General Discussion

Cosmocat

(15,376 posts)

118. JUDICIAL ACTIVISM

Sun Jul 6, 2014, 06:20 AM

Jul 2014

I am amazed at how people forget the past so easily.

In the 80/90s, the republicans came up with the JUDICIAL ACTIVISM talking point as they were setting a course to control the court systems, a negative frame of liberal justices to gin up their troops to get help them stack the court with the kind of people they could trust to engage in actual judicial activism (as they usually do, projecting).

Once they had crossed a threashold to really have a lot more of their folks in there and started to really be able to game the system through the courts, all that talk went away.

But, if it were the reality based justices acting the way the buffoon conservatives are in the SC, make no mistake, the republicans would be screaming bloody murder, and there WOULD be a very active national discussion with the media breathlessly cheering it on, about impeaching them.

Your point stands. We tend to focus on how ridiculous the Rs are, because they are truly beyond ridiculous.

But, the other half of the equation is democrats putting up no fight at all.

People like to say it is Kabuki Theatre.

I think the most accurate description is a Harlem Globetrotters comparison.

The Rs are the show, the ones dribbling the ball between their legs, doing all the tricks while the Ds are the Washington Generals, standing there, waving their arms, but never moving their feet or really trying to do anything.

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Democrats Introduce Bill that Could Lead to Impeachment for Justices Thomas and Scalia [View all] eridani Jul 2014 OP

Cake at my house if we win! shenmue Jul 2014 #1

Chocolate cake? Brigid Jul 2014 #6

I'll get one of each shenmue Jul 2014 #12

Nobody thinks outside the grocery store sheet cake anymore.... Spitfire of ATJ Jul 2014 #23

Oh, excellent!!!!!!! Recipe? djean111 Jul 2014 #29

Check the Baking Needs aisle. They have Betty Crocker and Duncan Heinz mixes there.... Spitfire of ATJ Jul 2014 #37

You do, of course, realize that a boxed cake mix... Systematic Chaos Jul 2014 #142

Must not have read the list of ingredients. pocoloco Jul 2014 #143

Even "scratch" isn't these days. Spitfire of ATJ Jul 2014 #149

Pina colada cake recipe from Smitten Kitchen Bibliovore Jul 2014 #123

please post recipe.. noel711 Jul 2014 #63

You can always mix coconut extract and shredded coconut with white or creamcheese frosting.... Spitfire of ATJ Jul 2014 #68

No matter which color you pick, it will taste like cardboard. IrishAyes Jul 2014 #89

Yup,...and the new generation will think that's how it's supposed to taste.... Spitfire of ATJ Jul 2014 #91

Yes, but the generation before boxed cake mixes thought the exact same thing. cui bono Jul 2014 #111

Good point. Still, at least you get to lick the bowl. Spitfire of ATJ Jul 2014 #147

And that's the important part! cui bono Jul 2014 #152

I can't think of a single thing that rum won't improve. IrishAyes Jul 2014 #90

Beer is good for washing your hair too.... Spitfire of ATJ Jul 2014 #99

That's true, though. IrishAyes Jul 2014 #102

Next time try to smell of brimstone.... Spitfire of ATJ Jul 2014 #148

I've looked in all the catalogs w/o success. IrishAyes Jul 2014 #156

It's easy. Fire up a whole box of wooden matches and walk through the cloud. Spitfire of ATJ Jul 2014 #158

That's the better plan, alrighty. IrishAyes Jul 2014 #159

Beats calling up actual demons.... Spitfire of ATJ Jul 2014 #165

Forgive me for this serious breach in straying so far off topic, IrishAyes Jul 2014 #167

That's not so far off topic.... Spitfire of ATJ Jul 2014 #169

Rum? ... 1StrongBlackMan Jul 2014 #136

I beg your pardon?!!? I don't know about grocery stores, but I made each event cake myself, and genwah Jul 2014 #79

We now see an entire generation that has never experienced stuff we take for granted.... Spitfire of ATJ Jul 2014 #86

I'll cook the chocolate one on my Big Green Egg madokie Jul 2014 #131

isn't a red velvet cake just a chocolate cake with red food coloring? notadmblnd Jul 2014 #140

Benghanzi has a better chance of passing than this yeoman6987 Jul 2014 #11

I don't know, this says to me "look what we could do if we won more seats in 2014" arcane1 Jul 2014 #20

Me too. IrishAyes Jul 2014 #24

I 100% Agree JustAnotherGen Jul 2014 #126

Of course. It's a sure bet that if Republicans accuse you of something... Beartracks Jul 2014 #146

+1000% mimi85 Jul 2014 #27

"focus"??? Spitfire of ATJ Jul 2014 #150

I'm inclined to think that even if it did pass and get signed into law, Fat Tony and his 1monster Jul 2014 #60

But this law is not necessary fasttense Jul 2014 #121

If we got that excited about attainable goals as we do pipe dreams like this Puzzledtraveller Jul 2014 #62

