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Wade In The Waters

By Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy on September 15, 2008 at 1:45 PM in Abortion, Backtrack Obama, Bamboozling, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, John McCain, Sarah Palin

The issue of Roe v. Wade has been in the news a good bit recently, especially after Senator McCain’s Veep pick, Sarah Palin. As anyone with a pulse knows by now, Sarah Palin is against abortion. She does believe in birth control, and even the Morning After pill, but abortion? No.

This continues to be the big stick with which Democrats are trying to get those recalcitrant Hillary supporters and believers in DEMOCRACY to toe the line and support Obama.

Oh, yes – if we let those nasty Republicans anywhere NEAR the White House, all is lost. Apparently, they have forgotten that George Bush has had almost 8 years to dismantle Roe v. Wade, and has been unsuccessful.

And, they seem to forget, or never acknowledge, or are ignorant of, the fact that Senate Majority Harry Reid is equally anti-choice. Oh, shucks – there I go again interjecting facts into the argument!!!

In yesterday’s Boston Globe, then, we have this statement on “The Fate of Roe v. Wade“:

Those who seek to preserve the right to choose ought to be prepared to make some distinctions. As it was written in 1973, Roe v. Wade was far from a model of legal reasoning, and conservatives have been correct to criticize it. The court failed to root the abortion right in either the text of the Constitution or its own precedents.

Moreover, it ruled far too broadly. In its first encounter with the abortion question, the court failed to focus on the particular abortion restrictions at issue, some of which were unusually draconian, forbidding abortion even in cases of rape. Instead, the court took the highly unusual step of a setting out a series of rules for legislatures to follow.

It is no wonder that millions of Americans felt, and continue to feel, that the court refused to treat their moral convictions with respect. Nor is it surprising that Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg – the most important women’s rights lawyer in the history of American law, but also a judicial “minimalist” – has sharply criticized Roe for doing so much so fast.

Holy CRAP – they are starting already!!!

Except that isn’t the McCain/Palin team. This comes courtesy of Cass Sunstein, one of Obama’s advisors. Alert reader Andy sent in this story from TalkLeft today, “Roe: With ‘Friends’ Like Sunstein, Who Needs Enemies?” by Big Tent Democrat (BTD). BTD, like Sunstein, is an attorney, and had this to say about Sunstein’s comments above:

This is nonsense in my opinion, particularly Sunstein’s statement that Roe was not rooted in the text of the Constitution and the Supreme Court’s precedents (Roe particularly followed Griswold to its logical conclusion.) Sunstein is entitled to his opinion, but he is not entitled to serve in a Democratic Administration or to be a Supreme Court appointee of a Democratic President.

Gee, BTD – why don’t ya tell us how you REALLY feel?! BTD took particular umbrage at the following quote by Sunstein from the Boston Globe article above:

But it is one thing to object to Roe as written in 1973. It is another to suggest that it should be overruled in 2008. American constitutional law is stable only because of the principle of stare decisis, which means that in general, the Court should respect its own precedents.

To which BTD said, “Say Whaaaaa???” No, not really. This is what he actually said:

To Sunstein, Roe is only defensible as an act of stare decisis. Thus, on a woman’s right to privacy and to choose, he is like Chief Justice Rehnquist was to Miranda, upholding Miranda on stare decisis grounds, instead of on the merits. We do not need, indeed, can not afford, a Cass Sunstein in an Obama Administration or on the Supreme Court.

And now is when I remind everyone that BTD has consistently, if tepidly, supported Obama.

Andy’s response to BTD’s insight was:

BTD’s post proves me that BO is only pro-BO and that is his sole interest. He is no Democrat and has adopted liberals stances when it suited him to win the base only. But he couldn’t care less about the people: BO serves at the pleasure of BO political career only.

This is what I fear the most: BO would govern against the (true) Democrats interests
and Congress will not be able to stop him (Social Security, Health Care and SCOTUS? –after all he was pro-Roberts before Pete Rouse told him to vote no
b/c of the primaries).

Yep. That’s pretty much what I have been saying, too. Barack Obama is for Barack Obama. Love her or hate her (I love her), Hillary Clinton is devoted to serving the people. Love him or hate him, John McCain is a devoted public servant, like Hillary, having given his entire adult life to that service. When people keep saying that the only way to protect Roe v. Wade is to elect Barack Obama, I ask them what in the WORLD makes them think Obama is going to stand up for women NOW when he hasn’t his limited time in office? I have written about this a number of times before, but one needs to look no further than this statement from Obama:

My only point is that in an area like partial-birth abortion having a mental, having a health exception can be defined rigorously. It can be defined through physical health, It can be defined by serious clinical mental-health diseases. It is not just a matter of feeling blue. I don’t think that’s how pro-choice folks have interpreted it. I don’t think that’s how the courts have interpreted it and I think that’s important to emphasize and understand.”

Uh, yeah. All I know is that anytime a woman has to have an abortion, at least the ones I have known, they are in “mental distress.” Or how about his ridiculous statement from the Saddleback Forum in which he said this:

Oh, you know I couldn’t resist using that one (maybe it’s funnier to me, living here in SC, which is from where the young woman in the clip hails – she was in the Miss Teen USA pageant. That should tell you all you need to know about the education system here!)!! Yes, he is SOOOO eloquent! What a great speaker!! Ahem. If you want a more serious one, click HERE.

Wow. Add in his “adviser,” Cass Sunstein, and I think it is less a matter of Wade-ing in the waters than MUDDYING the waters on Roe v. Wade. THIS is the person you are trusting to uphold a woman’s right to choose?? Yeah, okay – good luck with that! I sure hope you aren’t holding you breath on this one. I know I am not.

bmc

Check it out: Could New York Turn Red?

In heavily Democratic New York state the internal Republican and Democratic polls provided to The Post, have stunned members of both parties

BOOSTED by the selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate, Republican John McCain has experienced a surge of support among women in heavily Democratic New York state – where he has closed the gap with Barack Obama, new private polls show.

The internal Republican and Democratic polls, details of which were provided to The Post, have stunned members of both parties – and produced deep worries among Democrats.

