tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.comments2023-11-03T07:31:49.573-04:00Liberal CitizenGeorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253150846911854844noreply@blogger.comBlogger1600125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-11092873846163923812023-06-29T16:10:07.470-04:002023-06-29T16:10:07.470-04:00Education is now a clear factor on how someone vot...Education is now a clear factor on how someone votes. <br /><br />Libertarian paradise--free marketplace: with monopolies and anything goes <br /><br />Science? who needs science when the Bible or the internets have all the answers?!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-77074006012834071882012-06-29T12:48:07.543-04:002012-06-29T12:48:07.543-04:00Law school hasn't totally crushed my spirits y...Law school hasn't totally crushed my spirits yet. Plus I had a wonderful undergraduate professor who helped teach me how to think positively and progressively. Happy friday!SomeGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07657844736723869569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-84991226688335895592012-06-29T12:22:51.610-04:002012-06-29T12:22:51.610-04:00In the 1980s SCOTUS upheld the Texas sodomy laws b...In the 1980s SCOTUS upheld the Texas sodomy laws but changed its "mind" in the 1990s. <br />Yes, stare decisis is taken seriously but not written in stone.<br /><br />Nor, do the justices follow party lines; they follow more their judicial philosophy, though they do take into consideration the political realities of the country. The FDR-SCOTUS relationship and the rulings are a good example of this. <br /><br />I don't have a bleak impression of the US judicial system, but I'm trying to accurately understand what's going on and identify its patterns and problems. <br /><br />I'm glad to see that you maintain some idealism and positive attitude, and I'm sure you'll bring your enthousiasm into whatever endeavor you go into. <br /><br />It's nice to have that, especially when reality delivers crushing blows. I agree, it's good to have a beacon of integrity and goodness to follow during the darkest hours of utter frustration.<br /><br />Be well.Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09253150846911854844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-50818104991856831032012-06-29T10:45:56.215-04:002012-06-29T10:45:56.215-04:00I respectfully disagree with your dismissal of sta...I respectfully disagree with your dismissal of stare decisis. Even the most stubborn of justices have gotten on board with decisions they personally disagreed with under the gun of precedent. <br /><br />I find it hard to believe that this type of decision would be outwardly overturned in the future. We aren't talking about something like Plessy v. Fergueson or Bowers v. Hardwick. This was a major ruling on T&S - an area of the law that has remained a very broad congressional power throughout history. There is a very consistent body of precedent here. <br /><br />To say that their own bias and political ideas play no role would be naive and stupid. They are human and it is impossible to take those things completely out of the equation. But is their job, as much as possible, to be self aware and account for those things. <br /><br />I do not meant to say that Chief Justice Roberts has always behaved has the perfect justice. Merely that on this issue he made the decision to protect the integrity of the court.<br /><br />As for the other justices Kagan and Breyer ( I believe) voted to strike down the commerce clause argument. This further bolsters the position that it isn't always about party lines. <br /><br />Your bleak impression of our judicial system saddens me, George.SomeGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07657844736723869569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-53116193508789975752012-06-28T23:15:02.886-04:002012-06-28T23:15:02.886-04:00How the high court will rule on similar cases in t...How the high court will rule on similar cases in the future with a different makeup (say, a majority of liberals) will not be restrained by this decision or stare decisis. <br /><br />Of course the justices play politics too. We don't know the bargains they struck to get this ruling, basically upholding the health care reform law. I could see the libs saying, we'll take Roberts' vote now even if he opposes giving too much power to the fed gov on interstate commerce.<br /><br />You know, all justices read the same briefs and the same constitution but they arrive at different conclusions. Their judicial philosophy, ideology, and political calculations all play a big role. Interpreting, one way or another, is their job. And, of course they make policy judgments! The all become judicial activists when they want.<br /><br />You say that Roberts decided on the law and not politics. So, what did the others do? And, has Roberts decided on politics before?...Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09253150846911854844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-54006332113391114862012-06-28T22:51:03.259-04:002012-06-28T22:51:03.259-04:00The extreme political polarization surrounding the...The extreme political polarization surrounding the ruling on the affordable care act really overshadows all the reasons this opinion is so important. Major rulings on the power of Congress do not happen everyday. This decision marks a serious benchmark in commerce clause and taxing and spending jurisprudence (and probably the 10th amendment as well). It would be nice to see a discussion of the implications this opinion has on the strength of the federal government, rather than just its impact on the current political climate. <br /><br />Further, today was a great day for the SCOTUS. Chief Justice Roberts reminded Americans what the real purpose of our country's highest court is. He reminded us that voting along party lines and pushing political agendas has no place on First Street. While Chief Justice Roberts has traditionally voted with his conservative bench mates, on this issue he decided on the law and not the politics. He made abundantly clear that he does not support the affordable care act but, regardless of his personal political views, he found that Congress was within it's power to act. Mere months from what is shaping up to be a close presidential election, Chief Justice Roberts passed up an opportunity to us his power to further political interests. He chose to do his job, to interpret the constitution and to leave the policy decisions to the elected officials, where they belong. <br /><br />" Members of this Court are vested with the authority to interpret the law; we possess neither the expertise nor the prerogative to make policy judgments. Those decisions are entrusted to our Nation's elected leaders, who can be thrown out of office if the people disagree with them. It is not our job to protect the people form the consequences of their political choices." National Federation of Independent Business v. Kathleen Sebelius 567 U.S. _____ (2012).SomeGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07657844736723869569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-75784437077597911282012-03-14T23:08:16.458-04:002012-03-14T23:08:16.458-04:00You are sarcastis in your first couple paragraphs,...You are sarcastis in your first couple paragraphs, right?Anoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-898222075746775292011-08-16T11:09:36.032-04:002011-08-16T11:09:36.032-04:00There will be many opportunities to point out his ...There will be many opportunities to point out his extremism, but I'm not sure if he maintains this kind of rhetoric that's so far to the right of most Americans.<br /><br />He prays for taxes to go away, prays the gay away, and pray to God to end the drought in Texas (it failed). And, end all regulations because they kill jobs... Whatever, but these messages may be obscured by a bad economy and an irrelevant president Obama.Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09253150846911854844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-3323833188984953472011-08-16T11:07:05.680-04:002011-08-16T11:07:05.680-04:00Perry is a lunatic and I hope people pay attention...Perry is a lunatic and I hope people pay attention to his rhetoric.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-70068576160698481362010-03-30T21:22:10.573-04:002010-03-30T21:22:10.573-04:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-16152798346218785842010-03-27T13:46:57.180-04:002010-03-27T13:46:57.180-04:00I think this Pope (after he became Pope) has set z...I think this Pope (after he became Pope) has set zero-tolerance policy about clergy who abuse children.<br /><br />This doesn't excuse his prior conduct but he has been an improvement over the last Pope (and those before).<br /><br />He has apologized for the sexual abuse that took place in many countries.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-38752673553228730992010-03-27T12:10:32.524-04:002010-03-27T12:10:32.524-04:00but then I realized that fear paralyzes the brain....but then I realized that fear paralyzes the brain..Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-65144569179116725602010-03-27T12:09:46.006-04:002010-03-27T12:09:46.006-04:00I couldn't understand how an educated person w...I couldn't understand how an educated person who reads the Bible can seriously think it's written by with divine inspiration...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-63956111738597372432010-03-27T11:19:52.443-04:002010-03-27T11:19:52.443-04:00As the Bible instructs, motives are important in j...As the Bible instructs, motives are important in judging behavior. If fear prevents someone from being bad, then this has to be taken into account when evaluating morality.<br /><br />Those faithful who mean well are plentiful, but we have to see what they do first. For example, they may mean well (in their minds) that ..saving people is their moral obligation. I don't mind a good reasoned argument, but using the state to convert others is offensive.<br /><br />Also, I think it's time we stop the ignorance and superstition. It's unbecoming of us today.Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09253150846911854844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-65532600728971723062010-03-27T10:59:24.648-04:002010-03-27T10:59:24.648-04:00wow, powerful statements you've got here. didn...wow, powerful statements you've got here. didn't expect you'd open up the comments for this.<br /><br />of course, as you know, there are lots of good people who are faithful and have done many great deeds to improve humanity. it's those fanatics who can't rest without converting everybody else to their faith.