It kind of reminds me of FDRs... Blanks Jul 2014 #74

Hear, hear! GOTV in November is what counts now. Any of us who can file suit, or whatever genwah Jul 2014 #80

Yeah - agree and disagree Cosmocat Jul 2014 #116

Absolutely no Tea though. kairos12 Jul 2014 #31

And I'll bring my cookies! Your cake's gonna get gobbled up straight away, and there'll need to be calimary Jul 2014 #48

High five! shenmue Jul 2014 #52

My mom never had to call any of us twice for dinner. IrishAyes Jul 2014 #93

I'll bring my carrot cake. kentauros Jul 2014 #78

At least. IrishAyes Jul 2014 #94

Folks, please stop..... daleanime Jul 2014 #113

So am I! Why else do you think I revel in food fantasies so much? IrishAyes Jul 2014 #155

Then it worked.... daleanime Jul 2014 #170

Good idea. Impeach those fascists. Louisiana1976 Jul 2014 #2

That could almost be a tilting point rock Jul 2014 #3

The law would be a great idea, but don't get too excited-- Jackpine Radical Jul 2014 #4

I'm sure it will breeze right through the House. And the Senate won't filibuster it. Fuddnik Jul 2014 #7

This is true. Brigid Jul 2014 #8

Whether it passes or not, we need to run that up the flagpole to mark parameters. IrishAyes Jul 2014 #26

Absolutely! Let it start rippling through the national discourse. Let it sink in - that this kind of calimary Jul 2014 #49

It is necessary to do this now! The majority of people have no clue what goes on Rosa Luxemburg Jul 2014 #69

And the spark that ignites the masses can never be predicted with certainty - IrishAyes Jul 2014 #88

A "shot across the bow" is a good start and well deserved; King_Klonopin Jul 2014 #115

CORRECT! Cosmocat Jul 2014 #117

Until they declare it unConstitutional, of course. Jackpine Radical Jul 2014 #61

I seem to recall something about ex post facto laws in the Constitution. n/t PoliticAverse Jul 2014 #34

even so. it is based on the requirements of other federal judges. mopinko Jul 2014 #133

Thank you eridani!!!!!!!!!!!! sheshe2 Jul 2014 #5

Uh-HUH!!! calimary Jul 2014 #45

Yes they are and they need their collective asses out of there. sheshe2 Jul 2014 #55

Whatta pair Iwillnevergiveup Jul 2014 #67

What? Is being on the Koch's payroll a conflict of interest? How cynical. Scuba Jul 2014 #9

14 years later, but great! Great to see them finally trying to check the court system. Rex Jul 2014 #10

Thank you. This would have been great in 2007 or 2009. But very Guy Whitey Corngood Jul 2014 #13

I'll take it now, had to start somewhere ya back then better Rex Jul 2014 #15

Yeah back in 07 when Congress was flipped I wondered if they would try to Guy Whitey Corngood Jul 2014 #17

It might not. Rex Jul 2014 #19

I hope people VOTE. calimary Jul 2014 #46

This is the kind of stuff I want to see more of! Gloria in NM Jul 2014 #14

Malcolm X spoke to the futility of seeking brotherhood with those who IrishAyes Jul 2014 #28

Absolutely! calimary Jul 2014 #39

JUDICIAL ACTIVISM Cosmocat Jul 2014 #118

Kicking. Thank you. nt littlemissmartypants Jul 2014 #16

K&R. Yes please! Overseas Jul 2014 #18

K&R !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! n/t RKP5637 Jul 2014 #21

K& R. pnwmom Jul 2014 #22

All this does is put Republicans on the record for voting against it. Spitfire of ATJ Jul 2014 #25

On record as voting to keep in place the guys who said employers merrily Jul 2014 #30

How about expanding the law to include congress? the_sly_pig Jul 2014 #32

So you don't want the Democrats to introduce this bill? BillZBubb Jul 2014 #57

Of course I want the bill introduced, to think otherwise is craaaaazy. the_sly_pig Jul 2014 #70

...and the Supreme Court declares the law unconstitutional tinrobot Jul 2014 #33

They will claim that the Law is a Bill of Attainder PeoViejo Jul 2014 #41

All federal justices would have to be treated the same so Rosa Luxemburg Jul 2014 #71

It doesn't have to pass to be useful. JoeyT Jul 2014 #35

Am I the only one to notice GarColga Jul 2014 #36

Welcome to DU, GarColga! calimary Jul 2014 #42

Forgive my rudeness. IrishAyes Jul 2014 #168

K & R Iliyah Jul 2014 #38

They got Capone for tax evasion. Orsino Jul 2014 #40

Ahh yes, if only Congress was on our side. nm rhett o rick Jul 2014 #51

Good point. It's not a matter of guts. n/t Orsino Jul 2014 #54

And make what they're doing... 47of74 Jul 2014 #43

Dated August 2013. nt babylonsister Jul 2014 #44

It came in my Twitter feed today eridani Jul 2014 #47

I saw it on FB yesterday, but babylonsister Jul 2014 #50

I can't get excited in the "introduction" of a bill. Get back to me when it actually rhett o rick Jul 2014 #53

