Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon

Monday, February 15, 2016

Stop Talking and Think

There's too much talking and not enough thinking these days. The death of Justice Scalia set off unbelievable pandemonium. The first person I saw speak about his death was Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.  His statement was fine until the last sentence when he said "The American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court Justice. Therefore, this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new President."  He said this in the condolence message to Justice Scalia's family.  I think this was 'poor taste' to say the least.

In a matter of minutes the rumor mills and false statement factories where working overtime.  Unfortunately, the Republican candidates went wild with these.  I wanted to scream "Stop talking and think."

This shows a real lack of respect for Justice Scalia.  I cannot imagine he would be pleased with his fellow Republicans right now.  Perhaps following his example would be a better path to take. Justice Scalia actually sent the name of Justice Elena Kagan to President Obama. You might also take a look at the close friendship he had with both Justice Kagan and Justice Ruth Bader Gingsburg, both liberal justices.

Senator Ted Cruz said "It has been 80 years since a Supreme Court vacancy was nominated and confirmed in an election year." Oh Teddy, that was not good.  You want to be president and you pop off like that before checking the facts? That's going to be a real problem for you. I would suggest you read the Supreme Court's blog to learn just how many justices have been nominated and confirmed in election years.  Perhaps you should have thought of Justice Kennedy currently sitting on the bench.  He was confirmed in an election year.

Senator Rubio said the Senate would "go through the motions," but not "while Barack Obama's in the White House.   Now Marc, I hate to make you sweat but this is a problem for you.  You see if you delay an appointment all the lower court decisions in Florida stand as they are now waiting a hearing before the supreme court.  Those rulings were made by liberal judges on abortions, birth control, and no death penalty.  Are you sure you want to delay this confirmation process?

There's not enough time to confirm a justice before President Obama leaves office?  Check the time it took to appoint the justices on the court today, 50-99 days.  From the time of Justice Scalia's death the President had 341 days left in office.  I think he can do it.

You should also bear in mind President Obama once taught Constitutional Law.  He just might know a little more about it than most of the candidates running today or the members of Congress.

You might want to read this piece in the Washington PostIf Republicans block Obama's Supreme Court nomination, he wins anyway, and while you're at it also read this piece written by a Republican, I Miss Barak Obama.

5 comments:

  1. Excellent. EXCELLENT! Haven't read all your references yet, but I'll get to them later.

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  2. Spot on, as usual, about American politics. I loved reading this!

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  3. You said a potent mouth full. It would serve them right if Hillary wins and she appoints Obama to the supreme court. I could go with that.

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  4. As you know, I have read those articles, and more. I certainly agree with what you say here. This certainly adds a new wrinkle to the election year clamber. Will any of them learn to do some fact checking before shoot their mouths off?

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  5. This is such an EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT post, Linda. What do they mean by "let the people decide"? Who do you think elected President Obama?

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