Add RSS RSS

Breaking: SCOTUS Hearts Big Oil, Kiddie Rapists

Supreme Court 6 Above the Law blog.JPGNo, not really. The sensationalist headline of this post is issued with tongue planted firmly in cheek.

But yes, the U.S. Supreme Court just handed down two big opinions, ruling in favor of Exxon (vacating the Ninth Circuit’s affirmance of the $2.5 billion punitive damages award to victims of the Exxon Valdez oil spill) and a child rapist (holding that imposing the death penalty for child rape, in a case where defendant’s acts were not intended to cause death, violates the Eighth Amendment).

Still at large: Heller, the D.C. gun control case. Tom Goldstein speculates that Justice Scalia will be writing the principal opinion.

For more on today’s rulings, see the links below. If you have an opinion on them, please share it in the comments.

LiveBlog: Opinions | 6.25.08 [SCOTUSblog]
Supreme Court Rejects Death Penalty for Child Rape [AP]
Justices Cut Damages Award in Exxon Valdez Spill [AP]

Comments

avatar
1 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 10:47 AM

First three times today

avatar
2 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 10:49 AM

SCOTUS likes to see dead babies covered in oil... Haliburton rules!!

avatar
3 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 10:50 AM

Libs:

Please note that Souter wrote the opinion in Exxon v. Baker, and that the entire Court concurred in the judgment (except for Alito, who didn't participate).

avatar
4 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 10:50 AM

10:47 = loser

avatar
5 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 10:51 AM

I wonder how MSM will play the kiddie rapists thing. It plays pretty conveniently into the "SCOTUS is in the clenched fist of conservative ghouls" meme, but on the other hand it's a victory for the anti-death penalty folks. Well, negativity always plays better. Bet they go with the former.

avatar
6 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 10:51 AM

Lat, you're COMPLETELY out of line. That headline is grossly offensive and inaccurate.

The Court doesn't "heart kiddie rapists." It just hates child rape victims.

avatar
7 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 10:53 AM

Child rapists in my high school used to go swimming in oil spills all the time, it was no big deal.

(Lat.... "affirmance?" really? c'mon bud)

avatar
8 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 10:54 AM

As a personal belief, I have no problem with the death penalty in these situations, they don't need that extra last minute alcohol swab to avoid infection from the IV needle. However, there are two points that are valid in favor of this ruling (it pains me to say): 1) the death penalty may in fact cause the offender to kill a victim they would otherwise let live so there is no witness; 2) It is documented there is a mental illness associated with child sex crimes and the death penalty would be a violation of the constitution for cruel and unusual...

In other news, viva big oil, SUV's and Sports Cars.

avatar
9 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 10:55 AM

Ok 10:50, noted. So what?

avatar
10 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 10:56 AM

10:50(1) that is.

avatar
11 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 10:58 AM

10:55 - So don't whine too much about it. That's all.

avatar
12 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 10:59 AM

10:53 - What's wrong with "affirmance"? I use it sometimes too. It's in Black's Law Dictionary.

avatar
13 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:00 AM

Come on, 10:55, you know you assumed it was some ghastly 5-4 split, with Thomas writing the opinion on a clubbed seal's hide...

avatar
14 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:01 AM

11:00 - is that what they're calling Stephens these days

avatar
15 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:01 AM

Also let's not forget (quoting SCOTUS blog):

"The Court has released the opinion in Plains Commerce v. Long Family Land and Cattle (07-411), on whether Indian tribal courts have authority to decide civil lawsuits involving business dealings between companies owned by members of the tribe and banks that own land on a reservation, but are not themselves owned by a tribal member. The ruling below, which found for the tribal members, is reversed."

avatar
16 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:04 AM

10:50 yes you are correct that 10:47 is a loser. or maybe he is in an m&a practice and has absolutely nothing to do. but then i guess he is still a loser just waiting for lat or kash to post and be first

avatar
17 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:05 AM

Not really 11. I would have been surprised to see a dissent. The court is pretty uniformly pro-business and anti-punitive damages lately.

avatar
18 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:05 AM

10:51(1) - How does a ruling in favor of a child rapist play into the "SCOTUS is in the clenched fist of conservative ghouls" meme?

avatar
19 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:05 AM

where is my 2nd amendment opinion, kennedy?

avatar
20 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:08 AM

"The Supreme Court on Wednesday outlawed executions of people convicted of raping a child."

