Political appointments have consequences
While the people of New Orleans became painfully aware of this, things are very disturbing at the Supreme Court as well.
First, a quick refresher. The US government is made up of 3 branches, and each one's power is supposed to be checked by the other two. Most people are pretty aware by now that Congressional Republicans have, some voluntarily and some coerced, become ditto-heads for whatever talking points come out of the political agenda of the executive branch. Rubber stamping instead of serving the people. Most people are also pretty aware that the 3 Bush (1 from senior) appointments to the Supreme Court were appointed because of their political beliefs and willingness to follow a political agenda.
Many of us held out hope that the elevation to a Supreme Court Justice could cause a person to rediscover their integrity, and do what is right and lawful over what is politically motivated at that moment. Well, another hope dashed.
While the Supreme Court did just narrowly defend the Constitution over the idea of a "unitary executive" (that is, the President is above the law and should have unchecked power with no oversight), the vote was 5-4, with the predictable four - Thomas, Scalia, Roberts and Alito - siding with the idea that the Constitution does not apply when the President wishes it not to. Oh yes, recall that dubya has referred to the US Constituion as "that goddamned piece of paper".
Clarence Thomas wasn't satisfied with merely supporting the "President is above the law" notion. He personally attacked the other justices, just like other folk that do whatever Carl Rove demands. But his mannor of slander was the best part. He accused the court's majority of suffering from an "unfamiliarity with the realities of warfare." That's right, the chickenhawk who has no military service despite being draftable age during Vietnam is claiming war experience over Justice Stevens who served in the Navy during World War II. Justice Thomas - spouting talking points and following the agenda. Facts and the law be damned.
(political cartoon credit to Tom Toles. IMHO, the best of the best.)
First, a quick refresher. The US government is made up of 3 branches, and each one's power is supposed to be checked by the other two. Most people are pretty aware by now that Congressional Republicans have, some voluntarily and some coerced, become ditto-heads for whatever talking points come out of the political agenda of the executive branch. Rubber stamping instead of serving the people. Most people are also pretty aware that the 3 Bush (1 from senior) appointments to the Supreme Court were appointed because of their political beliefs and willingness to follow a political agenda.
Many of us held out hope that the elevation to a Supreme Court Justice could cause a person to rediscover their integrity, and do what is right and lawful over what is politically motivated at that moment. Well, another hope dashed.
While the Supreme Court did just narrowly defend the Constitution over the idea of a "unitary executive" (that is, the President is above the law and should have unchecked power with no oversight), the vote was 5-4, with the predictable four - Thomas, Scalia, Roberts and Alito - siding with the idea that the Constitution does not apply when the President wishes it not to. Oh yes, recall that dubya has referred to the US Constituion as "that goddamned piece of paper".
Clarence Thomas wasn't satisfied with merely supporting the "President is above the law" notion. He personally attacked the other justices, just like other folk that do whatever Carl Rove demands. But his mannor of slander was the best part. He accused the court's majority of suffering from an "unfamiliarity with the realities of warfare." That's right, the chickenhawk who has no military service despite being draftable age during Vietnam is claiming war experience over Justice Stevens who served in the Navy during World War II. Justice Thomas - spouting talking points and following the agenda. Facts and the law be damned.(political cartoon credit to Tom Toles. IMHO, the best of the best.)
posted by zblog at
1:36 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home