Official Alito Hearing Thread – Day 5 – Thread 3

[Viva_La_Revolution]

Thread 1
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x127816#128628

Thread 2
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x128888#129114


Last panel starting

CSPAN will take calls after - get ready

[helderheid]

1. thank you Viva!

[Viva_La_Revolution]

2. Back in Session

[Occulus]

3. kicking to get people here instead of thread 2 n/t

[Sydnie]

4. Thank you Viva n/t

[EST]

5. This day is the most important of all the hearings.

I feel honored to share the same world with some of them.

[Sydnie]

9. It is humbling, isn't it? n/t

[EST]

116. Yeah-makes a human feel like here is a new chance

to finally make up for those times I missed or chances I didn't take.
The empire is doomed-long live the empire!

In the presence of greatness.
:-)

[in_cog_ni_to]

6. Debbie Wasserman Schultz! Yay!

She's at the table! I LOVE that woman! I love listening to her and her "Gang of 30-something" on the House floor! She ROCKS!

[FreedomAngel82]

107. She kicks ass

I love listening to her and Tim Ryan on the floor in the House and anyone they bring a long. There are so many good democrats like her who I sometimes wish were in the Senate because they have more balls than some democratic senators.

[CornField]

7. I'm really ticked off at Sessions

How dare he discuss the discriminatory laws which were removed in his state and equate those with stare decisis in overturning privacy laws set by the Supreme Court!

[in_cog_ni_to]

14. Sessions did that???!!!

I'm not surprised. I'm actaully surprised he isn't a member of the KKK. He strikes me as the type that would be a member.

[atreides1]

17. HEY

Just because he doesn't wear a white cloak and hood, doesn't mean he isn't a member.

[in_cog_ni_to]

33. Good point. You're right.

:hi:

[CornField]

18. He sucked up to the Civil Rights attorney on the panel

Got the fellow to start talking about how he set off to "dismantle anything to do with segregation" -- then turned it at the end to talk about the laws which were overturned and how, sometimes, stare decisis isn't such a good thing.

[in_cog_ni_to]

29. ~~~~picking jaw up off the floor!~~~~~

UNFREAKINBELIEVABLE! I detest that little whiny ass racist bastard.

[EFerrari]

43. It wasn't sucking up. He was condescending to that gentleman

in racist double speak. He was hoping to loosen him up and trip him up, smiling all the while. The witness didn't oblige.

[CornField]

61. I equate "sucking up" with being condescending

Put it this way, I've never had anyone suck up to me with good intentions.

[EFerrari]

95. Got it!

:)

[Surya Gayatri]

16. Insidious & underhanded

comparison. Hardly comparable with 200 years of Supreme Court precedent. But what else can you expect from Slither Sessions? SG

[Viva_La_Revolution]

34. Slither!

Perfect! Slimey didn't quite fit, Snake didn't either...

Slither Sessions!

:rofl:

[Surya Gayatri]

53. In connection with him,

the word "ooze" also comes to mind--but that just doesn't have the same alliterative charm! :evilgrin: SG

[yourout]

8. Alito parrot coming up?

This will be informative......not.

[doublethink]

13. Yea this first one Kate Pringle ........

worked a whole year ....... 1 year under this guy. Great testimonial to his life long ambitions, values, etc... etc... Peace. :crazy:

[CornField]

10. Kate Pringle -- former clerk for Alito -- says she's a Dem

Yup, sure... right.

[yourout]

11. Me thinks we need to do a little digging.

[The Witch]

23. here

http://www.bluemassgroup.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1181

[Sydnie]

26. I was just reading that too. n/t

[yourout]

20. How can a woman Dem look at this guys record and support him?

Mind boggling.

[Czolgosz]

92. Self interest. Having served under Alito, she can market herself as "the

democrat lawyer who has a personal-professional connection with Alito," a valuable legal niche if Alito is elevated to the Supreme Court. If Alito is elevated, and someone has an important case before the court, who better than his former clerk to advise how best to calculate the legal arguments to sway him?

