the executive and
judicial branches of governments, the exchange was hailed as a win-win for both countries.
“I look forward to bringing the judicial wisdom,” said Harper,
“of such men as Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas to Canada.” Harper had
requested that U.S. Justice Sonia Sotomayor not be included in the exchange, but the
Obama administration believed that this opened up the process up to unnecessary
“horse-trading.”
“I think we all know” began President Obama, “that Prime
Minister Harper is less than pleased with the way the Canadian Supreme Court
has stymied important aspects of his agenda. And it goes without saying that
the Roberts court is—how should we say this?—not particularly aligned with my
vision for America.”
Harper and Obama clarified that the shift would be done in stages. Next month Chief Justice John Roberts and Chief Justice Beverley Mclachlin will switch their roles to initiate the exchange.
