Washington is electric this morning. It is morning in America as literally billions around the world celebrate the Inauguration of our 44th President.
Last night, I made it through the crowds to discuss the torture issue with Rachel Maddow on the mall. For the clip, click here. It was an amazing scene with people braving the cold to take in the historic moment. Let’s pray that principle prevails over politics in the prosecution of war crimes.
The day before we took the kids to the mall for the concert. We were listening to U2 and Bono when they were ushered off stage. My three-year-old Madie said a little peeved about the guy who kicked Bono off stage. I explained it was a guy named Obama but she was not pleased. Not a good start. Rule Number One for a successful presidency: never bump Bono.
Of course the great moment was when we took the kids into the forest near our house to pick up trash as part of the day of service called for by Obama. It was quite moving until I asked Aidan where the trash bad was. He explained that he left it in the forest and we had to discuss the point of the exercise and find the bag. Well, this is a work in progress.
We are having our own Inauguration party (with about 30 kids) with Chicago food today. My 82 year old mother drove on her own through the night from Chicago on an impulse. Have a wonderful Inauguration Day everyone.
Congratulations, President Obama.
Now don’t screw it up. The Constitution is counting on you.
Here’s my little gift to our new President courtesy of Stevie Wonder.
And kudos to JT for taking the wishes of President Obama to heart with his kids. I also note with great approval Madie’s refined beyond her years taste in music.
“Clarity of principle” – truer words have never been spoken.
Happy Inauguaration Day!
To all of you on this blog who support Obama I want to say I believe in you. I have faith in you. We may differ on Obama but we do not differ on the desire for a just, wonderful and great country. Have an exciting celebration! My best hopes are with you.
JT thank you for bringing into focus the mandate of accountability.
Together we can manifest the law being enforced.
Godspeed President Obama.
I am not particularly shocked that Roberts had trouble administering the oath of office. That does require reading the document beforehand.
I am most likely cynical; however, I wonder if Roberts intended to make President Obama look bad.
FFLeo:
Never attribute to malice what incompetence will neatly cover. Were I a pagan I would attribute it to an ironic god.
An oath of office is a succinct, simple—although critically important—pledge that must never be mangled as managed by the ‘highest judge’ of our democracy.
Oaths are separated into sections to ensure that the solemn fluencies of the words are not interrupted by misspeak. The irony to me is that the fumbling G.W. Bush delivered his oaths of the presidency flawlessly while Mr. Obama stumbled.
President Obama didn’t stumble. He stared down Roberts until Roberts corrected himself. Roberts didn’t seem to know where the word “faithfully” was supposed to go. Or Roberts was trying to get President Obama to repeat text that was incorrect.
Right wingers are like that. If we thought we saw a hubbub over Obama’s birth certificate, what would we have seen if our new democratic president had gotten the words to his inaugural oath of office out of order? Nice try, Roberts.
i am so pleased and happy and for once, not a pessimist!
Thank you, God.
Quoted from rightpundits.com/?p=2681
“….Article II, Section 1, Clause 8 declares only that Barack Obama must affirm the following:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.
So the constitution prescribes a specific oath the new president must take which is a minimum requisite. All presidents say (or affirm) the minimum, but all have embellished it in ways by adding “so help me God” at the end and most have included their name in the beginning, such as,
“I, Barack Hussien Obama, do solemly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, so help me God.”
______________________
The video of the “swearing-in” is also embedded at the site.
I can’t believe how many people showed up! It’s just too darn cold outside for me to see anyone I admire speak about anything or sing any songs!
Okay….I’d do it if Garth Brooks went back on tour again.
When it comes to stumbling over words, it could happen to anyone. I’m sure he was nervous about the whole thing. It’s not like someone becomes president everyday. It’s a nerve-racking job!!
I hope that he serves our country well. I really truly do.
Pedantically, the 44th needed just 42 words—in the correct order—to achieve his specific presidential oath of office.
Chief Roberts just flunked Con Law 101. He said “I will execute the Office of President to the United States.” He seemed like an empty robe up there on his own without his clerks and assistants.