Of course Alito's former clerk favors Alito; her connection with him will make her rich, but only if Alito is elevated.

[PatsFan2004]

31. I think that Rove would not miss on making sure that a

registered DEM Alito clerk would testify. Why get a Repuke clerk to pretend to be a DEM when you can probably find a deluded DEM clerk?

[Mind_your_head]

12. She worked for him for ONE YEAR 1993-1994

That was, ehm, 11-12 YEARS AGO!

[doublethink]

21. Damn I was beginging to think her speech .......

right now was about to take as long as she worked for the guy. :crazy:

[Mind_your_head]

30. LOL

:rofl:

[doublethink]

22. Delete

Dupe post.

[in_cog_ni_to]

15. How does Debbie Wasserman Schultz fit in this???

Anyone know?

[sproutster]

19. Alito Clerk Kate Pringle

He is mentor - explain briefly clerk job - give research, assist in analysis- unusually close relationship.

Then as now active democrate - heard rumor conservative - thought contentious. Found different. His approach not personal, but hard work and devotions. Share several things
1. work cases bottom up. not top down
come to each case open mind
work carefully from analasys
no personal agenda - methodical - demanding read and reread and relevant decisions. worked hard on each case large and small - divorsed from personal and biased
2. Respect different views. selects law firms diff back and views. in exper never dismissive of any pov. Never caustic or rude. Respectful of fellow judges - sought consensous, respectful when dissenting. Reflected by advocation of other judges here.
3. cog of limited role as estab by written law, never personal agenda. Showed honesty and justice. JA thoughtful and generous boss. no personal arrogance. My pleasure to work for him. both men and women Repug and Dem all came to support him he will be outstanding.

[yourout]

27. "Keep an open mind'

That's a good one.

[Sydnie]

24. You know, all these former clerks have to be looked at in a

different light. They have something to gain if he is confirmed. It will boost their own resume to be able to say that they clerked for a judge that went on to be on the Supreme Court. We can't lose sight of their motivation in this area.

[EFerrari]

28. That's right. n/t

[Binka]

36. They Would Like To Work With Him Again

They are angling for position and power. Sycophants!

[Viva_La_Revolution]

39. Hi Binka!

How's your boy doing?

Stateside yet?

[sasha031]

49. Debbie Wasserman Schultz

:headbang:

[Viva_La_Revolution]

25. Rep. Gonzalez up now

Hispanic caucus is greatly concerned

[CornField]

32. Hispanic Caucus

Dicussing Alito's record on minorities.

[EFerrari]

35. We know the nominee will be the President's choice, but

the Supreme Court should not be a mere extension of the Executive Branch.

What you said, hermanito.

[DemonFighterLives]

41. Recommend to the Hispanic caucus to oppose this nom.

Wasserman now.

[in_cog_ni_to]

37. He was on C-SPAN yesterday (?) I think.

He wasn't too fond of ScAlito's rulings.;)

[sproutster]

38. Gonzalas

Hispanic - dismayed none picked. Nation should show diversity. Hispanic extensive exam of nominee - his or her efforts for constitutional authority - supporting political access for all of america. (he talks waaay fast)
Highlight concern - discrimination from basis of ethnicity.
School district voting -
constitutional rights of noncitizens - cited no law for immigrents.
equal opp emp. - deviates from norms to discriminate on race or gender.
we know nom prez wishes. does not mean should be extention of exec branch. That's senate needs to approve.
Limited ques to nom - philosophy under advice and consent. employer of employee, able over disable, etc...
Third countered tendency regardless of status.
If law does not protect you, it will not protect me.
(I really like this guys way of pointing these items out - clear)
should not be cons vs. lib - any should share judicial cong - that law does not protect you it protects no one.

