Justice Scalia’s death resulting in a vacancy to the Supreme Court brings out Republicans’ disregard for the U.S. Constitution. In a letter that totally makes their position clear, the Senate Judiciary Republicans say they will not even meet to discuss President Obama’s eventual nominee to the Supreme Court—let alone hold a hearing or a vote on the nominee. The position is despite the fact the U.S. Constitution makes clear that upon a vacancy to the high court, the President shall nominate with the advice and consent of the Senate. The position is despite the fact there is almost eleven months until the next president will be sworn in. This position is despite the fact there is no precedent for coming to their decision. Republicans are now making up the rules as they go along—except this is not a game. It makes a mockery of the U.S. Constitution and our laws. And the only reason is to ensure the balance of the court does not change hands. The Supreme Court is now … [Read more...] about Scalia’s Vacancy Brings Out GOP Rage
Archives for February 2016
Justice Scalia’s Vacancy is a Win-Win for Democrats
The vacant Supreme Court seat due to the passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia will likely be a win-win for Democrats should President Obama nominate an African American woman to replace Scalia. Republicans vowed to fight any nomination asserting that Pres. Obama should not nominate anyone. GOP leaders and presidential contenders strongly urge that the next President elected in November, 2016 should nominate the next justice. This would mean the country would be without the full highest court for approximately over a year—placing many cases and decisions in disarray. The inauguration of the next President will occur in January, 2017. And any High Court nominations would likely not occur until Spring, 2017, if a replacement is not confirmed in 2016. President Obama intends to nominate a replacement for Justice Scalia in the very near future- despite Republicans complaints. Currently, there are four liberals and four conservatives on the Court. A confirmation … [Read more...] about Justice Scalia’s Vacancy is a Win-Win for Democrats
Scalia’s Replacement Should be an African American Woman
With the passing of Justice Antonin Scalia on February 13, President Obama has a chance to make a lasting legacy upon the Supreme Court of the United States. The Supreme Court is now split with four conservatives and four liberals. With a lifetime appointment, there is an opportunity to impact our country for generations. And I urge President Obama to nominate an African American woman to the highest Court of the U.S. I do not ask for appointment of an African American woman justice because there has never been one to sit on the bench in its history since 1789. I certainly do not ask because of any quotas that Justice Scalia spoke of in terms of African Americans. I do not ask because Justice Scalia would turn over in his grave. I do not ask because Black women voted higher than any other group to re-elect President Obama in 2012. I ask because the bench needs to further reflect the diversity of our country, in terms of women and Blacks. The nine member bench currently … [Read more...] about Scalia’s Replacement Should be an African American Woman
Are the Baltimore Police Officer Cases Going Down a Dark Hole?
On February 4, Baltimore prosecutors appealed Judge Barry Williams’ decision that William Porter cannot be compelled to testify in the upcoming trial of officer Edward Nero charged with misdemeanor assault of Freddie Gray. For those who are not keeping score, 6 officers are charged. Three officers, William Porter, Caesar Goodson, Jr. and Alicia White are primarily charged with manslaughter with the van driver, Goodson being also charged for second degree murder. Porter’s case ended in a hung jury. Three arresting officers, including Edward Nero, William Garrett and Lt. Brian Rice are charged with misdemeanor assault, misconduct in office and other misdemeanors. Nero’s case was set to begin February 22 until the State decided to appeal Judge Williams’ ruling. Goodson and White’s trials are already on hold pending an appeal decision. Defense attorneys appealed Williams' ruling in those two cases. The trial against William Porter ended in a hung jury in December. … [Read more...] about Are the Baltimore Police Officer Cases Going Down a Dark Hole?