Leave it to mainstream journalists to overstate its points and leave out relevant nuances...

avatar
21 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:10 AM

Cons:

Please note that you're a bunch of idiots. Thanks.

avatar
22 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:10 AM

11:05 - It looks like Scalia might be writing. Per Tom Goldstein at scotusblog:

"It does look exceptionally likely that Justice Scalia is writing the principal opinion for the Court in Heller – the D.C. guns case. That is the only opinion remaining from the sitting and he is the only member of the Court not to have written a majority opinion from the sitting. There is no indication that he lost a majority from March. His only dissent from the sitting is for two Justices in Indiana v. Edwards. So, that’s a good sign for advocates of a strong individual rights conception of the Second Amendment and a bad sign for D.C."

http://www.scotusblog.com/wp/wild-opinion-speculation/

avatar
23 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:11 AM

Scalia is putting the finishing touches on the Heller opinion. It should be autograph-worthy.

avatar
24 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:11 AM

"The Supreme Court on Wednesday outlawed executions of people convicted of raping a child."

Ridiculous. Makes it sound like raping children is a *defense.*

avatar
25 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:12 AM

11:00 - we club them to preserve their pelt. writing on it kind of throws that to hell don't ya think.

avatar
26 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:13 AM

11:00 - we club them to preserve their pelt. writing on it kind of throws that to hell don't ya think.

avatar
27 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:13 AM

Scalia's doing Heller, not Kennedy.

avatar
28 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:14 AM

You missed Giles v. California. Scalia at long last invents a criminal procedure right that no one else can see...and it's so absurd, it's the liberals who dissent.

avatar
29 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:15 AM

11:01-- who is "Stephens"?

avatar
30 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:25 AM

11:15: "Stephens" is the leader of the "librul" wing of the Court, which is opposed on the "rite" by "Skaliyya."

avatar
31 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:25 AM

10:54 - I'm intrigued by your point on whether an opposite ruling would encourage child rapists to kill their victims. I tend to think murderers and rapists tend to be so far on the periphery of society that they are unlikely to be aware of a decision like this, and even less likely to alter their conduct as a result. But I am not sure if my perception is supported by studies in the area (if any exist)...

avatar
32 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:26 AM

Any idea when Heller will be released?

avatar
33 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:27 AM

dont start bringing up scalia autographs. if nino fanboy reads anything about that he might shit a brick.

avatar
34 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:31 AM

The court was right on both fronts.

avatar
35 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:31 AM

Heller is tomorrow morning...they are done for today

avatar
36 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:33 AM

11:15 -

Funny.

11:08/11:11 -

Please do not import some level of sophistication or understanding in to the mainstream media. Personally, I like the bimbo's on the color-picture tube in their professional-looking outfits spouting off about topics which they have no understanding.

Yes, it reminds me of the practice of law...

avatar
37 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:37 AM

how can u libs look yourself in the mirror after anti-death penalty cases like this.

avatar
38 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:37 AM

Alito's dissent hits the real issue.

avatar
39 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:38 AM

so twice in one day the Supreme Court overturned the careful deliberation of a group of US citizens in favor its own personal whims.

Thanks everybody. Democracy is dead.

avatar
40 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:45 AM

11:38 -- Referring to "the careful deliberation of a group of US citizens" when discussing the people of Louisiana. Comedy gold.

avatar
41 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:46 AM

11:38 - You're an idiot... we aren't a democracy because democracy sucks... remember... it's just mob-rule... we're a republic (representative-democracy). The Supremes are supposed to overrule deliberation of groups of U.S. citizens, even careful deliberation... if the group was 51% of the citizens, and they voted to legalize racial lynchings, it would have to be overturned. Friggan artard. The problem is only when they stretch the Constitution on their own whims to overturn deliberations of citizens (you know, like Roe).

avatar
42 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:51 AM

What I would like to see is the death penalty for anyone who keys an automobile, talks on a cell phone at restaurant table, or tags a stone building.

It goes without saying that enemy combatants who are tortured into confessing to terrorist acts should also be executed.


avatar
43 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:51 AM

Word.

avatar
44 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:52 AM

11:38, Who taught you constitutional law - Lawrence Velvel?

avatar
45 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:53 AM

Following the release of his opinion in D.C. v. Heller, Justice Scalia attends an opinion signing at the Catholic University, Columbus School of Law.

Not having the money to afford a printing of the Heller opinion, Nino Fanboy attempts to have Justice Scalia sign an old copy of his opinion in Crawford v. Washington.

Justice Scalia refuses to sign the opinion and waves away Nino Fanboy like a servant to a "philosopher king."

avatar
46 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:54 AM

11:25 - I absolutely agree; the defense that they would have incentive to kill is ridiculous. In addition to what you said, most child molesters are repeat offenders, so they aren't going to kill a child that they would otherwise rape again just to 'cover up the evidence.'

avatar
47 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:59 AM

Have there been any studies done on the effect of the death penalty and the recidivism rate of child rapists? I believe I could be convinced to support the law if some credible study shows that the death penalty has a significant effect.

avatar
48 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 12:05 PM

scalia is doing heller? where is this information available? i am shocked. i never thought kennedy would sign on to scalias position on the second amendment.

avatar
49 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 12:07 PM

11:59: Yes. The study covers thousands of years. Once dead, a person tends to do very little. This would reasonably include raping children.

