The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[Alex]

I'm pretty sure that if it is someone making an Establishment Clause claim they wouldn't have to actually be in the program to have standing. So it wouldn't have to be an atheist facing the choice to get out or make waves and not get out while doing so. It could just be any random person within the jurisdiction.

(A legal blog I was reading about this at mentioned that in Mississippi a judge was recently suspended for a month for making bail contingent on church attendance.)

And apparently the ACLU let it be known they have issues with it representing that random person and the program is on hold pending further review by the city's legal counsel (man, I really hope their legal counsel didn't previously tell them this was ok).

The sheriff's continued defense indicates he doesn't understand the problem it creates at all. Though this article makes it sound the program is just something he and the local judges came up with on their own.

[Alex]

It is Bay Minette, Alabama. I checked, that is a humble burg of 8,000 people.

Google Maps finds about 50 churches within 10 miles of downtown, with lots of variety. If you like some flavor of Protestantism, especially Baptist or Pentecostal.

There are two Catholic Churches and if you prefer your Protestantism a bit "culty" (to use the view of the other churches, not my own) then you can find an LDS outpost and a Kingdom Hall in town.

Most other significant religions (including Jews, Muslims, and Unitarian Universalists) will have to go 40 miles to Mobile or 60 miles to Pensacola.

The nearest Hindu Temple is 130 miles in Carriere, Mississippi (or 230 miles in Birmingham if they have to stay in state).

The Atheist Cathedral is not yet found.

[€uroMeinke]

It's still uncertain if there's an agnostic temple, can't quite rule that out yet

[sleepyjeff]

Originally Posted by €uroMeinke

It's still uncertain if there's an agnostic temple, can't quite rule that out yet

I am pretty sure most agnostics would just shrug their shoulders at this one....... heh, heh.

[sleepyjeff]

Speaking of unconstitutional:

http://dailycaller.com/2011/09/28/ne...nal-elections/

[Alex]

Obviously unconstitutional but I also doubt it was a serious policy proposal but rather a statement of how the continual campaigning makes it unlikely Congress can do anything significant to resolve issues.

It is hardly a unique position. But yes, if she was seriously suggesting we actually take steps to cancel elections (rather than that skipping one would make addressing problems easier by relieving congressmen of the constant pressures and requriements of re-election) she's a dolt.

And an inability to explain herself without the lame "it was a joke you didn't get" suggests she or her staff might be a dolt anyway.

[Alex]

It appears that the Occupy Wall Street people have expanded operations and are now camped out in front of the Federal Reserve Bank in San Francisco.

Actually, a pretty good turnout as I exited BART this morning, though a sign of life in San Francisco that I was halfway down the block of people in sleeping bags before I realized I was in the middle of a protest camp and not just among homeless people.

In their very vocal protestations that they're being ignored by the mainstream press in New York I've seen many comments that they are being dismissed for the way they look.

Now, I would attribute this more to the fact that I've not yet really seen anybody offering a coherent goal or position but now I've seen them, or at least a branch group.

It is not fair, but I tend to agree. When you look like you've rejected all of "society" then it is hard for me to take particularly seriously and objection made to a specific part of that society.

It feels kind of like I said "birthday parties are, by definition lame, but here's how you throw a great one." True, I may really know how to throw a great birthday party, but not many people are going to pay attention after the first half of that sentence.

I'm sure many of the kids camped out in front of the Fed have very good criticisms of whatever they are specifically criticizing and very good ideas on reform. But if you reject the very idea of a capitalism based society (as a hypothetical example) then you telling me how to make one better sounds like Nancy Pelosi saying who the Republicans should run for president.

Also, while someone with dreadlocks may have once said something important. Nothing worthwhile has ever emanated from the mouth of a 19-year-old with his or her beard in dreadlocks.

[Not Afraid]

Not that I've given it much effort, but I can't figure out what it is the protestors are really after.

[Alex]

Walked past there again at lunch to see if they were more active during daylight hours.

Looked even more like I was walking up Telegraph Avenue (in Berkeley) on any average day. One guy on a bullhorn chanting "don't give up your rights." Not sure what rights I am giving up.

[Moonliner]

Calif. Appeals Court Approves Cell Phone Searches During Traffic Stops

Originally Posted by News

It appears anytime you are pulled over in the state of California, your entire cell phone is now fair game