The Rule of Law
Yesterday's Supreme Court decision was momentous for several reasons. It upheld the basic premise that all persons are imbued with human rights and that this country cannot unilaterally violate its own laws and international laws. It is a victory for the rule of law. Five Justices struck down the notion that this government can arbitrarily decide which laws and treaties it will obey. This also means that Bush's signing statements, domestic spying programs, and heaven knows what else they've been up to is all illegal.
It means we are a nation of laws and they intend to preserve that tradition. Shocking was the fact that Justices Scalia, Thomas and Alito disagree. Well, not so shocking. I've yet to see evidence that any of them believe in the rule of law. Chief Justice Roberts voted to nullify the rule of law when this case was before him at the Appeals level.
Why even have a legislative or judicial branch if the "Unitary Executive" has all power? Why are we even going through the charade of electing a Senator and Representatives if the President can do as he pleases by issuing "signing statement?" Perhaps this is what Republicans actually want but I'll wager it isn't what Americans want. If the Commander in Chief has power to do whatever he wishes we no longer have the rule of law but the rule of one man (or woman when Hilary wins). I wonder what these wingnuts will think about about all these abuses when it's a Democrat in the White House spying on their phone calls examining their financial transactions and sending FBI agents to their political meetings?
If we cease to be a nation of laws we go in either of two directions: anarchy or dictatorship. This is why this decision was so important and why I'm so dismayed that three (four if Chief Justice Roberts had voted) Justices voted against upholding the rule of law. If you don't think this fall's elections are important keep this in mind. Only we, as voters, can exercise final say and we have that right at the ballot box.
Of course there are also lots of questions whether the new computerized voting machines will register those votes accurately or without fraud so this is also a critical matter. Contact Pedro Cortes (Secretary of State) and Governor Rendell with your concerns on this matter. November's election is too important to risk your votes not being counted as you cast them. Demand answers about the process. The rule of law is at risk of being overturned with one more Supreme Court Justice appointed by George W. Bush. We're teetering on the brink.
It means we are a nation of laws and they intend to preserve that tradition. Shocking was the fact that Justices Scalia, Thomas and Alito disagree. Well, not so shocking. I've yet to see evidence that any of them believe in the rule of law. Chief Justice Roberts voted to nullify the rule of law when this case was before him at the Appeals level.
Why even have a legislative or judicial branch if the "Unitary Executive" has all power? Why are we even going through the charade of electing a Senator and Representatives if the President can do as he pleases by issuing "signing statement?" Perhaps this is what Republicans actually want but I'll wager it isn't what Americans want. If the Commander in Chief has power to do whatever he wishes we no longer have the rule of law but the rule of one man (or woman when Hilary wins). I wonder what these wingnuts will think about about all these abuses when it's a Democrat in the White House spying on their phone calls examining their financial transactions and sending FBI agents to their political meetings?
If we cease to be a nation of laws we go in either of two directions: anarchy or dictatorship. This is why this decision was so important and why I'm so dismayed that three (four if Chief Justice Roberts had voted) Justices voted against upholding the rule of law. If you don't think this fall's elections are important keep this in mind. Only we, as voters, can exercise final say and we have that right at the ballot box.
Of course there are also lots of questions whether the new computerized voting machines will register those votes accurately or without fraud so this is also a critical matter. Contact Pedro Cortes (Secretary of State) and Governor Rendell with your concerns on this matter. November's election is too important to risk your votes not being counted as you cast them. Demand answers about the process. The rule of law is at risk of being overturned with one more Supreme Court Justice appointed by George W. Bush. We're teetering on the brink.
posted by PA progressive @ Friday, June 30, 2006
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