One great concern for Democrats is that the data show a continuous movement toward the McCain-Palin ticket by women, a majority of whom traditionally favor Democrats.

http://tinyurl.com/McCainsInNewYork

Shocking New York Poll Obama 46% McCain41%

Seven weeks until Election Day, the race for President has tightened in New York, with Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) leading Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) 46-41 percent among likely voters, according to a new Siena (College) Research Institute poll released today. Obama’s five point lead is down from eight points in August, 13 points in July and 18 points in June, when he led 51-33 percent. On a series of six questions concerning current issues in the campaign – economy, Iraq, terrorism, health care, America’s position in the world, and education – likely voters believe Obama will do a better job on four. Conversely, out of six attributes voters often look at in choosing a candidate – compassion, patriotism, experience, intelligence, integrity, and leadership – New York’s electorate gives the edge to McCain on four.

“Although New York has long been regarded as a ‘safe’ state for the Democrats in presidential politics, likely voters in the Empire State are currently only giving Senator Obama a five-point cushion,” said Steven Greenberg, spokesman for the Siena New York Poll. “The conventions are over. The running mates are set. And as voters begin to focus on the race, New York’s overwhelming Democratic enrollment advantage is not reflected in how voters tell Siena they plan to vote.”

http://countusout.wordpress.com/
http://www.siena.edu/level2col.aspx?menu_id=562&id=19322

vinnie

I’m sure there are many Harriet Christians (sp.) out there in the great state of NY. The greatest lady of them all in NY is our girl, Hillary.

Sounds like Barry will need to spread his campaign money to a few more states than anticipated. How delightful.

http://www.youtube.com/user/PaulFVillarreal Paul F. Villarreal

There are a number of Harriet Christian’s in NY, as well as many upstate residents who very much will like McCain and Palin.

Speaking of Palin, here is a video of part of her rally today in Golden, Colorado:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPgDZMBC2DY

And here is FOX News’ Bill Hemmer hitting an Obama campaign spokesman hard over the recent Obama commercial that makes fun of John McCain’s war injuries:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uwgen2ei0rw

Pass ‘em on!

tek

Yes, I thought it was the nasty Clintons who couldn’t get anywhere near the WH. That’s what my Obama friends tell me.

No moderate Dems! Obama’s purging moderates from the party!

Wait, that’s what Rove did in 2000.

NomNomNom

It’s what he’s doing in 2008 too.

jangles

NOTE: I watched the Orlando townhall with McCain today. He said that the fundamental strength of the American economy is the skills, commitment and innovative spirit of the American people and that fundamental is still strong. He added that the greed of Wall St. and its running of banks like casinos and their failure is threatening that fundamental. For Burton to say that McCain said the economic “fundamentals” are strong when in fact McCain said we are in a crisis and it is Wall St. and Washington who are broken—wow. I can not stand this guy Bill Burton. He makes Mark Penn look like a cuddly puppy.
http://www.rabblerouserruminations.blogspot.com/ Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy

Thanks, Paul – good work as always!

I thought Bill Hemmer did as well as he could given that Bill Burton REFUSED to answer his question. And I thought the latter was a bit, um, obnoxious. I figure Obama lost quite a few votes right there…
axelrod is a nazi

Palin sounds alot like Hillary. I am happy for her but very sad that Hillary is not our nominee. Hillary is still the best, no doubt about it.

McCain/Palin 08
Hillary Clinton 2012
karen for Clinton (sigh, McPalin now)

Thank you to Amy for the article. I’d read about BTD’s take on Cass and know it is just something we’ve long ago realized about him. The man has long been a fraud and nobody can pin him to any position on any subject. I can’t think of anything at all about him that is steady besides his many negatives.

And Paul, thanks for those two clips. That Burton guy is such a fitting weasel for ob, no class at all.

Urban Hillbilly

When you start seeing ads in NY, then you know!
lark

One thing that New Yorkers understand pretty good is the economy. Lets see what makes sense to them now that some stark realities have surfaced as undeniable.

Will they want to go towards socialism (not that Barack knows anything about it). Or will they go for a complete overhaul of the financial regulatory system similar to what Bush did with the security agencies. It seems that Homeland Security Department was a good solution. (I didn’t approved of that when they without any input simply revamped the whole system.) I have to admit it worked well.

JozefAL

I wouldn’t say that Homeland Security has worked all that well. After all, it was the Bush Administration’s insistence on folding in FEMA to the newly-established Dept of Homeland Security (which still sounds like something more suited for a totalitarian regime). FEMA, under the Clinton Administration, had become an incredibly effective organization. Then came Dubya’s decision and we got the mishap of Katrina.

Susan1968

This may be payback for rejecting Hillary as VP.

I Love New York! (I was born there).

wac for hillary

Let’s face it, if Obama was so pro-women’s rights, why did he choose Joe “Anita Hill-Clarence Thomas” Biden as his running mate? Why should I believe that the Democrats in Congress will do anything to protect Roe v. Wade when they rolled over and played dead when Alito and Roberts were nominated for the Supreme Court?
They like Obama have consistently shown that they care more about themselves than they do the rights of their constituents. So, I think I will choose to vote for the individuals who are at least honest about their positions, even if I don’t agree with them completely.

Ginger

Wasn’t Joe busy getting hair plugs those weeks…..
db

wac for hillary you are right on!

The democrats stood by like limp noodles when Alito and Roberts were confirmed!

The only reason they care now about a woman’s right to an abortion now is because that’s the only way they think we will regain our sanity and come aboard the good-ship Obamapop.

Not going to work! Unlike Bo and his bozos, we don’t think with our genitals.

Annie Oakley

And Obie told us this was part of the divisive, bitter politics of the past. He told us to move beyond these old issues. So I did. Not my problem anymore.

Julia

Let’s face it, if Obama is so pro-women’s rights why he’s sooo misogynist???
http://www.nativeamericansagainstobama.com/ timepassages

Congress, (the do nothing) people. Have been worse than the Rep’s when it comes to do anything. Name one thing they have done in the past two years to help any of the dem’s…Except raise thier own wages..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yq7vaDR2lnI

FranSC

Women have been held hostage long enough by Roe v Wade. Yes, I worked for that legislation, but my whole political philosophy does NOT henge on R v W! I became involved in the women’s movement in the 70′s and it was a bi-partisan effort that was not created just for democrats or liberals.