avatar
50 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 12:08 PM

11:59 it doesnt matter whther you could be convinced or not, it only matters what the royal 5 of 9 think.

avatar
51 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 12:12 PM

11:45= How's yhe latte you're drinking on 5th Avenue, you Southern-hating jackhole?

avatar
52 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 12:14 PM

11:46 :
You mean like when they stretched constitution to day to overturn a jury verdict based on the facts presented and to overturn a legislative decision of the death penalty that has long been supported by the 8th Amendment?

avatar
53 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 12:15 PM

The Civil War live on at ALT!

avatar
54 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 12:15 PM

The Civil War lives on at ALT!

avatar
55 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 12:15 PM

The Civil War lives on at ALT!

avatar
56 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 12:16 PM

child rapists to $180

avatar
57 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 12:16 PM

heller = plurality?

avatar
58 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 12:17 PM

Kennedy==supports the murder of children but the freedom of child rapists.

Help us all.

avatar
59 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 12:22 PM

SCOTUS does not have the authority to reduce punitive damage claims. Punitive damages are imposed by juries, representatives of we the people, and even with Constitutional supremacy and judicial review, cannot overturn penalties imposed by the people.

IMPEACH SOUTER, ROBERTS, ALITO, KENNEDY AND THOMAS

avatar
60 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 12:38 PM

"Punitive damages are imposed by juries, representatives of we the people, and even with Constitutional supremacy and judicial review, cannot overturn penalties imposed by the people."

Do you feel the same way about SCOTUS overturning death penalties?

avatar
61 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 12:38 PM

12:22 -

(Just as a nitpick, that's "of us, the people.")

Anyway, if only you could have rushed into the Court this morning and told the Justices that, I'm sure this whole problem could have been averted.

avatar
62 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 12:39 PM

what if the child is raped with a can of 5W30

avatar
63 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 12:42 PM

lol

12:22: "Your honor, you don't have authority to reduce this penalty! It's anti-democratic!"

Roberts: "Oh, really? Wow! That was a close one! Thanks for telling me."

avatar
64 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 12:46 PM

There's a dickwad attorney from Davis Wright who has been representing the Alaska fishermen for the past 19 years, and who has been publicly calling Alaska's AG a sellout for taking its $1Billion settlement, oh, about 17 years ago. Wonder how dickwad feels today. And how those fisherman, who will each receive about $15K, feel.

avatar
65 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 12:59 PM

12:12 -- It's quite good. I drank it while riding in my limo to work and mulling over the latest issue of The Nation. After I got to the office, I read my talking points memos from the ACLU, Greenpeace and Barbara Streisand and logged in here. Later on I'm going to jerk off to a picture of Che Guevara. But enough about me. How's your day going?

avatar
66 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 1:07 PM

Did anyone actually read the opinions? I'm just saying...

avatar
67 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 1:10 PM

"Hasta Siempre!!! Commandante...!! Che! Guevaraaaaaah!"

- Mental Image Provider Guy

avatar
68 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 1:24 PM

Lat, can you please put up some info about WGWAG (white guys with asian girls), the two most powerful, most intelligent demographic groups in law and biz...? Why are these two groups so much more successful than others, i.e. asian guys? Why do these two groups get along so well (is it because WGs have bigger dongs than asian guys?)?

By the way, I enjoyed hearing you on NPR today, Lat.

- King of WGWAG

avatar
69 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 1:28 PM

12:59 = UVA troll with a popped collar

avatar
70 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 1:28 PM

Mental Image Provider Guy is my new favorite poster on ATL. Hysterical.

avatar
71 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 1:32 PM

1:28(1) = LSU grad with no collar.

avatar
72 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 1:43 PM

12:14 - I never said the death penalty case was right.

- 11:46

avatar
73 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 1:43 PM

Re: supposed "unanimity" of Exxon opinion - From the AP link- it was a 5-3 decision, with Alito recusing.

Maybe I missed something, but 5-3 is not unanimous. (and each of the dissenters wrote a dissent)

avatar
74 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 1:45 PM

Didn't they only dissent from portions, not the overall holding? I haven't read it yet... but the summary in the beginning was nice... punative damages for all types of cases will be headed down, regardless of the supposed "narrow and limited" holding of this case.

avatar
75 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:01 PM

11:59 - Actually, studies have demonstrated that the death penalty, in general, is not a deterrent to crime. I would have to believe that the same would hold true for child molesters.

However, what I am actually interested in seeing is a study that analyzes the crime rates in states that actually USE the death penalty (ie. Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, etc). If every state enforced the death penalty as "efficiently" as Texas, the answer may be different.

avatar
76 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:01 PM

11:59 - Actually, studies have demonstrated that the death penalty, in general, is not a deterrent to crime. I would have to believe that the same would hold true for child molesters.