[in_cog_ni_to]

40. THIS WOMAN IS AWESOME!!!!

I bet she doesn't support ScAlito! ;)

[Viva_La_Revolution]

42. Debbie Wasserman Schultz

:applause:

[in_cog_ni_to]

WOOHOO...REJECT THE NOMINATION.

I knew I could count on her!

[lonestarnot]

111. Yeah!

[DemonFighterLives]

47. She calls to reject his arse

Blatant disregard of personal rights.
:applause:

[CornField]

50. You are considering a nominee... who is comfortable putting a woman's

rights into the hands of her husband the minute a marriage license is signed.

[dogday]

44. Alito shits on civil rights

[CornField]

45. Where is the committee?

Did the Republicans decide their tender ears couldn't suffer through the truth?

[in_cog_ni_to]

51. They're a bunch of assholes. They can't HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!

:grr:

[dogday]

46. Spector looks uncomfortable

[Viva_La_Revolution]

48. whoo hoo! a dig at Jebbie!

[DemonFighterLives]

55. People should not be in private family stuff Schiavo case

Cap questions.
credentials alone do not make a good justice. he will replace one of only 2 women on Scotus. She was told little girls could grow up and be anything they wanted.

[in_cog_ni_to]

52. GO DEBBIE!!!

[The Witch]

54. Debbie: Look at Reality, you ideological morons.

:yourock:

[Sydnie]

56. Look at Specter!

Arms crossed and talking with his aids instead of listening. He is a rude asshole!

[EFerrari]

57. Yes, he is. On tape.

[DemonFighterLives]

62. still trying to explain the magic bullet I presume

Deb Was-shulz rocked their world.
:yourock:

[EFerrari]

60. Nice summary. :)

She was perfect.

[janx]

I'm sorry to have missed her.

She's so passionate and so smart!

[FreedomAngel82]

118. Will there be any video(s)??

[sproutster]

58. Schultz

Here due to SC.

Here as mother of child they will effect.

Express concerns for rights and believe JA will threaten.

JA writ and views diff nuance of Right to choose - considering man wrote, urging, ruled on spousal notification - took rights from woman and put into mans hands.

Once branch surrenders to other... Come from state repeatedly abused. Terry Shiavo - ultimately case to SC - can america risk JA in another Terry S case.

Stripsearch 10 y/0 - simply on premisis. Lawyer said JA why bring up search of 10 y/0 girl. JA only one who found stripsearch acceptable.

Would you be comfortable if your little girl was plaintiff. Standard must be higher when vuln children involved.

no question involv in CAP, cred alone do not qaul for SC. I ask you to consider, that JA will replace one of only two women on court.

remembering when woman was first elected - girl could REALLy grow up and be whatever she wanted to be. Message to little girls must be strong.

Today you are guardians - fingerprints have subtly steered - decisions of SC will show in generations. We should zealously guard the judicial branch.

carefully think how role of elected officials by unitary.

[Mind_your_head]

59. Debbie Wasserman is hitting on every point

CAP

Strip searching a 10 year old girl

Reproductive Rights

Overall Rights for women

She's clear, precise, comfortable with her points.....she's AWESOME!

[Viva_La_Revolution]

63. Jack White

Associate

Kirkland and Ellis LLP

San Francisco, CA

clerk for Alito

[sasha031]

66. Jack White

:nopity:

[doublethink]

67. Another 1 year suck up.

IMHO .... this tv time ought to give these interns quite a boost in their careers. Ho hum. Peace. :)

[FreedomAngel82]

119. Anyone else over one year?

Interesting how they're only having people who worked with him for ONE year!!! What about longer?

[dogday]

64. What? Mrs. Alito did not cry during Debbie's

speech? You would of thought, she would of run out of the room they way Debbie was talking about his treatment of women's and individual rights....

[EFerrari]

65. Are they there today? n/t

[dogday]

76. Hopefully they are catching this on TV

you know they are watching this.