Someone tell him to go back to the Court and write out the final clause of Article I, section 1, 500 times on a blackboard.
Then go over to GW Law and enroll in Professor Turley’s Con Law class.
The ghost of Chief Taney lives on.
Mike Appleton:
I’m with you, but I suspect God had help here–about 66,882,230 helpers.
Publius:
Chief Justice Taney–a nasty blast from the past. Here’s words that must torment the specter of the good Justice and especially on today, (from his opinion in Dred Scott):
“[African Americans] had for more than a century before been regarded as beings of an inferior order, and altogether unfit to associate with the white race, either in social or political relations; and so far inferior, that they had no rights which the white man was bound to respect; and that the negro might justly and lawfully be reduced to slavery for his benefit. He was bought and sold, and treated as an ordinary article of merchandise and traffic, whenever a profit could be made by it. This opinion was at that time fixed and universal in the civilized portion of the white race. It was regarded as an axiom in morals as well as in politics, which no one thought of disputing, or supposed to be open to dispute; and men in every grade and position in society daily and habitually acted upon it in their private pursuits, as well as in matters of public concern, without doubting for a moment the correctness of this opinion.”
I’ve spent the morning and afternoon in tears and as I write this the emotion still flows within me. Whether BHO proves to be a great President, or not, remains to be seen. As someone born before the end of WWII and brought up by my parents to see all people as human beings, having lived through Civil Rights demonstrations and all the untimely deaths in the 60′s, I never thought that I’d live to see this day. BHO’s election and succession will hopefully herald a new beginning for the US, where we will see people as fellow human beings and not as diverse tribal entities. All of the regulars here, led by JT’s passion for
constitutional adherence, believe in a country guided by laws that treats all citizens equally. Therefore all of us here, despite our place on the political spectrum, can join together in the hope that the country will move dramatically towards what we hold to be the ideal.
Michale Spindell:
Wonderful sentiments Mike. Let’s see the dream filled out with action. The start looks good to me!
Mike Spindell,
That was beautifully said, obviously heartfelt and I’m glad you wrote it. It’s true as well!
Mike, Mazal tov.
Was it necessary for Reverend Lowery to make a racist statement the Benediction in front of the world on the steps of the Capital of the United States of America?
Was it necessary for Barack Obama to smile when Reverend Lowery made the racist statement?
Is this how we unite America? I hardly think so. OBama needs to demand Reverend Lowery apologize to the white America in the United States that WENT TO WAR to free slaves. The only Nation in the world that has gone to war to end slavery!
I attended a conference where a leader who thought much too highly of himself was ending a rousing—although way too long and pompous—speech and his loud crescendo to the “punch line” extolling the virtuous symbol of an agency was flubbed when he shouted :
Long live the Glue Broose! (meaning to say ‘Blue Goose’)
The rousing cheers turned to a huge collective and audible groan. The pristine atmosphere for all of the other rah-rah pomp and circumstance “speeches” of others that evening was subdued by their “champion’s” faux pas prelude.
I disliked the self-important speaker who flubbed his lines and I bet I was the only person in the entire huge ballroom who thought with glee, Yes! to the muffing of his punch line.
Chief Justice Roberts needs to learn that while on a worldwide stage during an important exercise of the peaceful transfer of power, that he simply must deliver the correct ‘punch line’.
Market went down 330 points today. Market has been crashing since it realized Obama could very well win the election if blacks came out in numbers and voted for him – which of course they did – 97% voted for him. Strange how that happens.
Was it necessary for Reverend Lowery to make a racist statement the Benediction in front of the world on the steps of the Capital of the United States of America?
Is this how we unite America? I hardly think so. OBama needs to demand Reverend Lowery apologize to the white America in the United States that WENT TO WAR to free slaves. The only Nation in the world that has gone to war to end slavery!
what racist statement? the little rhyme? the black/yellow/red…?
that saying has been around since the 60′s. just like i have.
it’s not racist!