The National Organization for Women (NOW)at least in my area was the group that were the marchers, the protesters. The Women’s Political Caucus was the group that took pages out of the Civil Rights Movement and were committed to lobbying for legislation favorable to women as well as electing women to political office.

No, I do not share Sarah Palin’s views on R v W or ERA. But, she is STILL an impressive leader for women that is headed in the right direction.

If women who are liberal democrats help elect McCain/Palin, I’m convinced they will not shoot themselves in the foot right off the bat by reversing legislation important to their life-saving swing voters who had their backs. They would know the consequences for such action and would realize how polarizing these kinds of moves would be. Truth be known both John McCain and Sarah Palin are Pro-Choice like the Bush women, including Barbara, but HAVE to toe the line for their base.

Maverick

It’s just a political tool held over women’s heads. Of course they will never get rid of it. It gains votes! Oblahblah will not protect anything. He’s for killing babies who were born live in botched abortions. take them to the sink and kill them.
Roe v was not originally designed for late term abortions..this is out of hand.
http://www.rabblerouserruminations.blogspot.com/ Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy

Well said. And that is what makes it all the more shocking that NOW endorsed Obama, too. WTH? Why are these women’s groups going against their own self-interest?? If they were GOING to endorse, why not HILLARY?? When they called the other day to ask for money, they got quite an earful. I told them quite clearly – I will not give money to ANY organization that endorsed Obama, especially given the things he has said abt abortion (“Women feeling blue,” for example). Grrrr. Wish I hadn’t given them anything in June…

And yes – the Dems have just rolled over on nominations like Alito and Roberts. Now that the Obama supporters are using the SCOTUS stick, I always remind them of that. I could not BELIEVE the Dems just collapsed over those people. Sheesh.

Anyway – great comments, folks!

brodie

It’s funny that all my friends who can’t understand why I do not support Nobama all point to Roe v. Wade as the defining issue in why I should support him. They do not know enough about him to know how uncommitted he really is to this issue. They also don’t realize how he has changed his position on so many issues- to the point where I personally don’t believe a word he says. I don’t see Nobama as any kind of friend to women, on any level. We judge you by your ACTIONS, Mr. Obama, not by your WORDS and your record of following through on what you say isn’t very good.

Judy L. NC

My thoughts exactly. (You must be the kind, benevolent twin.)

Nobama

This is a nice touch, compare Sarah Palin to to a couple of terrorists:

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20080914_Intolerance_thrives_in_Palin_s_Pacific_Northwest.html

Nobama

The media doesn’t want to talk about guilt by association–too close to Obama’s heart. They have switched (with the article above) to guilt by geography.

If this is the new standard by which to judge politicians, how about looking into the geography of Chicago politics? Do you think we can get any takers in the press?

Please make sure this article gets around to highlight how ridiculous and desperate these attacks are getting.

Annie Oakley

“Guilt by geography.” That’s what it is, and turn about would be fair play. What’s Chi-town famous for again?

mimi

I guess that means that 0bama has given up on turning Idaho & North Dakota blue.

candymarl

Palin is now responsible for intolerance in the entire Pacific Northwest? Also Idaho and the entire Midwest.

They list a bunch of intolerant racist groups and say there’s no evidence Palin was ever a member. But why hasn’t she condemned them anyway? Isn’t she responsible for all racism and racist groups in the US?

This is clearly a backdoor way to play the race card without seeming to do so.

Obama was a member of Wright’s church for 20 years where Farrakhan and Pfleger were welcomed. But he’s not responsible for their words or deeds although he was a member of the church that welcomed and supported them. But I’m sure philly.com will point that out any day now.

Maverick

They are projecting AGAIN! Sicko b’stards Oblah blah campaign is.

mimi

At the beginning of the Primary, after 0bama won Iowa, there were so many pronouncements about making red states blue and about how 0bama was going to unite the country.

We are now back to the days that led to the Oklahoma bombing. 0bama and his supporters are now hellbent on playing racial, divisive politics.

I received 2 emails from friends that did this. I was angry and deleted the emails, but basically it’s a list pointing to the perceived racism in the campaign. For example, how Palin’s daughter being pregnant is a blessing while AA & latino girls are condemned for being immoral. One of the things in the list states that Palin went to several different colleges and how that no minority could get away with that.

Anyway, my point is that this is divisive, this is not the work of a uniter. And why aren’t the msm pointing to how it is 0bama himself who changed his message?

It’s not Palin. It’s him!

It’s not Hillary’s disgruntled supporters. It’s him!

It’s not American voters! It’s him!

It’s not racism. It’s him!

I guess the only way to make that clear to him is on Election Day

http://hickeysite.blogspot.com Pat Hickey

Sarah Palin is the greatest threat to morons who have controlled the DNC for more than 40 years.

Palin is a threat to every assumption behind every feminist and Marxist doctrinaire Progressive.

Sarah Palin is the face of America and she scares the hell out of the phonies, skunks and thieves.

Wynterskye

Sarah Palin is a threat to the leftist view that Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln are wrong in their respective views that government only rules with the consent of populace endowed with inalienable rights and that government is for, of and by the people. The current leftist view, modeled on the Eurocratic form of government, is that government is best served in the hands of a permanent ruling class of elites and that the general populace lacks sophistication to be responsible for their own welfare and destiny. Sarah Palin destroys that model in that she represents the view of Jefferson that anyone one, the farmer, the laborer, when coming together as one people are capable of self governance. Sarah Palin represents equality of rights and more importantly equality of opportunity, which is anathema to the left which requires social class distinctions and victimization of these social classes as its canonical basis.

Kal

Andy’s and BTD’s analysis of Sunstein’s analysis of Roe v Wade are right on. Sunstein has never been known as particularly concerned about women’s equality (or anyone’s equality, for that matter); he is a very right-leaning constitutional theorist. If this is someone BO is looking to, then look out for BO, because neither of these people are friends of women’s or minorities.

PUMA!!
doc99

OT: Voter Fraud Alert!
Arabella Trefoil

Isn’t Sunstein on Obama’s list of Supreme Court appointees?