<br /><br />why is that the catholic church has a greater problem with pedophilia? maybe there is something there, or maybe other churches have been more successful in keeping the problem out of the spotlight.andersonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-23662811415981170482010-02-16T18:05:38.184-05:002010-02-16T18:05:38.184-05:00Yes, I think this is an obligation we have to huma...Yes, I think this is an obligation we have to humanity. There's a benefit for the greater good if we help each other instead of adding to the misery.<br /><br />In practical terms, and in the realm of US politics, I do believe the likes of Sarah Palin will bring much misery to us and the world is she's elected, but I would like to believe that the voters (most of them anyway) wouldn't fall for such a person. We'll see.<br /><br />I said before that this GOP needs to get a couple big defeats to decide the extremists that are in charge right now should be booted out. We need a modern, sensible Republican party.Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09253150846911854844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-54242506063870494932010-02-16T17:46:50.855-05:002010-02-16T17:46:50.855-05:00Along the same line, "When we lessen the burd...Along the same line, "When we lessen the burden of living for those around us we are doing well; when we add to the misery of the world we are not."Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04790970761368013883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-43128364096277499312010-01-24T02:11:14.817-05:002010-01-24T02:11:14.817-05:00Frank Rich is right. If the Dems don't read yo...Frank Rich is right. If the Dems don't read your blog, they probably read his editorial. I do hope they understand that political capital isn't something you save in a bank!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-83068545231948573942010-01-23T12:03:45.305-05:002010-01-23T12:03:45.305-05:00Perceptions matter. Obama handled the bailout badl...Perceptions matter. Obama handled the bailout badly. He gave to the banks without adequately asking for serious reforms... now he's going the populist route to control the big financials. <br /><br />The people have a right to be upset especially when they see the state of the economy and their own predicament.<br /><br />Being a community organizer is good and Obama could use such skills but he has to know when and where. He should have been much more forceful with the GOPs and his own party. He could easily have claimed a mandate to quickly do what he campaigned upon.<br /><br />I think he's lost the momentum. He must regain it for immigration reform, etc.<br /><br />Also, and this is unfortunate, the independents have to be convinced that Obama and the Dems are their best option as compared to the Rpubs.... And, the Dems should still be running on the incompetence and horrible effects of Republican policies.Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09253150846911854844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-57016610834664734882010-01-23T11:57:19.153-05:002010-01-23T11:57:19.153-05:00I honestly believe that Obama could have delivered...I honestly believe that Obama could have delivered a better policy in his first year. The DOMA and DADT, GITMO, and of course health care reform. <br /><br />I hope he won't screw up immigration reform as he did with health care.<br /><br />I like the quote you have from Jon Stewart that the banks got so much more than the average person.annenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-29113724858207565192010-01-22T22:32:29.155-05:002010-01-22T22:32:29.155-05:00today Paul Krugman urges the Dems to pass a health...today Paul Krugman urges the Dems to pass a health care bill. I'm on the fence because I know this bill is very flawed... doesn't go far enough and delivers some 30 million new customers to the insurance agencies without doing much to cut costs. :(Samanthanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-3651639428939587262010-01-22T15:39:49.554-05:002010-01-22T15:39:49.554-05:00Scott Brown is a politician and handled this race ...Scott Brown is a politician and handled this race much, much better than Coakley. However, he isn't all that formidable. I agree, he can be defeated in 2012.jessnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-77521501795559414012010-01-22T15:38:36.066-05:002010-01-22T15:38:36.066-05:00Ben Neslon (from Nebraska) was an obstructionist, ...Ben Neslon (from Nebraska) was an obstructionist, and wanted to get special treatment for his constituents. Even though that provision was taken out {who knows what the bill says though} the people of MA got the impression that they had more what the fed plan would give them and decided they didn't want to be taxed more to pay for others' health insurance.Bnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-83497838485206710452010-01-22T15:36:15.937-05:002010-01-22T15:36:15.937-05:00The message is, she was a terrible candidate and t...The message is, she was a terrible candidate and the Dems in MA & DC were terrible tending to this important race for the US Senate.... for Teddy's old seat.<br /><br />I do hope that when Obama runs for re-election in 2012, he'll be popular, will carry MA big and sweep Brown out of office.Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09253150846911854844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774506.post-53200209392949975302010-01-22T15:34:22.248-05:002010-01-22T15:34:22.248-05:00I can't believe you said Coakley deserved to w...I can't believe you said Coakley deserved to win... but you'd vote for her anyway. What's the message here?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com