Excerpted quote from Lowery’s message:
“…help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around … when yellow will be mellow … when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right.”
beener:The only Nation in the world that has gone to war to end slavery
hmm, you’ve posted that twice and seeing how it really isn’t true that must mean everything else you have posted is equally not really true
Thanks I won’t have to read your posts any more.
On a lighter note.
I didn’t think I would have much of a reaction today but I’m not sure my eyes have beheld a more beautiful sight than watching Bush leave for the last time.
Nice post Mike Spindell
mespo727272: I am not particularly shocked that Roberts had trouble administering the oath of office. That does require reading the document beforehand.
HAHAHAHAHA…that’s funny cuz it’s true
Professor Turley is it possible to get a schedule of your TV appearances? I don’t watch TV so-called “News” but I would make an exception in your case. Maybe there is one and I am missing it?
I was not able to watch as much of the coverage as some of you on here, but what I saw was moving. The millions of people on the Mall stole the show for me. I have seen estimates of 1.4 million to 2 million. That is an amazing statement to the man and his principles. Now, we citizens have the duty to stay involved and keep our Presidents feet to the fire. The principles do not end at the inauguration. President Obama (that has a nice ring to it)made it very clear that one of the changes he is making is that we will not give up our principles for our security. I take that to mean no torture and no warrantless spying. I will be watching very carefully to see if his actions match his rhetoric. It is a new day.
As to Justice Roberts, as much as I dislike his politics and his hidden agenda, I do think that he just flubbed up today under the pressure. It was nice to see Obama straighten him up.
Finally, I have to echo Buddha’s statement to President Obama earlier, “Don’t screw it up”. Amen.
Prof. Turley,
Congratulations on having the family together on this historic day. And congrats on your mother making that long drive by herself. I hope she has someone going back with her. I have made that drive and it is not an easy one. And you are right, don’t mess with Bono.
rafflaw:
The dominoes are starting to fall. In today’s Washington Times, conservative lawyer Bruce Fein argues for investigating and, if sufficient cause exists, prosecuting Bush, Cheney, Rove, Gonzalez, et als for ordering and complicity in torture. When the ultra right wing Rev. Moon is against you, who can be for you. I am eagerly awaiting the conversion of Ann Coulter and Rush Limbaugh. Even they don’t need a weatherman to tell them which way the wind is blowing. Here’s the article:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jan/20/the-rule-of-law/
Rafflaw, I bet you would call an apple an orange if it got you ahead political in your little mind:
Fein is a Ron Paul worshipper. On September 2, 2008, Fein addressed Ron Paul’s “Rally For The Republic” in Minneapolis offering a critique of the Bush administration’s interventionist policy and advocating a more non-interventionist foreign policy. Fein also harshly criticized the anti-terror policies of the Bush White House, including wiretapping and detention of terror suspects.
“Notable” published writings by Fein include articles advocating the impeachment of former U.S. president Bill Clinton.
I find it shameful but typical of left wing loons to print half truths and half the story.
mespo:
Fein is a Ron Paul worshipper. On September 2, 2008, Fein addressed Ron Paul’s “Rally For The Republic” in Minneapolis offering a critique of the Bush administration’s interventionist policy and advocating a more non-interventionist foreign policy. Fein also harshly criticized the anti-terror policies of the Bush White House, including wiretapping and detention of terror suspects.
“Notable” published writings by Fein include articles advocating the impeachment of former U.S. president Bill Clinton.
I find it shameful but typical of left wing loons like you TURLEY< and the rest of the MSNBC TURDS to print half truths and half the story.
JT:
Bravo to Mom Turley for making the pilgrimage. When my son was in South Bend, I had to make that trek. It’s long and boring and exhausting. Besides her filial duties, I am sure she wanted to share with you and your family what Emerson called the “triumph of principles,” or to review that flotilla courtesy of Aiden, Jack, and Ben. Grandmas are like that.
Calling Bruce Fein a Conservative is an insult to Conservatives.
MESPO’s ost about Bruce Fein’s article is a lot of baseless rubbish, and, yet another example of why lawyers shouldn’t be elected to high office or make public policy.