Andy

Yes !! Isn’t that scary???

Arabella Trefoil

Nobody believed me last summer.

Ginger

Obama working for women? That’s one of the funniest things I’ve heard today.
He has never shown one iota of an inclination, not one, to help any women any where. Is he suddenly gonna wake up today and give a crap? I don’t think so.
He shows no signs of respecting any woman, even his wife, who despite having as good an education as he has, is the one at home raising their daughters, while Dad just pops in occasionally as his arrogant ambition allows. Sad, really sad, to have this man that leaves it all to his wife to manage (strangely, this is what he claims republicans all want for us) as he travels around kissing other peoples babies, never being home to kiss his own good night. The exact situation that he denounces Sarah for, not being home for the kids.
Do the dems not see the obvious and blatant double standard they create.

Kal

remember the dem convention, BO appeared on TV to say goodnite to kids, then got the name of the town where he was wrong

how could the DNC nominate him!!
csuzeq

And then don’t forget he talked down to fathers on fathers day about stepping up for your children!

Wayne

Irony of Ironies: In order for Sane Democrats to take back control of their party from corrupt Chicago thug politicians and out-of-control fringe groups, they must vote for a Republican. Only a forceful repudiation and sound thrashing of Obama on election day will ensure the viability of the Democratic Party.

http://www.nativeamericansagainstobama.com/ timepassages

I never thought it would come to this, but its true..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yq7vaDR2lnI

lark

The authors:

Add in his “adviser,” Cass Sunstein, and I think it is less a matter of Wade-ing in the waters than MUDDYING the waters on Roe v. Wade. THIS is the person you are trusting to uphold a woman’s right to choose?? Yeah, okay – good luck with that! I sure hope you aren’t holding you breath on this one. I know I am not.

Hillary:

“We have the opportunity to go beyond the failed policies of the last eight years.

and

The right question is: ‘Who is for you?’

I agree with the authors, but not by leaving Hillary out of the loop when it comes to her support of the Obama presidency. Muddling the water seems the best these politician have to offer to Americans.

At least Hillary is clear, isn’t she? That we have the opportunity to go beyond the failed policies of the last eight years by electing Barack Obambi as President.
Andy

Wow. Add in his “adviser,” Cass Sunstein, and I think it is less a matter of Wade-ing in the waters than MUDDYING the waters on Roe v. Wade. THIS is the person you are trusting to uphold a woman’s right to choose?? Yeah, okay – good luck with that! I sure hope you aren’t holding you breath on this one. I know I am not.

Exactly RRR Amy; you nailed it !! Thank you for your post; I am sick and tired of people using Roe&SCOTUS as a whip to round up women’s vote… I say: I fear BO more b/c he will come up with someone like Sunstein and the Dem. Senate won’t be able to stop it at all.
On the other hand the Senate would a better chance to fight a bad pick from McCain.
Let’s not forget who appointed Souter as well as O’Connor writing the majority opinion on Planned Parenthood vs Casey which cemented important parts of Roe and Kennedy who switched and gave the majority to the court on this very same issue.

lark

Exactly. Switching as many or most of the people in this list can attest too, is a decision that is made after circumstances change and new conditions require. Right or wrong?

ford

Obama is up shit’s creek without a paddle, and the Pub’s haven’t even lower the boom yet.

I will not get glib and over confident, but BO is sinking.

BO have still not been vetted by the MSM, and their anger(MSM) is childish and irresponsible.

Did you see Meet the Press(Tank)? Rudi ripped nasty Brokaw’s lung out and served them with a side of hubris…I actually started to laugh..

I never thought Brokaw could get so irate and unprofessional, this election is teaching me much!

csuzeq

Is there aclip? Sounds fun to watch!

http://mccaindemocrats.wordpress.com/ 30yrdem-not any more

Tom Brokaw Attempts To Ambush Rudy Giuliani, Fails Miserably
http://stuckon-stupid.com/2008/09/15/tom-brokaw-attempts-to-ambush-rudy-giuliani-fails/

Jackie

Obama and is advisers deny these conversations entirely.

We need to get Iraqi Sources to confirm this. It is Vital before we spread this.

I believe it to be true given Obama’s other SNAFUs

Reach out to everyone you know. FInd the truth and then we will cram it down Obama’s throat.
savage

the facts tha matter:

George Bush: ~~Harriet Miers~~ Samuel Alito, John Roberts
John McCain: ??????
The court is currently 50/50

If Bush had the chance to place more anti-choice people on the Supreme Court, he would of.

PS: the legislative branch of government DOES NOT HAVE THE FINAL CALL ON CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES. Harry Reid plays no role. dig?

fluffy bunny

WASHINGTON (CNN) — In a victory for cities, a divided Supreme Court concluded Thursday that local governments have the authority to seize private land and turn the property over to private developers for economic development.

Government’s authority to condemn land for public use traditionally has been used to eliminate slums or build highways, schools and other public works.

But Tuesday’s 5-4 ruling found that local officials can use their “eminent domain” power to condemn homes in a working-class neighborhood for private development in hopes of boosting tax revenue and improving the local economy.

Connecticut case

The case pitted the city of New London, Connecticut, against homeowner Susette Kelo and six other families who were trying to keep the municipality from condemning their homes for use as part of a redevelopment project, centered around a $270 million global research facility built by the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer.

Kelo and her neighbors filed suit, arguing their property rights were being violated by well-connected developers. But the Supreme Court found the city could go forward with the project and condemn the homes.

“Promoting economic development is a traditional and long-accepted function of government,” Justice John Paul Stevens wrote for the majority.

O’Connor: Court overstepped

But writing for the dissenters, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor wrote that the court overstepped its authority.

“The court today significantly expands the meaning of public use,” O’Connor wrote. “It holds that the sovereign may take private property currently put to ordinary private use, and give it over for new, ordinary private use.”

Scott Bullock, the homeowners’ lawyer, said, “Every home, church or corner store” would be vulnerable to being replaced by commercial development under the ruling, “since they produce more tax revenue.” He said a very high standard should be used when applying eminent domain since “every city has problems and wants more tax revenues.”

Stevens concluded that the city’s plan “unquestionably serves a public purpose” and the majority appeared to defer to the judgment of local officials over the courts to navigate that standard.