[DemonFighterLives]

68. I'm sure she is bawling wherever she is

There's a tear in my beer. :toast:

[in_cog_ni_to]

69. OMG...this guy cannot be for real!

*sigh* Now I'm depressed. Doesn't he know what these people are doing to our consitution?

[sproutster]

70. Jack White NCAAP ACLU

context - pers info - son of AA parents in segr south. Respect led to ACLU and NCAAP. Encouraged to serve country after west point. When worked for JA I saw his duty, respect ...

Thourough eval of every case - uniformly applied relevant law. every case most important case. No waverying from consistant.

abiding loyalty instead of personal or political ideology.

conspic absense of personal motivated specific outcome. wide variety. left without knowing personal beliefs.

Inspired collect support former law clerks

Law clerks, fellow judges, new lawyer - treated everyone with dignity and respect. one occasion, he had parents come to chambers - over hour later, parent left knowing how great he was (paraphrase that one)

Regard for limited role of judiciary in constitution. ...OMG

[EFerrari]

75. Has confidence that Alito will rule on laws that affect him -

Liar. At the level of privilize White has attained, he believes he is safe from the predations of the law.

[Sydnie]

79. Or at the very least that

he will now know people in high places that can look at things in a favorable light for him.

[adigal]

108. Isn't he a DEM witness???

What the hell???? Is this a double cross??

[Viva_La_Revolution]

71. Reginald M. Turner, Jr.

President

National Bar Association

Washington, DC

[Viva_La_Revolution]

77. Results of our review are troubling...

[Mind_your_head]

72. Do law clerks typically only work for one year?

Jack White, Former clerk for Alito 2003-04

[Sydnie]

74. Yes,. Usually only one year. n/t

[Dinger]

73. Is There A List Of Which Dems Will Vote How?

I was just wondering who the traitors are that will lose their jobs, now, or in 2008.

[izzybeans]

78. NBA-no support!

[DemonFighterLives]

82. troublesome nominee

He doesn't support individual rights.
Alit was attracted to law by disagreeing with warren 1 person 1 vote

[doublethink]

96. For a second there ......

I thought Kobe and Shaq finally agreed on something! .... National Basketball Association .... oh never-mind. :dunce:

[CornField]

80. Time for CornField's SQOD (Stupid Question of the Day)

Could O'Connor pull her resignation from the court?

[in_cog_ni_to]

83. yes she can and I wish she would.. n/t

[Viva_La_Revolution]

84. Not a stupid question at all

I wonder if we can track down an e-mail address for her.

I'd be willing to write her, and BEG for her to!

[in_cog_ni_to]

94. At THIS point she only has 10 more months to serve. Why not wait?

Payback for Reagan nominating her, I fear.:( I wonder if it's in Justice's contracts that IF THEY RETIRE, it MUST be done during their parties term? I bet it is.

[gkhouston]

101. no. They serve as long as they like. There is no

term nor "contract".

[in_cog_ni_to]

109. That's not what I mean. DO THEY HAVE TO PROMISE THAT IF THEY

retire, they will do it during their party's term? Meaning: Reagan appointed Sandra Day O'Connor. Did she have to promise that IF she retired she would do it during a REPUBLICAN'S term?:) Or is it just an "understood" thing?

[gkhouston]

121. no. AFAIK, they don't make have to make any promises to

anyone. It's not like such a promise could be enforced and justices often outlive the people who nominate and vote for them. But if she didn't want to be replaced by a liberal judge, she wouldn't want to retire with a Dem in office, now would she? She might not have wanted to be replaced by someone like Alito, but with her husband's health and her own advancing age, she might not feel that there's a lot of choice in the situation.

[DemonFighterLives]

87. I think she could but her hubby has Alzheimers and she wants to

be with him.

[CornField]

102. Ahhh, I didn't know that.

I do wish she could find it within her to stay, but I understand her reasoning if she leaves.

