Partisan Political Process?

An excerpt from the Gazette:

Toews has said he is counting on the maturity of parliamentarians to ensure the process doesn't become a partisan political circus, as it has in the United States.

Let's dispense with this bit of conventional wisdom, please. Just what about the recent confirmations of Roberts and Alito (or, for that matter, Ginsburg or Breyer) could rightfully be considered a circus? And when Bush attempted to nominate his own lawyer, Harriet Miers, it was the fact that the decision needed approval that resulted in a seriously unqualified nominee from getting appointed directly to the highest bench.

This is not to say that Canada should mirror the American approach. We should, however, stop with the smugness over our system that leaves such a decision solely in the hands of one individual. Kudos to Harper and Toewes for taking the initial steps down that road. Here's hoping they (or future governments) go further. Also kudos to the Conservatives for the practical decision of going with the Liberal shortlist. So much for "progressive" fears of a Harper government on that front.