“The city has carefully formulated an economic development plan that it believes will provide appreciable benefits to the community, including — but by no means limited to — new jobs and increased tax revenue,” he wrote.

Cities hail the decision

The National League of Cities hailed the decision, saying it would allow cities to keep “one of their most effective tools for ensuring economic development.”

“Eminent domain is not a power to be used lightly,” Washington, D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams, the group’s president, said in a written statement. “We must be sensitive to those who may be displaced. However, as part of a legislative process, with citizen input and discussion, it is one of the most powerful tools city officials have to rejuvenate their neighborhoods.”

The case stems from New London’s 2000 plan to redevelop 90 acres of the Fort Trumball neighborhood. The city council transferred eminent domain power to the New London Development Corporation, a private, non-profit group of citizens, business owners and community leaders.

The company wants to build a conference center, hotel complex, offices, condominiums and, eventually, an aquarium in New London, located about 125 miles east of New York.

Residents were ordered out of their homes in 2000, but several rejected the city’s compensation package and fought the move in court.

“There’s no amount of money that can compensate for what the other side of that coin would be,” said Matt Dery, who said his family has lived in Fort Trumball for a century. “Truly, my parents don’t want to wake up rich … they just want to wake up tomorrow where they live.”

‘Blow to homeowners’

The libertarian Cato Institute, which filed a friend-of-the-court brief on Kelo’s behalf, called the decision a “blow to homeowners and small business people.”

“With today’s decision, no one’s property is safe, since any time a government official thinks someone else can make better use of your property than you’re doing, he can order it condemned and transferred,” Roger Pilon, the group’s director of constitutional studies, said in a written statement.

Wesley Horton, an attorney for New London, said the city understands the situation the homeowners face, “but you have to remember that can happen if there was a road going in, or a school. It doesn’t make any difference what type of condemnation there is.

“Obviously that’s a sad situation, there’s no question about it,” he said. “But you can’t have one rule for roads and another rule for blight and a third rule for economic development. It’s all the same thing.”

Joining Stevens in the majority were justices Stephen Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, David Souter and Anthony Kennedy. Chief Justice William Rehnquist, and justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas joined O’Connor’s dissent.

In a concurring opinion, Thomas predicted the ruling would cause long-term problems.

“The consequence of today’s decision are not difficult to predict, and promise to be harmful,” he wrote. “So-called ‘urban renewal’ programs provide some compensation for the properties they take, but no compensation is possible for the subjective value of these lands to the individuals displaced and the indignity inflicted by uprooting them from their homes.”

The case is Kelo v. City of New London (04-0108).

“Liberal” justices in action. Makes you feel all warm, fuzzy, and safe in your own home, right?

Annie Oakley

“Eminent domain is not a power to be used lightly,” Washington, D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams, the group’s president, said in a written statement. “We must be sensitive to those who may be displaced.

Not to worry. Government never abuses authority. (sarcasm)

lark

Obama speech today, was pure and simple mediocrity at best. Total failure and complete contempt for his audience and for his cause. And that is the best he will do now. I believe today’s speech is his peak performance. What he said today will be what he carries with him for the next six weeks. McCain is wrong, I know better, vote me in.

I heard the cheering of the audience diminish as he carried on. Logically. By the end they were totally disappointed. I predict at least 20 percent of those in his rally today will switch to McCain. Maybe more. Maybe even 30 percent.

Maverick

Oblahblah is so yesterday. He’s old news. Many of his supporters are now backing a winner! Mccain 2008!

People still supporting Oblahblah after all the info of who this dnagerous thug is, are completely and utterly naiive.

tillthen

What the UK has done to its people with Sharia law, Obama would do to us.
Screw Sharia, whoever he was, and Obama.
Faye

I have just gotten back to the net. I would like to apologize about calling B.O. a name on an earlier thread. An adult would not call a child with limited mental capacity “monster”. I am ashamed to have stooped so low as to have done that and I apologize to anyone who was offended.

Pragmatist

you are forgiven! (-: Thank you for it though!

Mandelay

I think at this point, the economy (and the millions invested in the stock market via 401(k)s) is going to leave roe v. wade in the dust. When that debate happens in a couple of weeks, whoever has the most believable “answers” to today’s stock market mess is going to shift the polls. People are getting badly hurt in this financial crisis and Obama is already jumping on the blame the Republicans (not Bush, but all Republicans) for the mess. McCain needs more than a counterpunch; he needs to break a jaw.

lark

Obama’s problem is that McCain and the Bush Administration are the only ones proposing solutions. Not that it matters since when Hillary proposed solutions, people could care less. They wanted the Messiah no matter how stupid the Messiah is. But the Messiah’s halo is not as lustrous as it once was. His charisma is passe. Without something concrete Obama’s I know better is white-wash as best. McCain is quite convincing on his experience mantra and Palin is quite convincing as a real American woman.

McCain Slipping in the Polls

I figured the Palin bounce was about bounced out.

The RPC poll average shows John McCain’s lead has now slipped to 1.6 points.

His Gallup lead has now dropped to 2 points.

We’re getting down to issues.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/polls/

lark

Ironically, the battleground states may have shifted irreversibly. We’ll see.
Palin4Prez

Still leading, chump–get lost. And, oh, btw, have you see any new electoral maps lately? Or how about Carville’s much lauded polls? Here, have a lil looksee:

http://www.democracycorps.com/strategy/2008/09/the-changing-presidential-race-after-the-conventions/?section=Analysis#_ftn1

ziggy

As a famous sign once hanging in Bill Clinton’s office said: “It’s the economy, stupid.”

Rumor has it that Bill has loaned the sign to Barack Obama.

Docelder

If the “cigar” had stayed in the box… we would not be here right now.

ziggy

Yep. The famous cigar incident was another example of republicans focusing on something fundamentally irrelevant instead of something terribly important.

They even succeeded in distracting Bill. The distraction made it harder for him to keep his mind on Osama bin Laden, and it made it harder for him to take a politically risky action when a chance came.

Probably you have no clue what I’m talking about.

Bill spent a lot of time trying to warn the Bush adminstration about what might be coming during the White House transition. They weren’t particularly interested.

