Enter Sam and Ben

Sandra Day O'Connor has had to wait seven long months to go home to Arizona, but today the U.S. Senate finally confirmed Samuel Alito to be an associate justice of the United States Supreme Court. He was confirmed today by the Senate by a vote of 58 to 42 - the second highest negative vote received for a confirmed Surpeme Court justice (after Clarence Thomas) and with the lowest number of Democratic votes - four. The residents of Alito's, and my, hometown of West Caldwell, New Jersey, are all very proud. Except, of course, for me. And a couple of other people I could mention.

Meanwhile, Alan Greenspan is also joining Sandra Day O'Connor in retiring from public service. The long-serving Federal Reserve chairman steps down effective tomorrow in favor of his successor, Ben Bernanke. Greenspan leaves behind a long legacy of low inflation, price stability, and strong control of the money supply to allow the economy to prosper. He also became influential on the need to rein in government spending - something the current White House occupant doesn't seem to get.