Mr. Fein, in the typical habit of attorneys to bore in on minute details in order to look for a case, would have the nation utterly paralyzed from dealing with a threat that, shortly, after 9/11 seemed impossible to confront. That legalistic treatment of Islamic terrorists is what caused the first WTC attack to compromise intel sources and methods in order to bring to justice those terrorists, ultimately causing a blackout on information leading to the much more deadly 9/11 attacks.
People like Mr. Fein are ivory tower prima donnas. They sit in the comfort of think tanks and academia, and think great abstract thoughts. They don’t have to deal with the realities of the threats facing the nation. After 9/11, these lawyer, ACLU-types kept their heads down and skulked in the shadows —- they had no solutions, they had nothing to say, except to wring their hands, and state how bad and sad it all was.
No Americans’ civil liberties have been breached, and no Americans have been tortured. Just as important and very much unfortunately taken for granted by the public, no Americans have died in a major terrorist attack. Frankly, if there is another one and any current counterterrorism policies were changed from where they were under Bush, I’m in favor of investigations, show trials, and hearings against people like Mr. Fein and Obama Administration officials who let it happen. I’m furthermore in favor of compelling Mr. Fein to attend each and every funeral of any Americans who die in a terrorist attack — maybe then it won’t seem like such an abstract debate in a law school classroom.
JFKdem
If Fein really wants to have the ‘rule of law’, then put your energy into dealing with the 20 million illegal aliens in this country that are draining our resources dry. A political battle over who did what to whom because you hate Bush and his administration….get over it and lets get on with governing this country not only for the 70 million that voted for BHO, but also the 63 million that did not.
beener:
““Notable” published writings by Fein include articles advocating the impeachment of former U.S. president Bill Clinton.”
***************
So did JT, and me too for that matter. What does that prove, or disprove about what I said? Fein is conservative, and he turned against this Texas Gestapo for the reason we all did-their utter contempt for the law. That makes him more lawyer than ideologue,and I applaud it.
Brue Fein uses the following words to sell his supposed love and respect for the rule of law:
“The best way to deter government criminality and to teach citizens the rule of law is to punish the perpetrators who are unanimously found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by independent and impartial jurors.”
“In a government of laws, existence of the government will be imperiled if it fails to observe the law scrupulously. Our Government is the potent, the omnipresent teacher. For good or for ill, it teaches the whole people by its example. Crime is contagious. If the government becomes a lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for law; it invites every man to become a law unto himself; it invites anarchy.”
But, I ask, where is Bruce Fein on all of the millions of law breakers, otherwise known as “illegals” that have broken the law to come into this country? The members of Congress that are pushing to legalize these law breakers and others thwarting the “rule of law” are mostly Democrats that could care less about the rule of law. Of course, Bush was also pushing this idiocy. It is mainly Congressional Republicans and the vast majority of the American citizenry that yelled, screamed and protested against legalizing those breaking the immigration laws. Why should not the members of Congress that encourage illegal immigrants to come and stay, for strictly political reason (votes), not be prosecuted for failing to follow their oath of office and uphold the Constitution and laws of this nation? Why are we not arresting and prosecuting, or returning to their country of origin, those that have broken the laws of the United States? Where are you on this Bruce? I presume you are a coward to state the truth on this huge issue, that the corrupt politicians that infest the U.S. Congress are skirting the law for their own gain, but are costing the taxpaying public of this nation untold millions to support these illegals that have broken the law.
beener:
“Calling Bruce Fein a Conservative is an insult to Conservatives.”
*********************
Change “Conservatives” to ” Bruce Fein” and we agree.
Mr. Mespo, these men who you want to be tried as “criminals” just saved you, your family and this nations BACON. You have no idea what your even thinking about. Remember, 53+ million Americans DID NOT vote for the Messiah and we will not be silent. If Barry wants to bring charges then you’ll see us on Penn. Ave the next day letting YOU, Nancy and Harry know exactly how we feel about this President. It will never happen on our watch. So be very careful what you ask for. Even Barry wouldn’t be that stupid, because one day he might have to do the same thing. Saving your bacon will be an everyday occurrence and Barry knows that (he should). Because this war is not over with. Just because we have a new President does not mean that the terrorist are going to give us any breaks. Barry or no Barry.