Rob in Chicago

It’s good that Bill Clinton loaned Barack that sign, because Barack needs all the reminders he can get. Reminding him of the issue, however, does not imply that Barack has any viable solutions, or that his proposals will be met with acceptance by Congress. Again, we have few concrete guideposts other than “character” in this election process. John McCain and Sarah Palin have character. Barack Obama and Joe Biden are characters.

http://www.thecjpoliticalreport.com Halli Casser-Jayne

Here’s the deal. Women will never make it to the Oval Office as long as they continue to split their vote between the Republican and Democratic Parties over the issue of Roe v Wade.

I speak to this in http://www.thecjpoliticalreport.com/guys_and_dolls.htm.

Women are their own worst enemies. Just ask Hillary.

Halli Casser-Jayne
http://www.thecjpoliticalreport.com

http://www.rabblerouserruminations.blogspot.com/ Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy

Have you seen that horrible piece by Eve Ensler that is currently going around? It is being touted by Obama backers as “speaking for them.” It is a diatribe against Gov. Palin, and uses the whole R. v. W. stick. Bear in mind that Ensler was already backing Obama, claiming that we have moved so far beyond gender issues that we have to look at the person who will best accomplish our goals regardless of sex. In her mind, that was Obama. Apparently, she has not paid ANY attention to the rampant sexism/misogyny Hillary encountered, and that Sarah is encountering now. I don’t know WHERE in the hell she lives that she thinks we have moved beyond gender issues in this country

Oh – one other thing – and this is similar to GLoria Steinem’s piece – the elitism was DRIPPING from this piece. She granted Palin the right to believe in God, but it is the combo of GOD and GUNS that gets to her. Evidently, she was at that San Fran fundraiser with Obama. Ahem. I found that to be so insulting, and I don’t even OWN a gun (never have – they scare the bejesus out of me). I was just left thinking how incredibly elitist it was, and did not reflect the reality of many Americans’ lives…

Paul3triple

back to issues? you mean hope? that issue? change?
Or maybe you mean the issue of e-mails and computers.
Your such a hypocrit all of you obama boys.
Obama became the nominee by me too-ing every issue with clinton and talking about hopey dopey BS.
Issues mean nothing if the guy driving them is a waste and an empty suit.
Like Bill Clinton said, candidate-x and candidate-y.
I will go wwith thhe guy who has a RECORD of bi-partisanship, a record of serving his country, a record of reform, a record of fighting corruption, and a record of sound judgement.

That leaves obama out in the cold. HE HAS NO RECORD.
He never fought corruption, he IS corruption.
Your candidate is a joke.
Fact is obama’s electoral map has shrunk to kerry’s map.
McCain is still in the lead in the 2 most prominent polling firms that poll the most poeple.
So, you can hope the bnounce is gone, but it really just depends on who is polled. Your still running around trying to figure out what to do.

Also, if you get on the issues Obama loses. Every issue Obama has run on has changed 3 or 4 times and he is following McCains lead on everything.
Your guy is toast.
Do some homework, you will notice republicans always surge towards the end of elections. This year shall be no different.

Palin4Prez

Nicely said, Paul. Nailed the SOB.

http://wiskeytangofoxtrotoscar.blogspot.com/ James (San Jose)

Why trust McCain on this issue? He was pro Roe before he became pro-life. He has sold his soul to the very “agents of intolerance” that he denounced in 2000. By nominating Sara Palin as V.P. he has signaled his complete capitulation to people who think the earth is only 4,000 years old.

Urban Hillbilly

we are all dumber for having just read that post^

Jim S

Ain’t that the truth!!

fluffy bunny

When was McCain pro-choice?

His voting record his entire career has been pro-life.

My God, you get your political news from Matt Damon. I pity you.
JimDawg

James is dumber for writing the crap on the way to San Jose……….la, la, la, al.
To funny Jimmyboy.

http://RedDragon62.blogspot.com oop

Why trust McCain on this issue? He was pro Roe before he became pro-life. He has sold his soul to the very “agents of intolerance” that he denounced in 2000. By nominating Sara Palin as V.P. he has signaled his complete capitulation to people who think the earth is only 4,000 years old.

fluffy bunny

wait, two identical comments from two different obamabots?

I guess they got their talking point in the email this morning, eh?

Arabella Trefoil

Time for the trolls to check in with their propaganda sensei.

Back to cramming school, grasshoppers.

vinnie

Sarah and her creationist views….oooohhh, so scary. And Barry’s Black Theology views with Rev. God Damn America Wright isn’t. Try again Oopsie.
Astra14

OMG, THEY DO COPY & PASTE. WE JUST GOT CONFIRMATION! THIS IS SOOO SAD!!!!

MCCAIN/PALIN 08
HILLARY 2012

Steven Mather

Dear RRRA,

Great post, as usual.

Today I had the disconcerting experience of receiving a diary comment from Rob Kall, who runs Oped news. I was shocked at the hyper kool-aid vitriol that rolled from his lips and responded accordingly. He thinks Democratic women who are McCain/Palin supporters are insane, ex-abuse victims, among which some are likely to be seeking victims themselves.

You are better versed on these topics than I, and much better equipped to “educate” Mr. Kall. If you are able, would you please visit his blog and be yourself.

http://www.opednews.com/maxwrite/diarypage.php?did=9362

Thank you.

SM

vinnie

He thinks Democratic women who are McCain/Palin supporters are insane, ex-abuse victims, among which some are likely to be seeking victims themselves.

Me thinks these jokers are catching on that Roe vs. Wade argument is not working.
Annie Oakley

Oh my. His response to you was so well thought out and persuasive! It might have seemed a bit abusive when he went into the part about how if us bitches don’t get it there’s going to be hell if McCain and Palin are elected. Really, being told I’m a stupid woman one more time will probably do the trick. Like him, though, I also think that no matter what happens in this election, the country will not be unified behind our new president. A lot of damage has been done.
http://www.rabblerouserruminations.blogspot.com/ Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy

Steven,

I think you handled this guy quite well. When someone essentially says, “I know you are, but what am I?” in his diatribe, he has demonstrated that he is not intellectually mature enough to have a real dialogue. For him to make misogynistic statements then claim he WILL not be held accountable for them without claiming the other is the misogynistic is just absurd. All in all, a mighty illogical piece.

