First, the good news...
The Supreme Court today upheld Oregon's assisted suicide law in a 6-3 decision that nicely smacked down former Attorney General John Ashcroft. Turns out Ashcroft should have spent his time fighting terrorism instead of chasing after terminally ill Oregonians and aids and cancer patients who sought a little relief through medical marijuana. Just another day in the Bush Justice Department.
So, the good news here is that the right to die with dignity appears to be here for the duration. In a compassionate society, why anyone would want to prolong horrific suffering is beyond me.
The bad news, particularly in the long term, is that the new Chief Justice, John Roberts, dissented along with Moe and Curly (Scalia and Thomas), which seems a pretty good indication of his judicial philosophy. Add Sam Alito to that mix and all of a sudden you're looking at a long thirty plus years for women, minorities, individuals overrun by corporations or the state and on and on.
There was some speculation on the internets about the fact that Alito was going to be given a pass because Roberts would assume the moderate role of O'Connor and the balance would remain as it was.
So much for that theory.
So, the good news here is that the right to die with dignity appears to be here for the duration. In a compassionate society, why anyone would want to prolong horrific suffering is beyond me.
The bad news, particularly in the long term, is that the new Chief Justice, John Roberts, dissented along with Moe and Curly (Scalia and Thomas), which seems a pretty good indication of his judicial philosophy. Add Sam Alito to that mix and all of a sudden you're looking at a long thirty plus years for women, minorities, individuals overrun by corporations or the state and on and on.
There was some speculation on the internets about the fact that Alito was going to be given a pass because Roberts would assume the moderate role of O'Connor and the balance would remain as it was.
So much for that theory.
posted by John at 10:00 AM
3 Comments:
Prima facie evidence that Alito / Roberts will shift SCOTUS hard right. If Dems aren't willing to risk the nuclear option and filibuster now, they might as well wait until it's used against them when Repubs are back in the minority.
There was some speculation on the internets about the fact that Alito was going to be given a pass because Roberts would assume the moderate role of O'Connor and the balance would remain as it was.
yeah well, think about who was saying that
Good point. I don't know exactly who was saying it as it came to me second hand, but it could clearly have been a misdirection. Never come straight at it - always obfuscate and when that doesn't work, lie like crazy.
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