You might want to go read your papers front page story about the 40 terrorist who just died from the “plague” that was self induced by their experiment that went wrong. I wonder why they were working on that experiment? Do you think they were taken Bio 101 for the fun of it. 40 of them died, how would like that plague to hit DC or NYC?
You better keep your powder dry because “it ain’t over”.
re: bruce fein
Rule of law only works if we have clear, stable laws.
Fein wants Bush held to what Fein thinks the law should be, but there is much nebulousness in many of the “laws” he wants Bush held to. Congress has passed and repassed the Patriot act and all it brings that Fein detests. Where is the “law” about what precisely is torture. Some people think waterboarding is torture. Others don’t.
Fein wants Bush punished for political decisions.
This country has lost its ability to hold anyone to the “rule of law” because there are no stable laws. Today our country is ruled by what a few old men and women with political agendas say it is.
When the Supreme Court can take anyone’s home and give it to WalMart because WalMart will pay more taxes, we have no rule of law. When the Supreme Court finds “laws” in “shadows” and “emanations” and “penumbras” where is the rule of law.
Until we return to living by the rule of our written constitution, we have no rule of law. Only the rule of the whims the politics of men.
Right now, a columnist pleads for us to rule by his whims.
It’s more dangerous when we actually operate that way and let a few judges rule us on their whims.
Messss: You are either a fool or a terrorist has hacked into your web site and is writing articles under your name. If this is what you think is right, then if BHO uses any of the means you rail against then will you call for his being investigated and prosecuted? If he doesn’t close Gitmo by 1:00 today will you be calling for his ousting for not upholding his oath of office? Will you visit the graves of Americans who die by the hands of terrorists? Will “pretty please” be included in your definition of torture?
jaeger:
“No Americans’ civil liberties have been breached, and no Americans have been tortured.”
************
Go back to sleep Rip Van Winkle, you missed the last eight years. We’ll wake you when the Grand Jury meets!
Bruce Fein has really gone off the deep end – again. This makes Keith Olbermann sound reasonable.
Maybe Fein is still mad about that bad publicity he got a few years back. Clean up your life Fein and you name won’t be splatteerd all over the place.
Move on. When Bush became President he also could have gone after many Clinton cronies for crimes during that administration, but choose to take the high road rather than further divide our nation. Its time for the hate about political decisions to end and it was politics, no crimes were committed. It is now time for BHO to take his own place in history and govern from the center if he wishes to succeed. I’m so sick of the radical liberals that have taken over my party.
loamaster:
“If Barry wants to bring charges then you’ll see us on Penn. Ave the next day letting YOU, Nancy and Harry know exactly how we feel about this President.”
***********
Doubtful that will happen. You neo-cons won’t miss your tee times for something so mundane or non-profitable as mass demonstrations. Too bourgeois.
The world is changing and either you change with it or it leaves you behind.
Get off the conservative/liberal arguments and lets implement smart policies…everything else is pure jibberish, just like this blog and Turley.
pityman:
“Will you visit the graves of Americans who die by the hands of terrorists? ”
*********
Well if I do, and then swing by Arlington National to see the graves of the Iraqi war dead,I ‘ll be there exactly one time more than President Bush.
Man this is fun swatting trolls!! Why didn’t the other regulars tell me sooner?
The first step towards tyranny is to criminalize the political decisions of your opponents. No laws were actually broken. If the dems truly thought that any really were, W. would have been impeached in a heartbeat. This is about separation of powers, not illegality. You just didn’t like the decisions that were made and hated the person making them. The remedy for that is at the voting booth. You got what you wanted. Now, I believe the term is “move on.”