Public support and activism in support of the bill would certainly help. enough Jul 2014 #56

That's what I was gonna say! How dare you beat me to it! IrishAyes Jul 2014 #100

So where is the bill right now and what's the plan to support it? nm rhett o rick Jul 2014 #106

Far as I know, IrishAyes Jul 2014 #154

I will be glad to participate. Where is the bill right now? I dont think that has been mentioned. rhett o rick Jul 2014 #105

The fact that it has been proposed is a start Rosa Luxemburg Jul 2014 #73

Judges should be as neutral as possible. JDPriestly Jul 2014 #58

It's about time! Stainless Jul 2014 #59

Deja Vu Jenoch Jul 2014 #64

Please, please, please, please, please, Phlem Jul 2014 #65

Be still my heart, I would LOVE to see one of these impeached Cooperstown Jul 2014 #66

Right.... DeSwiss Jul 2014 #72

Supreme Court Justices Mayberrystars Jul 2014 #75

Welcome to DU. William769 Jul 2014 #76

Samuel Chase was impeached in 1805. Later acquitted by the Senate. octoberlib Jul 2014 #77

Actually they have 'indefinite tenure', but can be impeached by Congress Rex Jul 2014 #92

The bill went to committee on 09/13/2013 where it seems to have died... PoliticAverse Jul 2014 #81

The link is from Augus 2013 -- kind of odd to post a teaser like that Hekate Jul 2014 #83

Kicked and recommended. Uncle Joe Jul 2014 #82

The article is a year old, and the bill likely unconstitutional. tritsofme Jul 2014 #84

I noticed the date too. But as to it being unconstitutional? Duppers Jul 2014 #127

I think it pretty clearly violates the Constitution. tritsofme Jul 2014 #139

Hundreds of recommendations! Come on! Enthusiast Jul 2014 #85

how bout just putting all else aside and focus on keeping potus dem so we can xhange the scotus when leftyohiolib Jul 2014 #87

Please. liberalmuse Jul 2014 #95

Code of Conduct ! padruig Jul 2014 #96

I've been waiting my whole life for Democrats, when observing Republicans Maedhros Jul 2014 #97

Article is dated August of 2013. Has this bill died somewhere or been re-introduced. h2ebits Jul 2014 #98

Bill seems to have died in committee, see... PoliticAverse Jul 2014 #101

this is a very good idea samsingh Jul 2014 #103

I have a better chance of winning the lottery than of Boehner bringing this up for a vote. valerief Jul 2014 #104

Finally, calling out these a holes. C Moon Jul 2014 #107

K&R emsimon33 Jul 2014 #108

Assuming this is even passed it probably wont lead to their impeachment cstanleytech Jul 2014 #109

Right. Bad headline. thesquanderer Jul 2014 #112

This Would Be Great.... supercats Jul 2014 #110

Sorry, I don't see this crop of Democrats impeaching anybody--that would upset the blkmusclmachine Jul 2014 #114

Agree and nothing at all will happen under Hillary Katashi_itto Jul 2014 #120

Bearing in mind that the power of impeachment still rests with the Republican House. brooklynite Jul 2014 #125

Summary life sentence would be better. Katashi_itto Jul 2014 #119

K&r myrna minx Jul 2014 #122

DO IT!!!! theHandpuppet Jul 2014 #124

This is long overdue IMHO CanonRay Jul 2014 #128

If we amend the Constitution sulphurdunn Jul 2014 #129

Now this idea I like very much. Brigid Jul 2014 #144

Then you would just have under cover, but still highly politicized justices. Calista241 Jul 2014 #161

We have non-partisan justices now? sulphurdunn Jul 2014 #166

This happened almost 1 year ago to no avail. hue Jul 2014 #130

K&R nt TBF Jul 2014 #132

Please, pretty please?!! whathehell Jul 2014 #134

Code of conduct kokobell616 Jul 2014 #135

The article is from August 2013 The Blue Flower Jul 2014 #137

Remember how the Dems were going to pass the ginormous $10.10 minimum wage? Doctor_J Jul 2014 #138

K&R n/t Duval Jul 2014 #141

retroactive would be even better certainot Jul 2014 #145

"quaking in their Tea Party boots" progressoid Jul 2014 #151

I'm afraid that you're right. NealK Jul 2014 #163

I can only dream of such a victory for the people. santamargarita Jul 2014 #153

They should have been impeached for Bush v. Gore pfitz59 Jul 2014 #157

Useless to even debate this. SpankMe Jul 2014 #160

K&R McCamy Taylor Jul 2014 #162

I hope that it will pass but NealK Jul 2014 #164