Anyway, you did great, Steven, and thanks for the compliment!

Steven Mather

My pleasure. Thank you for checking it out.

arg[pgr arioja[operbaer

[ADMINISTRATOR: Comment removed for inappropriate content.]

tillthen

WTF is your point?
fluffy bunny

SEEK HELP

this same comment has appeared at least 3 times on noquarter. has anybody seen it anywhere else?

ritamary

Yes, this comment was posted at least twice before. fluffy bunny told the person to seek help. I advised getting back on meds.

LuigiDaMan

Holy crap! I love you all ’cause I cannot stomach the cheetoh or ToiletPaperMan (TPM). But folks, seriously, we cannot let our hatred of The Chosen force four more years of Slap Happy & the Neutered Alaskans on us. There won’t be anything left of the constitution if we do.

HC

And your suggestion?
Docelder

McCain is not responsible for “The One”. If “The One” is elected we have all “been played”. If McCain is elected we “all win”. Plus, everybody is on page for “change”.
fluffy bunny

Snort. Them Alaskans don’t look too neutered to me.

I thought you folks hated them for being such prolific breeders. Now they’re neutered? sheesh talk about a flip flop

John Smith

Do you really think that the people that are voting for McCain really think that McCain caused the problems on the stock market? Second there are only two companies left that could fail and that will not happen before election. In two weeks nobody will be talking about the investment banks. I thin the economy will actually pick up over the next month. As gas prices drop below $3 it will give a jolt to the economy just in time for the election.
John Smith

Do you really think that the people that are voting for McCain really think that McCain caused the problems on the stock market? Further more,there are only two companies left that could fail and that will not happen before election. In two weeks nobody will be talking about the investment banks. I thin the economy will actually pick up over the next month. As gas prices drop below $3 it will give a jolt to the economy just in time for the election.

Shiloh

This is correct. Today was a good day for buying stocks.

JayD

I am always delighted when I see that the “media is furious.” It means that truth is nipping at their butts!

http://news.aol.com/political-machine/2008/09/14/media-furious-at-palins-popularity/

The media hates Sarah Palin. They despise her for routing radical feminism, they curse her for boosting McCain in the polls and they condescend her for the conservatism she refuses to remit. They are willing to shamelessly degrade themselves without limit in order to lend support to the Democratic ticket. Today’s leading Washington Post article on Obama, even as he rolls out ads which patently lie about McCain, is titled, “Obama Points to the Issues: Ignore Attacks, Democrat Implores.”
http://edgeoforever.wordpress.com/ Not Your sweetie

More in NY: internal party polls show PUMA movement
http://edgeoforever.wordpress.com/2008/09/15/internal-ny-polls-show-puma-movement/
http://mccaindemocrats.wordpress.com/ 30yrdem-not any more

Some headlines are stupid but this is sick…

SARAH PALIN’S MURDEROUS WEB OF DEATH — Calling Sarah Palin a murderer might seem a stretch. — At first. — But alarmingly, Sarah Louise Heath Palin was born on February 11, 1964 – a suspicious beginning, as it is also the forty-eighth anniversary of the arrest of the free-thinking …

I didn’t read it, no link, it is at HufPo

you can get it at memeoradum
http://www.memeorandum.com/

http://mccaindemocrats.wordpress.com/ 30yrdem-not any more

this is good

Gallup Daily: Race Stabilizes With McCain Up by Two — Race nearly back to pre-convention period competitive status — PRINCETON, NJ — Voter preferences in the race for president are unchanged from where they stood over the weekend. John McCain still edges out Barack Obama, 47% to 45% …
http://www.gallup.com/poll/110365/Gallup-Daily-Race-Stabilizes-McCain-Two.aspx

http://www.overstream.net/view.php?oid=i2a7maeftqt9 Jeremiah God Damn Amerikkka Wright

Definition of Life is not the Only thing above Obama’s paygrade. Looks like defining treason is too!!

OBAMA IS DENYING!!!
BECAUSE
OBAMA IS LYING!!!

FOX NEWS- CAMPAIGN DENIAL!! NO SUCH DISCUSSION EVER TOOK PLACE

Barack Obama’s campaign denied a New York Post report Monday that said the Democratic presidential candidate privately tried to persuade Iraqi political leaders to stall an agreement on scaling back American troops in Iraq while publicly campaigning for a speedy withdrawal.

Obama’s request for a delay was a major theme of his talks with Iraqi leaders in Baghdad in July, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said in an interview with the Post.

Obama also tried to persuade the U.S. commanders, including Gen. David Petraeus, to offer a “realistic withdrawal date,” the Post reported. The commanders declined, the newspaper said.

A top foreign policy adviser to Obama sat in on the meetings between the candidate and Iraqi officials this summer and said no such conversations occurred, the campaign said Monday.

However MSNBC covered exactly what he said back in JUNE!!!

OBAMA’s TALK WITH IRAQI FORIEGN MINISTER

Posted: Monday, June 16, 2008 2:22 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC/NJ’s Athena Jones
FLINT, Mich. — Obama reiterated his commitment to withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq during a telephone conversation this morning with the country’s foreign minister, he told reporters in a 10-minute press conference on the tarmac here.

The presumptive Democratic nominee told Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari that he looked forward to seeing him in Baghdad and told reporters he also wanted to visit Afghanistan, saying the situation there continued to deteriorate — noting a prison break this past weekend. He declined to specify when such trips would take place, but said he would like to go before the election.

VIDEO: NBC’s Richard Engel, author of “War Journal: My Five Years in Iraq” joins the “Morning Joe” team to discuss the progress of the war.

The men spoke about the progress U.S. troops have made in helping to reduce the violence in Iraq but Obama told Zebari troop withdrawals must go forward.

“I emphasized to him how encouraged I was by the reductions in violence in Iraq, but also insisted that it is important for us to begin the process of withdrawing U.S. troops, making clear that we have no interest in permanent bases in Iraq,” the senator said. “I gave him an assurance that should we be elected, an Obama administration will make sure that we continue with the progress that’s been made in Iraq, that we won’t act precipitously, but that we will move to end U.S. combat forces in Iraq in a manner that’s as careful as we were careless getting in.”