Again I ask where is Bruce Fein on all of the millions of law breakers, otherwise known as “illegals” that have broken the law to come into this country? The members of Congress that are pushing to legalize these law breakers and others thwarting the “rule of law” are mostly Democrats that could care less about the rule of law. Of course, Bush was also pushing this idiocy. It is mainly Congressional Republicans and the vast majority of the American citizenry that yelled, screamed and protested against legalizing those breaking the immigration laws. Why should not the members of Congress that encourage illegal immigrants to come and stay, for strictly political reason (votes), not be prosecuted for failing to follow their oath of office and uphold the Constitution and laws of this nation? Why are we not arresting and prosecuting, or returning to their country of origin, those that have broken the laws of the United States? Where are you on this Bruce? I presume you are a coward to state the truth on this huge issue, that the corrupt politicians that infest the U.S. Congress are skirting the law for their own gain, but are costing the taxpaying public of this nation untold millions to support these illegals that have broken the law.
Turely, your small band of admirers here appear to be horses rear ends and are firmly outnumbered.
kathy m;
That’s the exact attitude of my criminal clients: Let’s forget about what happened — a few miscreants dead or maimed. What’s the big deal. You got me. Now let’s just move on. Nice try kathy m, but that expediency over principle shell game won’t play anymore. Like Martina McBride says;
Let Freedom ring, let the wight dove sing
Let the whole world know that today is a
Day of reckoning
Let the weak be strong, let the right be wrong
Roll the stone away, Let the guilty pay, It’s
Independence Day!
Worst Inauguration Day Drop in Dow Industrial History…thanks Barry. My 401k is getting down to the point where it doesn’t matter anymore. Seems the market stopped taking a liking to you back this summer when they realized a few extra million morons would vote for you for free stuff you said you would send them – my money.
winperk:
“Again I ask where is Bruce Fein on all of the millions of law breakers, otherwise known as “illegals” that have broken the law to come into this country?”
************************
I too am concerned about the escalating price of pu’er tea at the Fang Cun Tea Market.
mespo7272, it was Congressional Republicans and the vast majority of the American citizenry that yelled, screamed and protested against legalizing those breaking the immigration laws. Why should not the members of Congress that encourage illegal immigrants to come and stay, for strictly political reason (votes), not be prosecuted for failing to follow their oath of office and uphold the Constitution and laws of this nation? Why are we not arresting and prosecuting, or returning to their country of origin, those that have broken the laws of the United States? Where are you on this Bruce? I presume you are a coward to state the truth on this huge issue, that the corrupt politicians that infest the U.S. Congress are skirting the law for their own gain, but are costing the taxpaying public of this nation untold millions to support these illegals that have broken the law.
Your stupidity astounds me but then I realize you post here with the rest of Turley’s small band of wannabes.
Hey Turley, is this the best ya got? A half dozen wannabe radicals that follow your little blog and banter about how well you did on your little token attorney stumps on TV?
When Bush became President he also could have gone after many Clinton cronies for crimes during that administration, but choose to take the high road rather than further divide our nation.
Its time for the hate about political decisions to end and it was politics, no crimes were committed. It is now time for BHO to try to take his own place in history and govern from the center if he wishes to succeed.
I’m so sick of the radical liberals that have taken over my party.
“clark: Turely, your small band of admirers here appear to be horses rear ends and are firmly outnumbered.”
phhhttttt and pshaw, you guys are all the same guy haha
“Get off the conservative/liberal arguments and lets implement smart policies”
so we can agree, Bush’s policies just weren’t smart.
“My 401k is getting down to the point where it doesn’t matter anymore”
go ahead lose all of it, Obama will give you someone else’s money for FREE
The trolls are multiplying again. I knew Bush should have banned Viagara. You guys/gals need to actually look at facts before you spout your nonsense. I know facts and the truth are not your forte, but the rest of the country lives on facts and the truth. Blaster,
either you are too young to remember the 90′s or your memory is shot, but the Republicans spent the entire 8 years of Clinton’s administration investigating Clinton and all they got for their money was an impeachment over lying about a BJ. Since when did following the law become a political issue? You Republicans used to call yourself the law and order party and now you don’t want the Dems to follow the law and prosecute Bush and Cheney for admitting that they ordered the Illegal torture of prisoners. I should have guessed that you may have forgotten your law and order status, but you haven’t forgotten your hypocrisy! Mespo, was right. It is fun setting the trolls straight.