However, what I am actually interested in seeing is a study that analyzes the crime rates in states that actually USE the death penalty (ie. Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, etc). If every state enforced the death penalty as "efficiently" as Texas, the answer may be different.

avatar
77 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:08 PM

1:43 -- Former victim of child abuse AU grad -- no collar -- mock turtleneck

avatar
78 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:29 PM

2:01, I always thought that whether a punishment is a deterrent is only one of the reasons for imposing it. It's also about the public condemnation of crimes that are particularly wretched. I'm against the death penalty (though in this case I really have to grit my teeth), but I wonder about the logic of limiting it only to crimes where somebody ends up dead. It seems like a nice, clear cut limit, but not one that necessarily has any rhyme or reason. Also, what about that other LA case where the dude had raped a five-year-old girl on several occasions? Is it more heinous when it's repeated? It's such an incredibly violent crime, in addition to being a sex crime.

Ugh. This kind of case puts my stomach in knots.

avatar
79 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:29 PM

1:28(1) - LSU grad with no shirt.

Here is a list of categories, the members of which are all "southern-haters"

1) people who are not from the south
2) people from the south who no longer live in the south
3) people who are not slack-jawed yokels.

avatar
80 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:32 PM

Whats with all the shirt comments?

avatar
81 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:33 PM

2:01 2X's - recidivism is the tendancy of an individual to relapse into criminal behavior, which is why my comments was part joke and part an attempt to make a point. you cleary missed both.

I couldn't care less if the death penalty deterred others from comitting a crime. The death penalty will however, prevent that person from comitting the crime (or any other for that matter) again.

Hell, apparently prisons are no deterrent to crimes either. Should we get rid of them too?

avatar
82 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:37 PM

When I know that a heinous criminal has been put to death, I get a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. This has nothing to do with deterrence and little with condemnation. It is satisfaction of a public desire for revenge - a perfectly good reason to kill a murderer.

avatar
83 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:38 PM

2:29: Say that in a redneck bar, coward.

avatar
84 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:52 PM

2:38 -- Doubtful I'll be in one anytime soon. I like my drinks in clean glasses, not dirty plastic cups from the Piggly Wiggly. .

avatar
85 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:10 PM

2:52 = imposter.

2:38 - Really?? That's your response? That a bar full of rednecks can kick my ass? What does that say about you and your redneck brethren If it takes a whole bar full of you to beat just me?

Seriously though, avoiding overly aggressive assholes is just one of the many reasons that I don't really go to redneck bars (which sounds like the topic for an awesome thread hijack ). Redneck.

- the real 2:29

p.s. Per my earlier post, you are from the south, still live in the south, and are slack-jawed yokel.

avatar
86 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:13 PM

I don't go to redneck bars because i get freaked out by people who have more fingers than teeth. . .

avatar
87 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:14 PM

I hate filthy slack jawed yokels in red neck bars sitting with their girlfriends with crimped, bleached hair.

Stupid southerners.

avatar
88 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:17 PM

"redneck bars" always reminds me of pinball and Jodi

avatar
89 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:19 PM

I don't go to redneck bars because I don't like hanging out with guys who wear their acid washed jeans so tight that they have camel toe.

avatar
90 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:20 PM

Real 2:29, I'm sorry for my imposterous ways. It was simply a knee-jerk reaction to a fucktard comment my a slack jawed redneck yokel. Forgive me.

-- 2:52

avatar
91 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:46 PM

". . . I don't like hanging out with guys who wear their acid washed jeans so tight that they have camel toe."

---3:19

when referring to men, please use moose knuckle.

avatar
92 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:47 PM

Ah, I love ATL and their Northeast bias.

You can bet none of these Limousine Libs would EVER insult a black person from the South. Or from anywhere. But white people? Hey, unless they're John Edwards, its just like To Kill a Mockingbird!

Hypocritical cowards.

avatar
93 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:49 PM

Y'all don't go to redneck bars because they don't serve Starbucks and like music made by (gasp) white people who are unironic and don't think of themselves as artists.

Go back to Dave Matthews and Jay-Z and tell us all how "deep" they are, yuppie scum.

avatar
94 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:51 PM

3:10= contract attorney.

avatar
95 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:51 PM

Jeez. This board goes downhill fast.

avatar
96 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:52 PM

3:51: that's what happens when you summarily write off an entire portion of the country as ignorant forgettable people.

But don't worry, the Obamamessiah will save us all!

avatar
97 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:57 PM

3:52, it would have been better to say "Obamessiah." Redneck.

avatar
98 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:57 PM

3:19: "I don't go to redneck bars because I don't like hanging out with guys who wear their acid washed jeans so tight that they have camel toe."

---right, because you prefer going to bars with hipsters wearing black jeans so tight you can see their tiny packages through your oh-so-stylish black rectangular-rimmed glasses while listening to Moby and drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon like every other follower.

