GW Bush may get to nominate yet another Associate Justice for the Supreme Court

[opebo]

I have bolded that about which we disagree, MODU. 

You can always drop your US citizenship and place permanent residence in an already established wellfare state if you like. 

And you may also emigrate, MODU.  Or fight for political power. 

[MODU]

I have bolded that about which we disagree, MODU. 

You can always drop your US citizenship and place permanent residence in an already established wellfare state if you like. 

And you may also emigrate, MODU.  Or fight for political power. 

I'm fighting to keep people like you from ruining my country.    We don't need another Europe.

[nclib]

Dems are poised to pick up seats in 2008, even if 2008 is neutral politically.

How come? Are you saying that because there were several GOP freshmen elected in 2002?

[opebo]

I have bolded that about which we disagree, MODU. 

You can always drop your US citizenship and place permanent residence in an already established wellfare state if you like. 

And you may also emigrate, MODU.  Or fight for political power. 

I'm fighting to keep people like you from ruining my country.    We don't need another Europe.

I would prefer another Europe.

[Lincoln Republican]

Isn't it tradition to retire under the same party of the person who nominated you?

(Stevens - Ford)

Not necessarily.  Associate Justice Thurgood Marshall was nominated by Lyndon Johnson and he resigned while George HW Bush was President.

[Mr. Paleoconservative]

The President and the Senate Republicans should take the Democrats to war over the bench.  The President should appoint Michael Luttig to the court, and then we will see if the Democrats really want to play hardball.  In an election year, a war over the bench with the liberal left, may well be just what the Republicans need.  It is a shame the Senate Leadership and the President only go by what the press tells them is the right course of action.

Here's hoping the President does not cut and run, and appoints another conservative to the bench.

[Lincoln Republican]

Agreed.

GWB should not compromise over his Supreme Court nominees.  Supreme Court choices have far reaching ramifications.

Luttig would be one of my top picks as well.

[DanielX]

I have bolded that about which we disagree, MODU. 

You can always drop your US citizenship and place permanent residence in an already established wellfare state if you like. 

And you may also emigrate, MODU.  Or fight for political power. 

I'm fighting to keep people like you from ruining my country.    We don't need another Europe.

I would prefer another Europe.

Most American's wouldn't, not in most senses. There are a few things of interest Europe has, though.

I do, for instance, have some interest in idea of the US becoming a multiparty democracy - I'm sure a lot of people here would like to see center-populists form their own third party. A small-l libertarian party would also be good. Coalition governments and such would create interesting political news and hopefully whittle down some of the disgusting pork.

Although I've never seen one, bidets might be a good idea. And many Americans would like to see no-speed-limits on rural routes the way it is on the Autobahn. Plus, the Netherlands makes good cheese, Switzerland and Belgium good chocolate, and Denmark good cookies. And some of those nations have a better education system (although not by as much as people think). And yes, some of the nations are a good deal less prudish.

What I don't want is a cradle-to-grave nanny state, a largely impotent military (with the exceptions of Britain and MAYBE France), birth rates far below replacement, a rapidly aging population, problems with Middle Eastern immigrants which make America's Latin American immigration issues seem like a breeze, ghettoes that make Anacostia and East New York look positively safe in comparison (US cities don't have daily Renault-roastings the way France does), 40-something different languages being spoken in a US-sized area, nutjob politicians like Gallohawhaw, pay toilets, extortionate property costs (although some parts of California are nearly as bad), rude waiters, lots of people who don't bathe daily, an utter lack of air conditioning, carrying French bread around without wrapping it or putting it in a bag, massive taxes, 10%+ unemployment,  etc.

Of the European nations, Ireland's probably the most admirable. Look at how its GNP and average wages skyrocketed during the 90s - due to government taking a more pro-business stance, cutting taxes, and reducing social welfare. Ireland's abortion laws are also superior to those in the US.

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

Dems are poised to pick up seats in 2008, even if 2008 is neutral politically.

How come? Are you saying that because there were several GOP freshmen elected in 2002?

There are 22 Republicans and 11 Democrats in the Senate class of 2002.  Of those, I see 2 Democrats and 6 Republicans in states that lean the other way.  The Senate is far less incumbent friendly than the House.  Pure random chance favors the Dems given the imbalance between the two parties in 2008.

[Grumpier Than Uncle Joe]

What does the President do?  Does he nominate yet another conservative to the high court, and risk an all out fight from the Democrats, possibly this time a more determined effort at a fillibuster?

Exactly, that's partly why one votes for a President.  Retiring justices was certainly on the radar screen during the last election. 

