[The following is a guest post by Ann Green.]

Justice John Paul Stevens of the United States Supreme Court has announced his retirement. With his appointments to date, President Obama has boldly pushed an aggressive program of affirmative action, taking into account race, gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation. The ethnic background and gender of Justice Sotomayor were clearly part of the package of qualifications she brought to the bench. The appointment of transsexual Amanda Simpson as senior technical advisor in the Department of Commerce was a first. I think. An oft-mentioned candidate for the next justice is Elena Kagan, the first female solicitor general, who is gay.

I am sure all of these people are qualified for their jobs. Yet while crafting an administration that "looks like America," the president has consistently overlooked a group that is championed by a key member of his administration. I must ask, where are our animal companions? Is it just me who has taken notice that all appointees are humans? Has there even been a furry friend in the cabinet? an administrative post? the TSA? Come to think of it, there are none on the state or local level either. Not even in the most obvious niche, dog catcher, or, as my city describes the position (with more dignity) animal control officer.

As I've reported on this blog before, Carl Sunstein, head of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, holds a view of animal rights that is more radical than those of the Geico Gecko and Mr. Ed put together. The regulatory czar has great power, yet remains silent on this issue. In his book Animal Rights: Current Debates and New Directions, Sunstein, who taught law at Harvard and U. Chicago, wrote "Animals should be permitted to bring suit, with human beings as their representatives." I say, if they can sue, they can serve.

In addition to the rights which animals should now enjoy, they would bring new talents and perspectives to the judiciary. Why not Bo Obama? He has extensive exposure to the workings of government from the inside. Felines have strong personalities which enable them to control the actions of human beings many times their size, an advantage when trying to put together a majority opinion. They would also be instrumental in discouraging overworking and in encouraging such healthy habits as frequent naps. The aforementioned gecko is extremely articulate and would write snappy, succinct decisions. Or maybe it's time for Smokey the Bear to get a promotion.

By the way, where is PETA? On their website they brag about being "the largest animal rights organization in the world." They boast of their 2 million members sticking their collective necks out for beavers and birds and have been known to compare Colonel Sanders to Hitler. But when it comes time to putting Rover in a robe, they're nowhere to be seen.

A great injustice remains in our nation. If we are serious about affirmative action and animal rights, Mr. President, I challenge you to appoint an animal to the Supreme Court. If not, just wait until their tea parties are unleashed!