Eric, on the previous post/comments, I didn't take offense at anything - I was just continuing the conversation. And so we (meaning I) don't have to keep scrolling down to see if there are more comments on that post, I'm starting a new post. Very clever of me, huh?
So to continue: what's your comment about Roe? My opinion of the abortion issue in the confirmation of judges - to any court, not just the Supreme Court - is that it's something that gets in the way of vastly more important issues. Abortion is an emotional point that gets people on both sides all in a lather and there goes any semblance of logic out the window, and totally distracts from legitimate debate on anything else. The hot topic right now is what EXACTLY are the President's executive powers in a time of war, and what is Congress's role in the smackdown when he gets overzealous in throwing his weight around.
(Short version for anyone who doesn't know: President Bush is openly admitting - and defending his decision - to intercept phone calls and emails and other communication within the US with no warrant, and he is ignoring the applicable laws which give him pretty wide latitude in getting that type of warrant. He says that Congress's resolution about Iraq implies that he can do this. Congress - both sides - is saying "Excuse me? No. We didn't say that." There will be hearings in Congress next month.)
Anyway, the balance of powers between the various branches of government would be an excellent debate on interpretation of the Constitution, intent by the Founding Fathers, and other fun things, particularly between people who have spent their entire lives studying and interpreting the Constitution. But no. Instead we talk about abortion ad nauseum.
I didn't go back for any more of the hearings - I was there at the end of the questions on Wed. night. Thursday was more pontificating by the Democrats, and then panels of people to testify in support of or in opposition to Alito's confirmation (which are continuing today). I'm only interested in the hearings when the nominee is making his/her statement and answering questions - that's the important part, and I don't have time to listen any further.
P.S. When Adam and I were leaving the building Wed. night, we about whacked Ted Kennedy with a door. He was standing just outside waiting for his car or something, and blocking the doorway. We didn't see him until we were opening the door and coming out. Oops. Another claim to fame for me - I have now been glared at by Ted Kennedy. Wooo! No, we did not stop to say hello or get an autograph.
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4 comments:
You got to hit Ted Kennedy with a door? I'm so jealous!
Happy "Blame Someone Else Day", by the way!
Oh, and just so you know Trina, I'm not just glossing off all the rest of what you said there. I find the situation - and your "insider" perspective there - extremely interesting. I like to keep my opinions to myself and the voter's box, but I still like to hear other people's perspectives.
No sympathy from me on the wiretapping. Go along with all others in castigating the President on this (after all, you found a way to blame him for a HURRICAINE) my opinion on this one is that the war on terror is a justifiable emergency.
And besides, this is being pulled out for political purposes now because, what they hey? The elections in Iraq were giving Bush too much good press, the economy is doing well in spite of natural disasters and high oil prices... why not bust out the ace we've been sitting on?
The New York Times has known about this for years (which they also openly admit). Do you think a good number of members of Congress hasn't?
But that's a side issue. The real issue is that Bush was justified in doing what it takes to stop terrorist attacks on US soil. If that includes wiretapping without warrants, so be it.
Eric,
Here are some basic facts.
1. Wiretapping an American citizen is illegal without a warrant. Except in some very specific circumstances, you have to go to a judge. What Bush authorized does not fall into any exception. Ergo, he broke the law.
2. When he authorized the wiretapping, he decided not to ask Congress for permission because it would be "too difficult." While Congress moves very slowly, remember that the PATRIOT Act went from nothing to law in less than 60 days. That's virtually a record.
3. After the number of foulups this Administration has (and other Administrations) I trust the President very little. Perhaps Watergate and Iran-Contra will jog your memory about serious abuses of Presidential power. Which is why the Supreme Court decided 30 years ago that the President can't do this sort of stuff. He's not above the law, even to protect us from terrorism.
4. Do remember that Ben Franklin said "He who gives up liberty for security deserves neither." Democracies are open to terrorist attacks because we are free. Communist states don't have many problems with terrorist, but that doesn't mean that I want to live there.
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