[opebo]

Although I've never seen one, bidets might be a good idea.

Good for you!  They're wonderful.  Though we do not use bidets in Thailand, nearly all toilets have a sprayer attached, not unlike that next to the sink in an american suburban home.  It is far more heigeinic than papers, and of course one may use both together - I do.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Food in general is astoundingly better outside the US, and not only in Europe.  I used to eat in a university cafeteria in Switzerland, and the food in there was about as nice as in an expensive restaurant in the US!

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Probably only at the low end. 

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You're not a prude?  I thought you voted for the Religious Party?

You must be logged in to read this quote.

But surely you can see that the vast majority of people would benefit from such an institution.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

The French military is more than adequate for French purposes - defending the country, etc.  They don't engage in outright invasion and occupation of other countries anymore.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Better than no toilet.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Many parts of the US are worse than some parts of Europe for housing expense.  I believe Germany is actually quite cheap from what I've heard.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Hmm.  I don't like servile either.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You realize it is much cooler there, no?

[quotecarrying French bread around without wrapping it or putting it in a bag[/quote]

Hah, but the key is the bread is good.  US bread is inedible garbage by comparison.  One of the coolest things about Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos is the delicious French bread there (there is no edible bread in Thailand).

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Ugh, Ireland is the last place I'd ever want to live in Europe.  And I like an abortion.

[DanielX]

Although I've never seen one, bidets might be a good idea.

Good for you!  They're wonderful.  Though we do not use bidets in Thailand, nearly all toilets have a sprayer attached, not unlike that next to the sink in an american suburban home.  It is far more heigeinic than papers, and of course one may use both together - I do.

Makes sense. I generally like to take a shower afterwards, so it makes sense.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Food in general is astoundingly better outside the US, and not only in Europe.  I used to eat in a university cafeteria in Switzerland, and the food in there was about as nice as in an expensive restaurant in the US!
[/quote]

I imagine it depends on the food. I went to Israel in 1994 and the food wasn't particularly better than the US's (although I did do a lot of eating at a fast food place with Uncle Sam on its logo - basically Kosher Hot Dogs and Hamburgers), but it wasn't worse either.

I've heard all sorts of things about food though. Apparently it's good but different in Japan and most of Europe, and terrible in Mexico. 

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Probably only at the low end.  [/quote]

?

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You're not a prude?  I thought you voted for the Religious Party? [/quote]

It depends on the definition of 'prude'. I don't like government legislating on sex stuff (note in fantasy politics I've written several propositions that would legalize prostitution), gambling, most drugs, etc (goes both ways - i'm also a fan of more readily available firearms). I do oppose abortion, because I do not consider murder to be a 'choice' per se.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

But surely you can see that the vast majority of people would benefit from such an institution. [/quote]

Short term yes, long term no. Such institutions tend to require a massive economic strain (western Europe has been largely able to afford this because they cut their military spending drastically and let the US defend them during the Cold war), and a major disincentivizing of capital investment. There are very few new businesses in France, for example. This may not matter to you, because you care solely about the conditions of the working class (and who you get to f***, but that's another story), but it matters in regards to what a nation will be like in 50 years time. Nations that do not have growth will inevitably decay. Europe's population is aging at a shockingly fast rate, and the birthrates are pathetic (1.1 per couple in Spain, compared to 1.9 in Ireland, 2.07 in the US, and 6+ in a few impoverished African states). By 2050, Europe will either be bankrupt due to a lack of workers to pay for their elder's healthcare, have imported so many immigrants that they will essentially become a string of Islamic states, or have had some extreme social revolutions possibly including a neofascist uprising, patricide, or at minimum extreme economic remodeling.

Also, universal welfare, when not handled properly, will result in large numbers of welfare sycophants, who would live on a 'meager' check (or receive that then earn money in off-the-books manners) than work an 'up-and-front' job. This saps $$$. It's also very common amongst the ghettoes in France.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

The French military is more than adequate for French purposes - defending the country, etc.  They don't engage in outright invasion and occupation of other countries anymore.[/quote]

France still engages in military actions in West Africa, including recently in Liberia. They still retain a large amount of economic and political influence in the area (and prop up some nasty dictators, so the US isn't alone in that regard). Its somewhat embarrasing, therefore, that France is often unable to project power because they only have one real aircraft carrier to the UK's 4 or the US's 20-something.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Better than no toilet.
[/quote]

While I've found many problems in US cities, availability of restrooms is rarely a problem! Most larger stores have them. And free, too.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Many parts of the US are worse than some parts of Europe for housing expense.  I believe Germany is actually quite cheap from what I've heard. [/quote]

Location, location, location. I'm sure rural Poland is cheaper than midtown Manhattan. Actually, the most expensive street is somewhere in Switzerland, where it's like $100,000 per square foot (I believe it's in a big banking district in Zurich or someplace). London is also very expensive. The US is getting worse in this regard (the desire for home ownership is increasing faster than the construction rate in many places, causing prices to go up), but generally major cities in Europe are more expensive.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Hmm.  I don't like servile either. [/quote]

They're Waiters, for crying out loud. I mean, I don't expect slaves, but courtesy is a basic part of a 'public' job!