Oh, am I pigeon-holing you, yuppie scum?

avatar
99 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:59 PM

Ah, 3:57's gonna teach us all how to talk good. Please teach us your perfect hipster ironic slang, philosophy major!

Obamamessiah! Obamamessiah! Obamamessiah!

avatar
100 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:01 PM

Stupid red neck black people from the south. There. Is that better. Let the dislike spread equally amongst all southerners of all colors and creeds and UVA poppin collar affiliations.

avatar
101 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:03 PM

can we get back to discussing little kids, rape nad death - oh wait we are.

avatar
102 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:04 PM

4:01: right, because Harvard boys never pop their collars or say anything stupid.

Stupid Yankee contract attorneys. And then you wonder why lefty commies lose election. Damn this democracy thing! Why do they let people obviously inferior to us hipsters vote???

avatar
103 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:05 PM

Poppin collar UVA yuppie redneck dirt farmin scum.

avatar
104 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:05 PM

4:03: yes, we are talking about all the things limousine liberals think should be legal.

avatar
105 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:06 PM

What's wrong with Moby and PBR? Every track from "Play" and at least half of "18" have been featured in movies or advertisements, it's good background stuff. As for PBR, if it's fresh and ice-cold, it's the most refreshing of the cheap, cheap beers.

Black jeans, however, are a disgrace.

avatar
106 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:07 PM

The ATL crowd insults everyone (even David). At first, I was a little offended. But seeing as how I am a Harvard grad, I let it roll like water off a duck's back.

I also like Southern people. And Northern people. And especially people from Fiji and Cuba. Because they look like me.

Oh, and re: the actual topic. I think that the court is right on both accounts. The punitive damages were excessive, and killing a child rapist is cruel and unusual punishment for the state. Capital punishment should be reserved for crimes involving responsibility for another's death. They should let him (Kennedy) be shanked instead, and it's a possibility because prison is a very rough place for child molesters.

And finally, because I'm a smart Harvard grad, the argument that capital punishment deters crimes is an argument in favor of it, and a conservative view point. But in this situation, it worked to the liberals favor. Lady justice has a sense of humor.

avatar
107 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:07 PM

Yankee hipster baby-killing latte-sipping yuppie scum.

avatar
108 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:11 PM

"The punitive damages were excessive,"
---Besides the personal opinion of 5 nutcases who think "Wow, that's a A LOT OF MONEY!" do you have any proof, or are you a typical left winger who thinks the court should take control over every jury verdict you don't agree with?

Do you have proof that the damages were high compared to the damages caused? Nope, didn't think so.

Back to Cambridge, latte boy!

avatar
109 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:11 PM

" think that the court is right on both accounts. The punitive damages were excessive, and killing a child rapist is cruel and unusual punishment for the state. Capital punishment should be reserved for crimes involving responsibility for another's death."

Thank you for your unique contribution to the discussion.

avatar
110 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:13 PM

now appearing at 4:07: Michael Dorf.

Next up: Jeremy Waldron will tell how us how this silly little freedom of speech thing is really unnecessary. Let the commies, er, political ruling class decide what you can and can't say.

avatar
111 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:15 PM

4:07
Shut up tea-bag - this fight is yanks vs rebs - we don't need no sissy, easily offended, fijian-cuban look-a-like stickin his nose where it don't belong

avatar
112 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:15 PM

I love when the ACS hijacks a thread to make fun of people who don't vote like them.

avatar
113 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:16 PM

Commie liberal southern redneck scum. Go back to UVA and play yerself some LAX and ultimate frolf.

avatar
114 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:17 PM

To paraphrase Mario Van Peebles: There ain't been no yuppies around here for centuries, man. You been freeze-dried or doing hard time?

avatar
115 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:17 PM

"Capital punishment should be reserved for crimes involving responsibility for another's death."

Can you justify that one in terms of "cruel and unusual"? This is not unlike SCOTUS applying the 8th Amendemnt to invalidate a sentence of 100 years sans possibility of parole for rape. The punishment is itself not cruel, nor has its application been "unusual" in past American history--whether it has been rare is another question entirely.

The fact that states march to different tunes on what's an appropriate sentence for a crime that's arguably more egregious than most forms of homicide doesn't seem to carry much weight as a constitutional matter.

avatar
116 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:18 PM

4:06: if you really need to be told what is wrong with crap like Moby, you're beyond help.

And you only drink PBR because you want to follow the crowd. If tomorrow they drank antifreeze, you'd pony up for a glass just like every other wannabe.

