And just for the record, it's the freaks on the right that are responsible for this. They perpetuate myths and flat out lies. It's right wing religious whackos who need to be put in jail for fostering a sense that violence is acceptable. It's Republican Congressman, who in position of authority create a climate of acceptability for the crazy ideas of crazy people.
This is not how America does politics. We do not threaten judges. We do not try to destroy the judicial branch of government. It is clear to me, and any rational person, that the one branch that is insulated from the social paranoia du jour is the judiciary. They are not elected. That is how our system of government is designed. They are free to be impartial arbiters, and scholars of the law.
Those that are threatening and attacking the judiciary are quite frankly too stupid to understand the nuances. Most are not that bright, not very educated, anti-intellectual, and completely prone to manipulation via rhetoric. Therefore, the point of views expressed are laughable.
Normally I can laugh and scoff at stupid points of view. Where I start to get really angry.. is when the point of view becomes dangerously violent. That's violence directed at people who have committed their lives to a concept of law, and have achieved academic excellence, and basically worked their asses off. How DARE these stupid freaks attack them like that. How DARE they even have an opinion? That's like criticizing the technique of a neurosurgeon doing brain surgery. You are not qualified to comment, so shut the fuck up already, okay? Go back to your menial job, and worry about your own business.
From this week's Newsweek:
In a speech earlier this month at Goucher College, O'Connor herself said she was surprised at all the violent threats she received. "I don't think the harsh rhetoric helps," she told the crowd. "I think it energizes people who are a little off base to take actions that maybe they wouldn't otherwise take."Imagine, threatening a Supreme Court Justice! Thank Tom Delay and his "judges will have to answer" comment. The crazy fuckers are also costing us more money to pay for extra security for the judges.
Judges are used to weathering criticism quietly, but this round of attacks has sparked a broader sense of anxiety, reports Rosenberg. Last week, Supreme Court Justices Anthony Kennedy and Clarence Thomas asked Congress for money to add 11 police officers -- including one new officer just to assess threats against the justices. In Florida, where the state's Supreme Court was besieged with angry phone calls during the Terri Schiavo case, Justice Peggy Quince cancelled a long-planned speech after she learned it would be televised. "When I go home I go out and cut the grass and wash my car," says one federal judge who did not wish to be named. "Anyone who wants to do harm to me can."I love the word "faith". It means you don't have to have a reason. It is the antithesis of reason. That is how people are able to convince themselves they are absolutely right on every topic, and have absolutely no idea how really unbalanced, extreme, and down right crazy they are.
What to do about it? That's a difficult question. First of all, I'd be very serious about prosecuting people who threaten judges. I think some Federal prosecutors should charge and bring to trial some of the people involved in the Schiavo case. Conviction or not, that will send a message.
If you've read my blog in it's entirety, you'll see that I've had differences of opinion on rulings from Scalia and Thomas. The difference is that I will point out various circumstances revolving around the dissent, and express why I disagree with the ruling. I don't express a relief other than the lawful practice of appointments to the bench. I do not call for Scalia's impeachment. I do not "wonder" about changing out the bench by means of violence on the current office holders.
Folks, in a nutshell, that's the difference in philosophy in this country that we have today. Pick your side, or don't. I suppose it's easier to just not read the news.
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