Senator Won't Act on SCOTUS Corruption, So Other Democrats Are Stepping In

[babylonsister]

http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/joan-mccarter/110635/senator-won-t-act-on-scotus-corruption-so-other-democrats-are-stepping-in

Senator Won’t Act on SCOTUS Corruption, So Other Democrats Are Stepping In
by Joan McCarter | June 11, 2024 - 6:21am

— from Daily Kos


Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin is failing at his job of holding the Supreme Court accountable. While he continues issuing stern statements and making floor speeches about Justice Samuel Alito’s recent flag scandals, he isn’t actually doing anything about it. Now other Democrats—like Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland—are stepping up to fill the leadership void.

snip//

Whitehouse will be joined by Raskin and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in discussing Supreme Court corruption during a roundtable discussion on Tuesday.

“The highest court in the land has the lowest ethical standards. This mismatch is producing unequal justice under law in America,” Raskin said. “Behind closed doors, billionaire sugar daddies give Supreme Court justices lavish gifts and push through an extremist agenda against the rights of the people. The whole country is caught in a supreme ethics crisis. Our democracy and our freedom are both in peril.”

The fact that this discussion is happening in a minority roundtable discussion in the House instead of in official hearings in the Senate Judiciary Committee is a travesty of Durbin’s making. He is still dragging his heels, even after his polite request to Chief Justice John Roberts to discuss this corruption was met with contempt.

Kudos to these other Democratic lawmakers who are taking action. But what this crisis demands is Senate hearings—now.

[FBaggins]

1. Further proof that claims of "The Senate" or "Senate Democrats" starting an investigation were fanciful nonsense

Durbin isn't "failing at his job"... he's doing his job. Which necessarily includes knowing whether or not he has the votes (which, in this case, do not exist).

[gab13by13]

4. I see, Durbin knows he doesn't have the votes

even before he investigates. Is that how it is supposed to work? What if an investigation turns up horrendous evidence that not only warrants recusal but warrants impeachment? Meh, why bother, Democrats don't have the votes so trying to hold the Supreme Court accountable isn't worth the effort. Good thinking Durbin.

Wondering if the immunity decision will be the last order of business for this court's session. That would show the Democrats who is boss, the court is Supreme after all.

[FBaggins]

6. He doesn't have the votes to HOLD an investigation

This is a job for what used to be called “back benchers”… throw bombs on the off chance that something sticks with the public without tainting the rest of the caucus

[gab13by13]

8. "Tainting the rest of the caucus"

Are you sure that is a good phrase? What Thomas and Alito have done pales in comparison to what Abe Fortas did. My how low the Supreme Court has fallen ethically, and legally that we don't have the votes to investigate a couple of members who are bought and paid for.

Pretty sure there won't be the votes to add 4 more justices even if Dems run the table the next election then? Pretty sure there won't be the votes to create a Supreme Court Inspector General to oversee the court?

It pretty much said it all when Shrub screwed up and nominated a non-Federalist Society person, Harriet Miers to the court. Boy did they scurry to replace her with Alito.

[Oopsie Daisy]

7. Reality. Yes. Thank you.

[NanaCat]

9. Something way too many seem allergic to these days

nt

[gab13by13]

2. We don't know what Durbin may be doing behind the scenes,

Durbin's office doesn't leak. Maybe he is just getting his ducks in a row, one only gets one shot at bringing down a Supreme Court justice you know.

[BoRaGard]

3. How many votes need to call for a Prime Time TV hearing?

The rating would be sky high, because Americans are sick and tired of grifting republican ideologues, Inc. getting Golden Treatment, then imposing their twisted-christian
will on the "suckers and losers" they think most honest Americans are.

[gab13by13]

5. You will have to ask Congressional Magats that question,

According to Durbin if he doesn't have the votes why bother investigating. An investigation may just turn up more impeachable offenses that Durbin can do nothing about. The cause is hopeless no use exposing the travesty of this court to the American people.

Also, an investigation may pizz off the fascist members of the court and some day they may actually rule on giving TSF immunity, king status.

[Grins]

12. He CHAIRS the committee!

You mean to tell me he cannot get his own majority to investigate the courts over which HE HAS OVERSIGHT?

Then more than just Durbin have to go.

[et tu]

10. don't turn a blind eye-

asking for forgiveness or 'look the other way'
is easier than asking permission. if investigations
aren't used, then you are giving permission, i trust
whitehouse, raskin and aoc even if they don't have the votes.
standing for democracy is a must~

[Grins]

11. Durbin has been there too long

A decent guy who still thinks the norms he understood and expected iEIGn the Senate are still in place and honored. That's not today's reality.

He is up for re-election this November, the month that he will turn EIGHTY! He is expected to win, and the Senate and the nation will be stuck with another octogenarian.

[republianmushroom]

13. Sure glad somebody is stepping up.