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You realize it is much cooler there, no? [/quote]

Not by that much, and even compared to similar climates the rate of ownership is much smaller. And the responses to heat waves are appalling. I mean, thousands died during the big heat wave a summer or two ago in France. Most heatwaves in the US kill like 5 people, if that. And as you pointed out, they're generally worse (a heatwave in Phoenix could mean 110 degrees Fahrenheit).   

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Hah, but the key is the bread is good.  US bread is inedible garbage by comparison.  One of the coolest things about Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos is the delicious French bread there (there is no edible bread in Thailand).[/quote]

I dunno... for some foods, i often *like* the packaged variety better. For example, I prefer cheap mozzarella cheese to the fancy imported balled stuff. As for French Bread (or Cuban bread, which is better, especially if you're in Miami), I'm satisfied with the local supermarket bakery.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Ugh, Ireland is the last place I'd ever want to live in Europe.  And I like an abortion.
[/quote]

Maybe you mother should have had one [/sarcasm].

Opebo, consider that 25 years ago Ireland was a backwater, and today the majority of its people are earning far more $$$ than they used to; the majority now live as well (if not better) than their British counterparts. Dublin, especially, has grown almost as much as Shanghai or Bombay, and far better in terms of wealth.

[Cubby]

Let's wait until the bastard's dead before picking his successor.

I agree, except that Stevens is a freedom fighter and Scalia is a bastard.

Winfield is salivating thinking that Stevens has one foot in the grave. Yes I know he's old, but just stop plotting for awhile. You guys got 2 conservatives appointed in a 6 month period yet thats not enough for you is it?

[Lincoln Republican]

To be clear, in spite of his liberal record, I have a great deal of respect for Associate Justice John Paul Stevens, and I wish him a long, healthy, and happy life, and hopefully he will have many more years upon this earth.

I simply brought up this issue because it is entirely within the realm of possibility that a jurist the age of Mr. stevens may decide to retire from the high court, at some point in time, as I said, due to health reasons, or even conceivably due to the issue of his age possibly affecting his decisions or judgment.

Associate Justice Thurgood Marshall resigned from the high court in 1991 at the age of 83, for example.

The issue of Mr. Stevens' age in this case is a legitimate subject of discussion, with absolutely no disrespect for Mr. Stevens or for his current ability to do the job.  It is a valid debating point to discuss the course of action that would or should be taken, IF Mr. Stevens decides to resign during the Presidency of George W Bush.

[riceowl]

Let's wait until the bastard's dead before picking his successor.

I agree, except that Stevens is a freedom fighter and Scalia is a bastard.

Winfield is salivating thinking that Stevens has one foot in the grave. Yes I know he's old, but just stop plotting for awhile. You guys got 2 conservatives appointed in a 6 month period yet thats not enough for you is it?

Um...no one (specifically Winfield) mentioned Steven's mortality except you. This was a thread about retirement.

[The Man From G.O.P.]

Can't hurt to have a Republican elected in '08, though...

I don't think America in 2008 will be able to take another 4 years of the Republican party.

I don't think they want someone like you either...

[Cubby]

To be clear, in spite of his liberal record, I have a great deal of respect for Associate Justice John Paul Stevens, and I wish him a long, healthy, and happy life, and hopefully he will have many more years upon this earth.

I simply brought up this issue because it is entirely within the realm of possibility that a jurist the age of Mr. stevens may decide to retire from the high court, at some point in time, as I said, due to health reasons, or even conceivably due to the issue of his age possibly affecting his decisions or judgment.

Associate Justice Thurgood Marshall resigned from the high court in 1991 at the age of 83, for example.

The issue of Mr. Stevens' age in this case is a legitimate subject of discussion, with absolutely no disrespect for Mr. Stevens or for his current ability to do the job.  It is a valid debating point to discuss the course of action that would or should be taken, IF Mr. Stevens decides to resign during the Presidency of George W Bush.

Point taken

[Lincoln Republican]

Thank you.