Now kindly go back to your gawker views.

avatar
117 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:21 PM

4:06: "What's wrong with Moby and PBR? Every track from "Play" and at least half of "18" have been featured in movies or advertisements"
-

So 4:06 logic: If corporations like it , it must be good! Next uP; why Starbucks is great: because everyone likes it!

avatar
118 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:22 PM

I don't go to redneck bars because cowboys are gay, and I'm not.

avatar
119 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:22 PM

(Takes a sip from his latte) I'm always amazed at how people become so outraged when capital punishment is outlawed in a particular instance as if the person is going to be released. A person who would have been eligible for capital punishment is likely to get life without parole. That's the maximum sentence available in 13 states. Besides, a child rapist getting life is probably going to be on the receiving end of rape a whole lot more than he was on the giving end. (Takes another sip of latte)

avatar
120 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:23 PM

4:22: i don't go to Hipster bars because hipsters rely on their parents' money to survive, and I don't. I actually work for mine.

avatar
121 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:26 PM

Re Yanks v. Rebs

The war ended roughly, oh, 140 years ago. Rebs lost, and have been living off of Yanks' tax dollars basically ever since the federal income tax was established. On second thought, maybe the joke's on us Yanks...

avatar
122 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:28 PM

4:26:
Yes, while the Rebs contribute, oh about 60% of the Nation's military and more than 50% of our Presidents, including the grand hero, Clinton?

But those don't count, nah. Just the indie label musicians made from your parent's basement.

avatar
123 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:30 PM

4:22: "I'm always amazed at how people become so outraged when capital punishment is outlawed in a particular instance as if the person is going to be released."
----Obviously, 4:22 has never actually tried a case in criminal court.
---And, of course, 4:22 will be one of those "compassionate" people seeking a [sniff sniff] prisoner to be released when he's [sniff sniff] old or sickly. Because that's humane!

Stick your head back in the sand, buddy boy.

avatar
124 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:32 PM

4:22:"Besides, a child rapist getting life is probably going to be on the receiving end of rape a whole lot more than he was on the giving end."
--Now who's arguing for cruel and unusual punishment?

I swear, you pinkos get more contradictory every time you open your ethnic studies-majoring mouths.

avatar
125 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:35 PM

I wonder if Kennedy has ever had a child close to him as the victim of a rape. I would say the psychological damage from that is so devastating that anyone observing it would agree the perpetrator deserved to fry.

But prolly not. Kennedy doesn't see too many victims in his ivory tower.

avatar
126 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:37 PM

Owners of this Thread: REBELS

Losers of this Thread: LATTE-SIPPING YANKEES

Discuss.

avatar
127 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:38 PM

4:22 - Country boy can survive, and all that crap, right?

Want to know what's ironic, cowboy? The fact that the hard core repubs and neocons on average are far less educated and affluent than "liberals" like me (I belong to USAA, and I voted for all repubs before Bush/Cheney- how liberal is that?), yet Bush's tax cuts & economic policies benefit people like me at their (i.e., your) expense. Nascar dads/rednecks put Bush in power, he (further) subjugates them economically and needlessly sends their sons/daughters to die, and they defend him to the end. Go figure.

avatar
128 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:39 PM

4:30,

Nice selective use of my comments: omitting the important point that 13 states don't have capital punishment. Which means that a ban on capital punishment for child rapists basically has the effect of giving a Louisiana child rapist the same maximum sentence as a Massachusetts child rapist. Oh the horror.

4:22

avatar
129 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:39 PM

4:28 -- 4:26 didn't mention the military or Presidents. Can you address the tax issue please? No, you can't, because Red States are the Welfare Queens of the federalist system. (Oh, and your hero, the "I'll vote for him because I'd like to have a beer with him" recovering alcoholic W, is from Yankee State Connecticut. So there.)

avatar
130 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:43 PM

4:39:
Oh yeah, good logic. "They do this in a place I love, therefore, it must be correct."

What that means is that 13 states haven't woken up and started executing the scum of this earth.

But hey, in a state that loves Willie Horton so much, what do you expect? As an ex-Massachusetts citizen, I can say, if you're the victim of a crime, you might as well shoot the guy yourself, because the Court system's gonna let him go free no matter what, thanks to you.

Fact is, capital punishment has been shown to reduce crime. But hey, why argue facts when you have your Free Mumia T-shirts to help you through?

You lose.

avatar
131 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:47 PM

I love when liberals with a minor in economics try to prove that republican tax cuts/tax policy hurts the poor and only helps the rich. Riiiight, I'm sure the boatload of economists who believe in them are merely pawns of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy.

And repubs have higher IQs than dems. Dems have more degrees--because dems love getting Phds in meaningless subjects like women's studies and ethnic studies. And it allows them to live off the government and daddy's teat a little longer and delay the real world, where they might be exposed to (oh no!) reality.

avatar
132 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:49 PM

Let's thank all the Yanks and Rebs for a wonderful Official ATL Comments Clusterfuck! See? We CAN put aside our differences for the greater good.

avatar
133 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:50 PM

4:39: "No, you can't, because Red States are the Welfare Queens of the federalist system. "
--Two words: got proof?

