Scalia showing his respect for diverse opinion

The Shadoe · 02-14-2006, 04:49 PM

That's politics.

Michelle Malkin wrote a book called "UNHINGED" in which she documents the horribly ignorant and offensive things the extreme Left says. It puts "the most tolerant party" myth in the trash can.

I find myself at conflict with the book. I found it entertaining, yet was also disgusted by what I read (including people who tried to run a Republican Senator off the road, the rioters who went and smashed cars and burned yards of Bush supporters, etc.)... Amused yet disgusted at the same time.

What are your feelings about Michael Moore who said that Americans were the stupidest people on earth? I think his saying that (over and over again to boot) is far more offensive than Scalia's statement. Plus, I don't think that most Americans think much (if anything) about our Constitution, so I highly doubt that he offended millions-and-millions of Americans.

Ghoulish Delight · 02-14-2006, 05:07 PM

I had respect for Scalia. While I disagree with much of his reasoning, I do end up agreeing with a good chunk of his decissions. However, this says to me that he gives zero weight to anything someone who disagrees with him on the Court says, and that concerns me.

And before you trot out my view that I would vote against Alito's nomination for said same reason, I'll argue that we're talking two different things. As a Senator voting for or against confirmation, it's your job to vote against them if you think they are the wrong person for the job. If that were simply a matter of "do they meet the qualifications", there would be no need for a confirmation process. Just throw the job opening up on Monster and take the first person whose resume matches. As in indiviudal voter, the question before a Senator is, "Is this person going to best serve America on the Court?" Therefore, it's perfectly reasonable to vote against them if you think their interpretation of the Constitution is not good for America.

On the other hand, as an acting Justice, it's your job to work with the other 9 judges to decide cases. After hearing this, I have a hard time believing that Scalia listens to anyone and just says, "I'm right, you're wrong, piss off."

Alex · 02-14-2006, 05:16 PM

Well, on this particular issue he has shown himself as having a set-in-stone opinion. But considering he has been grappling with the living constitution issue for most of his professional life, how much openness can he (or any of the other justices) have for different conclusions than the one he has reached on what is the fundamental question of constitutional law. I doubt Ginsburg goes into each conference session saying "You know Antonin, this time you almost convinced me that rigid strict constructionism is the way to go."

He has spent 30 years looking at the question and decided that only retards could have reached a certain conclusion. I disagree with him, but I'm not upset by it. Also, having heard him speak in person before and having been surprised by his sarcastic wit, I doubt he literally thinks you're an idiot (at least not because of this issue; my sense is he thinks 99% of the people are idiots compared to him and he might be right).

lizziebith · 02-14-2006, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Shadoe

What are your feelings about Michael Moore who said that Americans were the stupidest people on earth? I think his saying that (over and over again to boot) is far more offensive than Scalia's statement.

Um, Michael Moore is an entertainer. Scalia is on the Supreme Court. BIG difference.

Just sayin'...

Alex · 02-14-2006, 08:40 PM

And yet, strangely, having seen both of the speak live I have to say that in that venue Scalia is a much better entertainer than Moore.

I'll have to wait until Scalia makes a "doc"umentary or Michael Moore writes a "legal" opinion before I can really compare them toe-to-toe.

02-14-2006, 04:49 PM	#1
The Shadoe Save Marshall Field's! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Saint Paul, MN Posts: 72	That's politics. Michelle Malkin wrote a book called "UNHINGED" in which she documents the horribly ignorant and offensive things the extreme Left says. It puts "the most tolerant party" myth in the trash can. I find myself at conflict with the book. I found it entertaining, yet was also disgusted by what I read (including people who tried to run a Republican Senator off the road, the rioters who went and smashed cars and burned yards of Bush supporters, etc.)... Amused yet disgusted at the same time. What are your feelings about Michael Moore who said that Americans were the stupidest people on earth? I think his saying that (over and over again to boot) is far more offensive than Scalia's statement. Plus, I don't think that most Americans think much (if anything) about our Constitution, so I highly doubt that he offended millions-and-millions of Americans. __________________ I am The Shadoe.
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02-14-2006, 05:07 PM	#2
Ghoulish Delight I Floop the Pig Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alternative Swankstyle Posts: 19,348	I had respect for Scalia. While I disagree with much of his reasoning, I do end up agreeing with a good chunk of his decissions. However, this says to me that he gives zero weight to anything someone who disagrees with him on the Court says, and that concerns me. And before you trot out my view that I would vote against Alito's nomination for said same reason, I'll argue that we're talking two different things. As a Senator voting for or against confirmation, it's your job to vote against them if you think they are the wrong person for the job. If that were simply a matter of "do they meet the qualifications", there would be no need for a confirmation process. Just throw the job opening up on Monster and take the first person whose resume matches. As in indiviudal voter, the question before a Senator is, "Is this person going to best serve America on the Court?" Therefore, it's perfectly reasonable to vote against them if you think their interpretation of the Constitution is not good for America. On the other hand, as an acting Justice, it's your job to work with the other 9 judges to decide cases. After hearing this, I have a hard time believing that Scalia listens to anyone and just says, "I'm right, you're wrong, piss off." __________________ 'He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.' -TJ
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02-14-2006, 05:16 PM	#3
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	Well, on this particular issue he has shown himself as having a set-in-stone opinion. But considering he has been grappling with the living constitution issue for most of his professional life, how much openness can he (or any of the other justices) have for different conclusions than the one he has reached on what is the fundamental question of constitutional law. I doubt Ginsburg goes into each conference session saying "You know Antonin, this time you almost convinced me that rigid strict constructionism is the way to go." He has spent 30 years looking at the question and decided that only retards could have reached a certain conclusion. I disagree with him, but I'm not upset by it. Also, having heard him speak in person before and having been surprised by his sarcastic wit, I doubt he literally thinks you're an idiot (at least not because of this issue; my sense is he thinks 99% of the people are idiots compared to him and he might be right).
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02-14-2006, 08:40 PM	#5
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	And yet, strangely, having seen both of the speak live I have to say that in that venue Scalia is a much better entertainer than Moore. I'll have to wait until Scalia makes a "doc"umentary or Michael Moore writes a "legal" opinion before I can really compare them toe-to-toe.
	Submit to Quotes