archived: 11 - 17 Sep, 2005 Back Next
SID WAXMAN
“Dr. Jonas”
I’ve been quiet for well over a year (I estimate) while I have been working on my third career: teacher. But Steven’s [Dr. Jonas’] compelling article on original intent drew me from the depths in which I have immersed myself, if only to make a small correction. His use of the reference to the “hobgoblin of small minds” omitted one very important word. The quotation from which he borrowed was Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds.” The restoration of foolish makes this quotation particularly appropriate as an admonition to be used against the likes of Scalia, Thomas, et al.
And now that I’m bobbing above the morass…
I would also suggest that we consider the record of debate (both parliamentary and in pamphlets and editorials) surrounding the wording of our constitution. It supports Dr. Jonas’s contention that many clauses invite interpretation. Such ambiguous statements in the constitution reflect the lack of consensus among the members of the Continental Congress and others who worked on it that prevented the inclusion of more specific language.
I still enjoy TPJ and often steal time from my pressing personal responsibilities to keep myself better informed on national issues.
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JUNKIE: Dr. Jonas’ work on the Roberts nomination is impressive and is a must read. See his section of TPJ today.
TPJ will assuredly bring the rich history of the Constitution into fore as we continue to advocate that the Democratic Party should establish itself as the Party committed to preservation of constitutional Democracy in the United States.
TAR HEEL TEACHER
“We Don’t
Need . . . “
Tar Heel teacher hopes that the same administration that brought us phony WMD and went into a war they can't seem to get under control will not be given the responsibility of rebuilding the Gulf Coast and City of New Orleans. We don't need more Halliburton, Donald Rumsfeld, and Dick Chaney bungling this task.
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Junkie: Sorry Tar Heel Teacher. That is exactly what you are going to get. Halliburton has already won a major contract for rebuilding. For good measure, and to ensure profits, Bush has waived any requirement
GEORGE BROOKS
“Bush’s Achilles Heal”
I think Bush's Achilles heal here is his rewarding political cronies for loyal service by giving them top jobs without regard for qualifications. It's something even the dumbest and blindest voter can relate to, thus a swing left.
Bush's rewarding Joe Allbaugh with the directorship of FEMA concurrent with its being folded into Homeland Defense and Allbaugh's recommendation of Brown for the slot after he mysteriously resigned are at the heart of the blundering in face of this disaster. Neither man was qualified for the job, especially Brown. Chertoff has no experience, as well. Right now, the Bushites are trying to shift the blame to the local officials.
I sometimes wonder if we can change the course of our country and save it from these devious and greedy intruders, or if it must crash pathetically, come apart at the seams, so to speak, before our republic can be reinstated. A total collapse, depression, double digit unemployment, blood in the streets, panic may be the only way to get rid of the neocons.
They aren't going easily; this is the only chance they'll get. The layers of their religious/patriotic facade are starting to peel off. Yes, come to think of it, a monstrous financial/investment crash which wakes up everyone may be what it will take. We are so top heavy, there are cracks in the foundation, the Bushites are inept, and it would be the last thing most of the public would expect.
Remember the cartoon where the guy walks off a cliff and keeps walking in mid air instead of falling- that is, until he looks down. We crashed in 1987 (Reagan) pretty much based on short-lived fear. What if the fear is justified, like people begin to realize their government and many businesses are rotten at the top, thus no quick fix? I have never in 45 years of closely following national events seen so many people in such a stupor.
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JUNKIE: Brooks is bang on the money!
Last Update: 03/23/2006