Yes, because I'll bet the bluest sections of our country aren't teeming with literal welfare queens. or--you're another lib making up a statistic that has no basis in reality.

avatar
134 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:56 PM

Nothing like a good old fashioned class warfare to help the day go by. (Sips latte)

avatar
135 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:58 PM

4:50:

http://taxprof.typepad.com/taxprof_blog/2004/09/red_states_feed.html

Thanks for playing.

avatar
136 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:59 PM

Nothing like being right about everything to make me feel all smug inside (smells own fart and smiles).

avatar
137 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:59 PM

Wow. Obama just came out against the child rape decision.

avatar
138 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 5:03 PM

looks like the obamamessiah has a soul after all!

avatar
139 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 5:07 PM

doubtful, i'm geussing he just read a poll

avatar
140 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 5:11 PM

4:47 - I see, you are a trickle-down guy. You are right: Bush's tax cuts also help the nascar dads and other neocons, because with some of the money I save from the Bush tax cuts on my $300K, I will go to the retail stores (where they work) and spend that money, and then they don't get fired and can keep making $8/hr with no health care coverage. Incidentally, with the rest of that money, I can buy more wal-mart stock (go free trade!!), which also supports them, because they probably work there.

Sounds fair to me. . . oh right, it IS fair to me. Not sure about nascar dad or Mr. small town Ohio, though.

Oh well, Go Bush! right?

I'll let you get back to subjugating yourself now.

avatar
141 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 5:15 PM

I have totally threadjacked this whole fucking joint!

-the real 2:29 (aka Troll-y McTrollerson)

avatar
142 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 5:20 PM

ah, 5:11, when you can't argue the economics your purportedly attacking, just make generalized assumptions nd caricatures and apply them to everyone and walk away, self assured and smug as always!

That, 5:11, is why your argument is a strawman. now back to coding wit you!

avatar
143 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 5:20 PM

If B. Hussein gets elected, look for him to nominate more ACLU/NAMBLA lawyers to the Supreme Court who will continue to look out for the rights of child rapists.

avatar
144 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 5:26 PM

"If B. Hussein gets elected, look for him to nominate more ACLU/NAMBLA lawyers to the Supreme Court who will continue to look out for the rights of child rapists."

5:20(2),

Hey, dufus, Senator Obama opposed the court's decision. By the way, I believe that Kennedy, the author of the opinion, was appointed by Reagan.

avatar
145 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 5:27 PM

Given that Obama voted against the Induced Infant Liability Act, a law that would have protected babies if they survived an attempted abortion and were delivered alive, when he was a state senator, don't count on him supporting children at all.

avatar
146 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 5:32 PM

5:27: good point.

avatar
147 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 5:32 PM

re 5: 20:

Hey when did Anne Coulter start reading ATL?

I am not sure who I am voting for this Nov. (I actually like different things about each candidate), but I can tell you this: it pisses me off when people use Obama's middle name as some sort of stealth race/religion play. And don't try to deny it, no one does this except for asshole right wing extremists trying to bring attention to the fact that Obama has a traditionally muslim name. That is race-baiting bullshit and everyone knows it.

Saying "B.Hussein" or making a point to repeat his middle = "I am a racist asshole and I think I am more clever than I really am."

You should stick to the issues (McCain has some strong ones) instead of being a douchebag prick.

avatar
148 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 5:38 PM

5:32 - get over yourself

B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein

oh yeah - and his fucking ears are huge too

avatar
149 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 5:41 PM

5:38,

You'd better get used to typing President B.Hussein.

avatar
150 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 5:43 PM

5:32, if Barack's middle name is causing him problems and he wants to hide it, he is free to legally change his name and delete it.

Why don't you try to educate people that Barack, despite his Muslim father and middle name, is not a Muslim.
“If there be time to expose through discussion the falsehoods and fallacies, to avert the evil by the processes of education, the remedy to be applied is MORE SPEECH, NOT ENFORCED SILENCE" - Justice Brandeis


There is nothing wrong with stating a truthful fact. Are you going to come after me for saying John Forbes Kerry or William Jefferson Clinton? What about John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Franklin Delano Roosevelt?

Also can I mention the truthful fact that John McCain is 71 years old, because some people might think that I am being age-ist and discriminating against old people as some sort of stealth age play.

avatar
151 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 5:46 PM

UVA hates all of you!

avatar
152 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 5:50 PM

The Dali Bama will also likely oppose tomorrow's ruling when i get my guns back - oh well, we weren't voting for him anyway.

B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein B.Hussein

avatar
153 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 6:15 PM

5:43 - this is the "you are less clever than you think" part. Sure, his middle name is Hussein. But I doubt that you consistently repeat the middle names of other presidents other than the bushes, which people do because they have the same first and last name. And you probably have never said "W. Jefferson," "F. Delano, or "J. Fitzgerald." But "B. Hussein" works great for you and Ann Coulter because it gets to the "Hussein" faster.