[DemonFighterLives]

110. yeah it is sad

My mom died 1 year ago from Alzheimers. It was a nasty disease.

[Sydnie]

88. She could I suppose but she won't

Her husband is very ill, as I understand it. She wants to spend some time with him. I can understand that. I wish she didn't have that issue to deal with and could stay for life.

Edited to add - She wanted a Republican President to appoint her replacement too.

[in_cog_ni_to]

81. GOOD. Mr.Turner from National Bar Assoc.....we do not support this nominee

:thumbsup:

[sasha031]

85. Mr.Turner

:applause:

[gkhouston]

89. ...

:wow:


the Dems should pound that little nugget into everyone's head.

[AlCzervik]

90. holy hell!! that is big! Did he say why?

[in_cog_ni_to]

100. Same reasons we have. ;)

:hi:

[Dinger]

112. Saw Him On C-Spin Earlier This Week

He was pretty good.

[Mind_your_head]

86. No support from National Bar Association for Alito!

Reginald Turner says that the Bar has only disapproved of 3 of bush's nominations (out of 150-something?), and Alito's nomination is ONE of the THREE that they OPPOSE! Yes!

[sasha031]

93. this is powerful

i was hoping they would come out. :headbang:

[dogday]

91. Alito against Civil Rights 85% of the time

need I say more?

[Sydnie]

97. And the other 15% must have been with a corporation being

viewed as a person.

[Tesla]

99. WOW!!!!

National Bar Association!!!!

[sproutster]

98. Turner

National Bar Assos - created because black members were not allowed into ABA

JA was eval - results troubling, cannot support nom. Not taking lightly. We've only taken position for support for 3 Bush nominee. Understand credentials - Not enough for SC. Strong believe Nom must share belief civil rights.

Critical - adopted standard if fed nom to advance slow but sted equality. Unfort. legal not as color blind. O'conner - society of our own race matters.

Stat and legal that extends liberty to all americans. JA lawyer and judge hostility to basic rights and liberties. His phil as lawyer - in app express disagree to fund rights. indicated, attrac constituional because disagreements with one person one vote. Under this doc all americans have equal vote.

First time states everywhere - made progress - would not have happened with JA. In addition he mischar programs as quota systems. Promote for disenfranchised. Same time, he listed membership in CAP. Altho writings 20 years old - they reflect decisions when judge. - shows record

frequent dissenter - 90% dissent more conservative - reject views of other judges - submachine guns.
opposed civil rights protections - advocated civil right wrongs 80% time
sex discrim properly brought to court - he dissent
grudy - majority critizise say he rubber stamp
evidentury burden, evisorated - protect emp liability, even conscience racial bias.

America step forward for benifit and protection.

[sasha031]

104. you are doing a fantastic job

greatly appreciated

[EFerrari]

103. Who is listening beside Specter?

:nuke:

[DemonFighterLives]

106. I think they went to the Rosenbaum Memorial

I can't vouch for them though.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

105. Thread 4 is up!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x130166

[sproutster]

120. Kennedy

Statistical info re: racial jury DP cases - JA found no cause to reject this right hand left hand...
Any ring to you in community - starteling facts.
legal defense fund, money into discrimination in DP. JA comparison of race discrim - right to left trivilized problem. Philadelphia terrible intentional discr in jury selection.

Continuing challange facing - voting rights act. Every day battle - every part of country.
Agree wholeheartedly. O'connor - race still matters - not as blind as aspires. Attorneys use racial bias - jurrors are essential - trhoug jury as fact finders - Death row cases - fund principals - JA position - minimize important principals.

How SC looks to all of you?
What hopeful of achieving for SC for country:
1. personally more woman justices - also pleased to see Italian American
2. Hispanic - end of day anyone who will give fair shake - prez gives great cause to ponder
3. Important who replacing - someone who is key swing vote for woman and minorities.
4. SC reflects for whom entrusting laws, in absense of AA - JA great.
5. SC greatest assest - fail or appointments, critical for advancement, security, and productivity.
6. Hispanic - concerned about substance - court divided with narrow 5/4 o'conner in all of decisions.