My thoughts are particularly addressed to beener, kathy m., blaster and winperk. The first step toward tyranny is not the criminalization of political decisions. To the contrary, tyranny takes root when politicians determine that their decisions constitute the law, that is, when the executive branch, for example, assumes unto itself the roles of the legislature and the courts as well. The so-called unitary executive is simply an academic euphemism for the doctrine that all authority (and the power that goes with it) resides in the president. This was Nixon’s thesis in reality, and Dick Cheney learned it well. The second step toward tyranny is stealth government. Nixon’s mistake was in leaving a trail; Cheney acted in secret. No tape recordings, no emails. The third step is to convince a people that the executive’s actions are necessary to protect us from horrors which cannot be described for reasons of national security. This is accomplished by spreading fear and engendering a distrust of anyone who asks questions. The final step is to secure the complete submission of the legislative and judicial branches. The first part is easy; pass these laws to protect our nation or you are not a patriot. The judicial branch is a much tougher nut to crack because its independence and occasional courage can be counted on sometimes (but not always)to put the brakes on an out-of-control executive. I have observed the progress of tyranny in this country for eight years. The partial success of George Bush and Dick Cheney is demonstrated by the fact that they have, with the willing and almost fawning assistance of lawyers, I am ashamed to say, created such a muddled view of the laws of war and our treaty obligations that people like you folks now feel free to criticize a oommitment to the rule of law as the “criminalization of political decisions.” While your ignorance of what has transpired is perhaps understandable, it is not defensible. We have but two choices before us. We can either reassert the primacy of the rule of law by enforcement, or we can ratify lawlessness as a people. To my mind, at least, the correct choice is not even debatable.
MIke Appleton:
You correctly summarize Naomi Wolf’s observation in “The End of America,” where much of the same is set forth. Don’t expect too much from these neo-cons though–they just cut & paste, reading is out of the question.
Mike A.
Thank you your informative synopsis that we all—well, most readers— can comprehend and that we all must follow to ensure a stable democracy comprised of all 3-branches of government.
Mike A.
That was brilliant!
Mike A.,
Your comment was worth saving for the clarity and insight of your thoughts.
To All,
Do you notice these trolls proliferate, as do their names, when the commentary gets to the crimes committed and the need for punishing those crimes? We either deal with total partisans, or persons who view the political scene like rooting for their favorite football team. In either event the reality that they gave their wholehearted support to the worst, most corrupt and unpatriotic administration in our history is a truth too hard to bear.
Mike,
“We either deal with total partisans, or persons who view the political scene like rooting for their favorite football team. ”
There’s a difference between the two?
Mike A.,
Nicely done.
Mike S.,
I truly believe the trolls are content related. They try to direct the blog away from discussion of anything that makes cheneybush nervous. It’s been a consistent pattern. Yesterday, they went crazy after a poster named Jim asked about the possibilty of secret pardons by cheneybush of themselves and BFFs for war crimes. Mostly I believe they are just programs set to flurry post. Sometimes we get people who do at least seem to believe what they are saying.
I saved Mike A.’s post also, as I have many of yours!
“We either deal with total partisans, or persons who view the political scene like rooting for their favorite football team. ”
There’s a difference between the two?”
Gyges,
The way I parse it out the partisans actually get something tangible, either in party positions, influence and/or the belief that the “bushies” help them financially/religiously, etc.
The “football” followers get nothing but screwed personally (if someone’s NFL team gets to the playoffs they raise the ticket and/or concession prices) both financially, sociologically and “governmentally”. They “root” through identification in a way that makes them feel better about themselves and hate the “others.” To me they’re the more to be pitied.
Now I myself of course root for the Jets, Mets, Knicks and Islanders so my particular masochistic tendencies are as obvious as is my inability to pick a decent team.
mespo, I haven’t read Naomi Wolf. I guess I’ll head over to Borders Friday evening. Thanks.