The problem is not that it is not true. Your focus on the fact that it is true is a red herring. The problem is that you are deliberately using it to exploit it in a racist way. It is an attempted cheap shot and you (and everyone else) know it.

Look, unlike all you "hussein" chanters, I am not blindly hacking for one politician or the other. Like I said at first, I may vote for McCain. The man's got character in spades, and stuck to his principles even though it cost him (and continues to) with the party machine. But the contest should be over issues, and it sucks that some assholes cheapen the process by tring to inject racism.


avatar
154 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 6:20 PM

5:32/6:15 has a nasty mouth for a woman

avatar
155 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 6:39 PM

6:15, if someone wanted to emphasize John Kerry's links to the wealthy Forbes family by calling him J. Forbes, I would feel no overwhelming need to censor him and cry foul.

The issue is not what people actually do but what is allowed. Mentioning someone's legal middle name is perfectly acceptable. Again, if you don't want Obama to be linked with "Hussein," file a change of name form.

And it's funny that you say mentioning "Hussein" is "trying to inject racism." So in other words, people are completely unaware of Barack Obama's race (half-African-American, half-White) and can't tell from his appearnce, but then they hear his middle name "Hussein" and THEN they know about his race, which injected racism.

avatar
156 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 6:39 PM

let's discuss the issues:

Obama surrounds himself with racists, terrorists and other criminals;

Obama flip-flops on taking public campaign funding - making the deceptive claim that 90% of his donations come from the little people - while 90% of the donations may come form the little people - that 10% of his donations, those from large corporations account for 60% of his money;

Let's talk energy - Obama's solution is to increase the taxes on the oil companies, and subsidize the consumer - Carter tried this and it failed. He's against drillling, against nuclear - what does he propose besides taxes?

foreign policy - his statements that he'll negotiate with terrorists has even our allies scared. I know - Kennedy, Reagan, and Nixon did it uh, not really - Kennedy's meeting with the soviets was a disaster - they owned - the Berlin wall went up that same year, and the cuban missle crisis the year after -

Reagan met the soviets in his second term, only after realizing Gorbi was different.

Nixon - go for it, ou can have that one - hell he was the last president to opt out of financing also.

avatar
157 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 7:21 PM

The WSJ just reported that Obama just denounced today's Supreme Court ruling barring the death penalty for the rape of a child.

However, as The Politico reported on March 31, 2008, , in 1996 Obama filled out a positions questionnaire seeking the endorsement of a Chicago group, then met with the group to answer questions, then submitted an amended questionnaire bearing his handwritten corrections.

Both versions of the questionnaire stated Obama's unqualified opposition to the death penalty.

To compound matters, when Politico first broke the story of the questionnaire in 2007, Obama denied that he filled out the questionnaire--blaming it on a staffer--but in the March 31, 2008 article, Politico quoted persons at the meeting where Obama was quizzed about his questionnaire responses, and also reported the amended copy of the questionnaire with Obama’s hand writing on it.

Obama is a flip-flopping prevaricator.

(See, "Obama had greater role on liberal survey", Politico, March 31, 2008.)

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0308/9269.html

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1207/7312.html


avatar
158 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 8:18 PM

This has to be worst, most activist Supreme Court in our history. They're so far to the right, they're basically Nazis. They are activist right-wing fascists.

avatar
159 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, June 25, 2008 8:47 PM

6:39,

McCain surrounds himself with racists, embezzlers, and other criminals;

No agreement was ever reached between McCain and Obama re: public financing, therefore no flip-flop. Learn the facts and stop parroting.

Obviously a $50 contribution from one person or one family is going to make up less of Obama's total cash than a $2300 or $10k donation from a PAC or corporation. The 90% figure is still very telling. Just about the only way that most of a candidate's money could come from the "little people" is if 1% or less of it came from corporations and PACs, which is unrealistic. 60% is shockingly low.

Carter signed a windfall tax in 1980 as a concession to Congress in exchange for their releasing Nixon's price controls on gasoline, left over from the 1973 oil crisis. The price of oil fell between 1980 and 1986, though this is mostly attributable to Iraqi/Iranian production resuming after the Iranian Revolution that caused the energy crisis of 1979. The lowered price made the tax pointless, and it was repealed in 1988. It's not an amazing idea, but it's hardly a catastrophe, and it's far better than McCain's ludicrous "gas tax holiday".

Obama is not against nuclear, it is simply not his first choice of alternates. Learn the facts and stop parroting.

Obama said he would meet with hostile leaders, not necessarily "negotiate" with them. I'll give you Kennedy, that was a disaster and hopefully we've learned a lesson. As for Nixon, for all the crap he gets over Watergate, etc., he was a brilliant man and not a bad President.

Post Your Comment