[Dinger]

113. Please, What Is The Deal With The ABA/Senate Pick Slip/Blue Slip Thing?

I asked this a while ago, but forgot. Was it a Senate or ABA tradition (about 50 years) that chimpy stopped, oh, around March 2001? I'm not a lwayer, and would love a quickie refresher. My reason is they atlk about the ABA "approval" of Scalito, but this has not made it into the enws anywhere. If I could only remember what it is called!
It has something to do with the approval of someone on the federal bench, I think.

[sproutster]

114. Shaw

last witness - come to point - written testimony. request it be put into record.

Do not relish our decision. Take no position for fed courts - not here with pleasure. not challange int. or char. it takes us on low road where all diminished. Many fine people have testified both sides. imp people of good will will differ or take diff positions.

Nothing remarkable about collegues taking positions in support of this nom. Heady to know someone nom. They know him personal. Not about personality.

We are compelled to testify in opposition based on standard.

If you want to know, look at record - we have done, on basis that we have arrived at postition.

Want to encourage to read our report, it convinced us will cause substantial shift in civil rights.

In his 15 years - his records in civil right extremely troubled

emp discr African Americans - Twice
Grey case - Where JA took posit. to us, issue whether jury, if it should go to jury. found to be discrimintory, under law as maj saw it, and alot support. an inference can be drawn, jury would see discriminatory - JA worked hard to decide should not go to jury. symptamatic of Civil rights issues.

JA harbors a bias - we are not saying this. Whatever his reasons for ruling, record is consistantly clear and as report indicates.

Not just aa's woman and others civil rights

Want to point to deep concern.

The analagy of baseball popular. JA at one time, said - AA harlen alltime hero if the fences had been moved in by affirmative action. It's not about the fence being moved, it's about the tape and the opportunity to play the game. Fundimental diff to view world in regards to race today. No one wants to move fence today.

Told he will be certainly be confirmed - cannot take position based on hope, must take postion to oppose.

[Mist]

115. "Can't take a position based on hope-we take a position based on

his record." That's it in a nutshell. Just look to Alito's record.

[sproutster]

117. Spector

What view on race?

Mr shaw says not about personality, not about person. disagree - when testifying says has open mind. Treats everyone the same. Mentioned looks at every case with open mind. Not personal. Disagree is personal. on street only AA - can walk down street without being profiled - JA ruled on that

Do views of Judge lewis or mr white have any...

Agrees about these guys have good feelings about working with im - interrupted by spector.

Our view is based on record, writings, and rulings from bench - which have presented ultra conservative against woman minorities - pro employers --- shut down

Think if reject someone better?

recognize prez can pick whomever - but americans have right that he wont nominate extremest. His collegus -- interrupted...

What about womans issues and in favor of government
(to his clerks)

approached case - respect for law enforsement - treated defen in fair and open. Understand comments about personal - do think 15 year record to find what like and dislike - no opportunity to know him as she has...
testimony has shown, he always ruled fairly for little guy.

[sproutster]

122. Lehey

Not going over q's already asked

Cant resist - asked JA several q's about Terry Shiavo. I was offended by number people elect running for cameras grandstand on family tragady. Overrule state of florida - ... some congress attack judges who upheld ruling. constitutional for bush to intervene - congress supoena ... Mention this sad outrageous conduct of people who know better - attakcing independence of judicial.
do you have sense whether JA will value this independence - asking in regards to Bush powers

JA emblematic of TS case - privacy extrem import everyone invading family, trying to overturn, if case went to SC - how would JA ruled? zelously guard leg authority. Someone need support checks and balances.

[pinto]

123. Thread 4 is here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=130166&mesg_id=130166