So many thoughts. The identity of the two dissenting judges was a surprise. I have to raise my hat to them that the rule of law was more important to them than their conservative leanings. But I'm even more shocked at the other judges. What is wrong with them? What happened to Steven was so obviously wrong. How can it be supported? Is this corruption, at the Supreme Court level?
I also wonder at the tolerance for the obvious and blatant bias and conflict of interest shown by the judges in Steven's case. Is there no enforcement of professional ethics in the American judicial community?
What the hell is going on here? The three "liberal" justices are in favor of gross illegality and two right-wing judges are against it? I'm sort of flabbergasted. I mean, really, how can any justice rule that private prosecutions are ok? We must do away with lifetime appointments. Justices should be elected for limited terms like any other important government figure. Further, it seems there should be far more justices so they can handle way more appeals.
Reading through Neil’s opinion last night had my blood boiling. Of course they obfuscated the connections between the private “prosecutor” and the polluting oil companies but it’s so frustrating to see the justices even decline to hear the case. The clarity of wrongdoing here is so evident and this injustice cannot stand if we want to restore our democracy to reflect the will of the people. Thank you for continuing to fight the good fight and sending so much love to you and your family!
The fact that "liberal" justices found no issue with this constitutional travesty shows the contemporary weakness of liberalism as an ideology. These justices likely see themselves as the successors to Marshall and others of the true liberal era yet the only thing liberal about them is their views on economics and finance a/k/a neoliberal. The liberal class in the US has decided to abandon every core principle of liberalism over the facile notion that without censorship and oppression "the Nazis" will take over. It seems these three justices have bought into this and now see the nexus of government and corporate power as the bulwark against fascism -- in the process creating that which they nominally fear. There is little wisdom to be found in high places in this era. The opportunity, once gained, to wield power absolutely is irresistible in our species. Yet all the same there are cracks appearing in this power despite setbacks like this one and our future is balanced on a knife edge.
Hi Steven, Really sorry to see how this panned out for you/your family. Yes, you're right-there is so much we can do to push for solutions. We just have to believe in ourselves and that our contributions will make a difference. After 30 PLUS years of activism I have just re-newed my commitment to increase my actions and your article has given me a boost. I will do all I can here in Ireland to support you. Thank you for your passion.
So many thoughts. The identity of the two dissenting judges was a surprise. I have to raise my hat to them that the rule of law was more important to them than their conservative leanings. But I'm even more shocked at the other judges. What is wrong with them? What happened to Steven was so obviously wrong. How can it be supported? Is this corruption, at the Supreme Court level?
I also wonder at the tolerance for the obvious and blatant bias and conflict of interest shown by the judges in Steven's case. Is there no enforcement of professional ethics in the American judicial community?
What the hell is going on here? The three "liberal" justices are in favor of gross illegality and two right-wing judges are against it? I'm sort of flabbergasted. I mean, really, how can any justice rule that private prosecutions are ok? We must do away with lifetime appointments. Justices should be elected for limited terms like any other important government figure. Further, it seems there should be far more justices so they can handle way more appeals.
Reading through Neil’s opinion last night had my blood boiling. Of course they obfuscated the connections between the private “prosecutor” and the polluting oil companies but it’s so frustrating to see the justices even decline to hear the case. The clarity of wrongdoing here is so evident and this injustice cannot stand if we want to restore our democracy to reflect the will of the people. Thank you for continuing to fight the good fight and sending so much love to you and your family!
Thank You, Steven.
Thank You.
:-(
The fact that "liberal" justices found no issue with this constitutional travesty shows the contemporary weakness of liberalism as an ideology. These justices likely see themselves as the successors to Marshall and others of the true liberal era yet the only thing liberal about them is their views on economics and finance a/k/a neoliberal. The liberal class in the US has decided to abandon every core principle of liberalism over the facile notion that without censorship and oppression "the Nazis" will take over. It seems these three justices have bought into this and now see the nexus of government and corporate power as the bulwark against fascism -- in the process creating that which they nominally fear. There is little wisdom to be found in high places in this era. The opportunity, once gained, to wield power absolutely is irresistible in our species. Yet all the same there are cracks appearing in this power despite setbacks like this one and our future is balanced on a knife edge.
Hi Steven, Really sorry to see how this panned out for you/your family. Yes, you're right-there is so much we can do to push for solutions. We just have to believe in ourselves and that our contributions will make a difference. After 30 PLUS years of activism I have just re-newed my commitment to increase my actions and your article has given me a boost. I will do all I can here in Ireland to support you. Thank you for your passion.
"We shall overcome... We shall overcome some day!"
What a David VS Goliath battle!