The need to withdraw is twofold, Obama said. Reprising an argument he has been making for months, he cited the need to encourage the Iraqi government to make the political accommodations on matters like oil revenues and provincial elections, which the surge was supposed to help happen. He argued that the progress made in the South and in Sadr City showed the need not for a longer commitment but a shorter one, because they indicate a greater capacity on the part of Iraqis to deal effectively with their security. Obama said the second reason was the $10- to-12 billion being spent each month in the country, a statistic he often cites when discussing the need to withdraw.

In response to a question about how much flexibility there would be to withdrawal plans, Obama said he still believed U.S. forces could be out of the country within about 16 months and that “I’ve also consistently said that I will consult with military commanders on the ground and that we will always be open to the possibility of tactical adjustments. The important thing is to send a clear signal to the Iraqi people and most importantly to the Iraqi leadership that the U.S. occupation in Iraq is finite, it is gonna be coming to a foreseeable end.”

He said he told Zebari that negotiations for a Status of Forces agreement or strategic framework agreement between the two countries should be done in the open and with Congress’s authorization and that it was important that that there be strong bipartisan support for any agreement so that it can be sustained through a future administration. He argued it would make sense to hold off on such negotiations until the next administration.

“My concern is that the Bush administration–in a weakened state politically–ends up trying to rush an agreement that in some ways might be binding to the next administration, whether it was my administration or Sen. McCain’s administration,” Obama said. “The foreign minister agreed that the next administration should not be bound by an agreement that’s currently made.”

And again Here is todays report from NYPost for Comparison!!!!

OBAMA TRIED TO STALL GIS’ IRAQ WITHDRAWAL
Amir Taheri
Last updated: 4:10 am
September 15, 2008
Posted: 4:02 am
September 15, 2008

WHILE campaigning in public for a speedy withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, Sen. Barack Obama has tried in private to persuade Iraqi leaders to delay an agreement on a draw-down of the American military presence.

According to Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, Obama made his demand for delay a key theme of his discussions with Iraqi leaders in Baghdad in July.

“He asked why we were not prepared to delay an agreement until after the US elections and the formation of a new administration in Washington,” Zebari said in an interview.

Obama insisted that Congress should be involved in negotiations on the status of US troops – and that it was in the interests of both sides not to have an agreement negotiated by the Bush administration in its “state of weakness and political confusion.”

“However, as an Iraqi, I prefer to have a security agreement that regulates the activities of foreign troops, rather than keeping the matter open.” Zebari says.

Though Obama claims the US presence is “illegal,” he suddenly remembered that Americans troops were in Iraq within the legal framework of a UN mandate. His advice was that, rather than reach an accord with the “weakened Bush administration,” Iraq should seek an extension of the UN mandate.

While in Iraq, Obama also tried to persuade the US commanders, including Gen. David Petraeus, to suggest a “realistic withdrawal date.” They declined.

DENIAL?

WHY?

WHO IS LYING NOW BEEYATCH!!!!!!

BUSTED AGAIN BACKTRACK OBUMMER!!!!!
http://www.despair.com/changewinds.html Smilin’ Jim

This is a red herring.

When a McCain administration appoints another Thomas and another Scalia to the Supreme Court to give it a Federalist Society (and their fellow travelers) majority Roe is toast. Period, Finito, Full Stop.

We ignored Mein Kampf and Milestones. We got WWII and 9/11.

Mr. Federalist, Robert Bork, when interviewed recently on-camera (Original Intent –Anthony Sherin) said that he would have voted against Roe.

Could the intent and the outcome possibly be more clear?

ohio

Are you kidding me, I could care less about R v W. It’s time for the younger generation to take care of theirselves. I’m tired of the R v W being held over my head. When you develop a uterus, then you can worry about it. As for my, it’s a non-issue.

http://www.despair.com/changewinds.html Smilin’ Jim

“I could care less about R v W”

You just read an entire article about it, bright spark.

Steven Mather

SJ,

You mention Mein Kampf, a brief politically reflective autobiography by Hitler. I recommend you read John Toland’s biography of Hitler. It might remind you of someone dear to you.

SM

http://www.despair.com/changewinds.html Smilin’ Jim

“It might remind you of someone dear to you.”

Surely not Bill or Hillary Clinton?

You really should be more specific in your nastygrams.
http://www.despair.com/changewinds.html Smilin’ Jim

It’s an itch I just cannot scratch.

Just how does one write “brief politically reflective autobiography” when one is possessed of a megalomania and paranoia destined to incinerate Europe?

How, I wonder, does that differ from Toland’s narrative approach to historical writing? One would expect a Fest or a Trevor-Roper to be invoked when casting dark aspersions (definitely a Fest).

That was a Godwin point, by the way.

Susan1968

Scalia has been quoted as saying he will not reverse Roe V Wade because it’s been law for nearly 40 years.

Try another tactic.

http://www.despair.com/changewinds.html Smilin’ Jim

“Scalia has been quoted as saying he will not reverse Roe V Wade because it’s been law for nearly 40 years.”

Quoted by Elvis in front of the 7-11 after he climbed out of the UFO, no doubt. Republicans are such clumsy liars. It’s an embarrassment to be a member of the same species.

The Villinova speech

http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071017/NEWS/710170320/-1/NEWS01

Pingback: Epsilon » Blog Archive » Row or Wade
yttik

“Love him or hate him, John McCain is a devoted public servant, like Hillary, having given his entire adult life to that service”

That sure sums it up for me. McCain and Palin may have some views differant then mine, but I trust that they care about what they are doing and who they are serving.

Obama serves Obama. People are simply political stepping stones, distant and removed demographics you exploit for politcal purposes. He’s got no empathy.
Mr Mike

Looks like this Cass Sunstein person is getting us ready for when Obama does a FISA Immunity 180 on a woman’s right to choose.
Susan1968

There are many, many pro-life Democrats.(And many pro-choice Republicans).

The Obama campaign makes it sound like ALL DEMS are pro-choice. They are not.

And that’s why Roe V. Wade is not a core issue for them — they can easily vote for the GOP ticket.