Rehnquist as a distinguished jurist who served on the bench for a quarter century. He should be credited with, as Chief Justice, slightly redirecting the jurisprudence of the court with regards to the commerce clause and a respect for the principle of federalism. His death however was not much of a surprise; The significance as it directly should affect the court however will not be great as John Roberts has been widely reported to be a disciple of Rehnquists jurisprudence.

.....but is reincarnated in John Roberts. God help us all!!!!

For America to lose this mountain of conservative judicial influence is an enormous event but it will take years, even decades, to see what we've lost in his leadership. Being replaced by Roberts, a very young federal judge with a very short paper trail, is a roll of the dice similar to the appointment of Thurgood Marshall. For 30 years the Court has moved the country glacially to the right on many issues, after 25 years of liberal domination and reckless momentum. How Roberts will react to the liberal/conservative detente of the present mix of Justices is anybody's guess. RIP, Justice Rehnquist, a truly great American.

Seems to be overshadowed by the big-ass storms that are crashing into the Gulf coasts. . .certainly a noticeable story, but will not be as remembered as the storms or the London attacks. . .I didn't agree with Rehnquist on certain issues, but one has to respect that tough old bird.