Alito

richlevy · 01-07-2006, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolf

I don't see how #7 is a First Amendment issue at all ... freedom of the press does not include a guarantee of freedom of access TO the press. I checked.

It's probably a speech issue and not a press issue. The possession and display of pictures of one's choosing is an expression of non-verbal speech, similar to the display of a flag.

Also, knowledge of current events is necessary to stay informed and form opinions, which are a necessary component of speech. Deliberately keeping someone ignorant is depriving them of the right to have an opinion.

xoxoxoBruce · 01-07-2006, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richlevy

It's probably a speech issue and not a press issue. The possession and display of pictures of one's choosing is an expression of non-verbal speech, similar to the display of a flag.

Also, knowledge of current events is necessary to stay informed and form opinions, which are a necessary component of speech. Deliberately keeping someone ignorant is depriving them of the right to have an opinion.

I think you're reaching on that one, Rich. The Constitution says we have the right to form and express an opinion. As you can easily observe all around you and in some media, an informed opinion is neither expected nor required.
Hell, you don't even need one to vote.

richlevy · 01-10-2006, 02:42 PM

I was watching the Alito hearings today. I have to say, he acquitted himself very well, although he really gave some disingenuous answers. One part of the questioning revolved around 'signing statements' which Alito pushed for during the Reagan adminstration.

In effect, a president can write a signing statment completely undermining his support of the law, which is what happened with the torture ban. Up until now, the courts have not given this much weight. Since Alito worked for the adminstration that came up with them and strongly recommended them, the big question is if he will be the first Supreme Court justice to do so.

He really tap danced around the answer to that question by Kennedy. The next Senator in line basically did not ask Alito questions but instead chose to make a speech on his behalf.

In effect, people had better start praying for a two party split between the executive and legislative branches because Alito seems to be a guy who is unwilling to put on any brakes when it comes to executive power.

glatt · 01-10-2006, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richlevy

In effect, people had better start praying for a two party split between the executive and legislative branches because Alito seems to be a guy who is unwilling to put on any brakes when it comes to executive power.

I bet if a liberal occupied the White House, Alito would find a way to put the brakes on.

mrnoodle · 01-10-2006, 04:31 PM

*peeks into thread, runs screaming*

richlevy · 01-10-2006, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glatt

I bet if a liberal occupied the White House, Alito would find a way to put the brakes on.

I'd like a chance to test that theory.

Of course, finding a liberal who advocates torture and domestic spying might be difficult.

Troubleshooter · 01-11-2006, 07:14 AM

Or at least willing to admit to torture and domestic spying.

Denial is a river that runs deep, wide and fast.

01-10-2006, 02:42 PM	#3
richlevy King Of Wishful Thinking Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Philadelphia Suburbs Posts: 6,669	I was watching the Alito hearings today. I have to say, he acquitted himself very well, although he really gave some disingenuous answers. One part of the questioning revolved around 'signing statements' which Alito pushed for during the Reagan adminstration. In effect, a president can write a signing statment completely undermining his support of the law, which is what happened with the torture ban. Up until now, the courts have not given this much weight. Since Alito worked for the adminstration that came up with them and strongly recommended them, the big question is if he will be the first Supreme Court justice to do so. He really tap danced around the answer to that question by Kennedy. The next Senator in line basically did not ask Alito questions but instead chose to make a speech on his behalf. In effect, people had better start praying for a two party split between the executive and legislative branches because Alito seems to be a guy who is unwilling to put on any brakes when it comes to executive power. __________________ Exercise your rights and remember your obligations - VOTE! I have always believed that hope is that stubborn thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us so long as we have the courage to keep reaching, to keep working, to keep fighting. -- Barack Hussein Obama

01-10-2006, 04:31 PM	#5
mrnoodle bent Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: under the weather Posts: 2,656	peeks into thread, runs screaming Attached Images __________________ Sìn a nall na cuaranan sin. -- Cha mhór is fheairrde thu iad, tha iad coltach ri cat air a dhathadh

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01-11-2006, 07:14 AM	#7
Troubleshooter The urban Jane Goodall Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 3,012	Or at least willing to admit to torture and domestic spying. Denial is a river that runs deep, wide and fast. __________________ I have gained this from philosophy: that I do without being commanded what others do only from fear of the law. - Aristotle

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