US Election and Supreme Court
 

Well, it's the day before the US National Elections... and right now the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is "out sick" to undergo chemo and radiation treatments for thyroid cancer. Anyone else feel a little bit worried, since the Last election pretty much came down to a SCotUS decision, and with Rhenquist temporarily off the bench, the Court is pretty much an even 4-4 party split? Especially since both major parties look like they will be litigious b@$tards starting Wednesday morning?

This is a plea to the Canadian members of this forum: please, invade US. Put this portion of America out of its misery and make a new, better (and much bigger) America. I'll give you a (Canadian) dollar.

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

We've got our own problems already. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

It gets worse.

The Supremes had no constitutional authority to interfere in the Last election. They have no role in the process.

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

I was actually thinking about this. With Renquist out sick, there will need to be a new judge when the Court convenes to decicde the election and my understanding is that the President appoints judges (I may be wrong, hell here in Australia the Prime Minister chooses the Governor General, who in turn in responsible for accepting any new Prime Minister). I forsee the Democrats accusing the President of choosing a sympathetic judge.

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

and end the american expermiment. Make the world a better place... Never..

We don't want America as part of Canada.

And who would we put down...



http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...es/biggrin.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smirk.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...es/biggrin.gif

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

Sounds good to me! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif
Now where's my dollar....?? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

Possum: One of the Judicial Branch's roles is to interpert law, including Constitutional law. The Supreme Court is the highest authority of the Judicial Branch, and has the final say. The decision the Supreme Court made in the 2000 election was on a case brought to them (they didn't abitrarily step in - they were asked to make a decision, and accepted the case) on interpertation of Floridian and Federal election law. They decided the election in the same sense that the referees decide who wins in particularly close games.

Randallw: The Supreme Court Judges are appointed by the President, but the appointments are subject to approval by the Senate (perhaps Congress as well, I'm not certain on the specifics).

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

Ah, but the truth mars the nice conspiracy theory! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/stupid.gif

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

/me puts on a lead hat.

Sheesh, really, how's tinfoil supposed to protect you from anything?

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

Narf: By acting as a Farrady (sp?) cage.

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

I have read that both parties expect law suites over this election. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif What has our great system of government come to?

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

This thing? http://www.boltlightningprotection.c...raday_Cage.htm

Problem: The part of the head not protected would allow signals in. On the other hand, same problem with lead hat. Full-body lead/Faraday suit?

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

Narf: Yeah, that thing. It doesn't have to be perfect, just sufficent to protect from the particular thing you are worried about. If the particular things you are worried about are orbital mind control masers, a tin-foil hat with a metallic chin-strap will suffice as long as you remain upright.

Of CoUrSe, As No SuCh OrBiTaL mInD cOnTrOl MaSeRs ExIsT, tHeRe Is No NeEd FoR aNy SuCh PrEcAtIoN.

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

Roughly the same as its always been, actually. At least we don't have politicans killing each other off in duels any more. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif

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What makes you think that's a good thing? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

Exactly what I thought instantly when reading this http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

I'm currently (re)reading "Against a Dark Background" by ain M Banks. It concerns (among other things) the world of Golter, where all government has either broken down or proved inneffectual and a "World Court" has stepped in to take the reins. Lawyers running the entire planet...

Everyone go out and read this book. It's great.

Personally, I'm just glad I'll be able to watch the news soon without watching Bush & Kerry on their "campaign trails". I wish they'd just get it over with, we all know Bush is going stay president, whether he wins or not.

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Thats what I like to see, a realist http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

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Its going to be an interesting next four years. Lets just pray that we all get to keep our freedoms and rights intact without being taxed or bombed to death.

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

The current discussion reminds me somewhat of a joke I once saw on "That 70s Show". Didn't completely understand it until I gained some familiarity with his advancement.

Mrs Foreman asks her husband why he voted for Gerald Ford.
He replies that no one voted for President Ford. It is the fact that stuff like that happens that I found hilarious.

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

That 70's show is one of the best sit coms ever. I rank it up there with Married with Children, fraiser, night court, and the simpsons.

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

Yes, Congress has the duty to confirm or not the justices that the President nominates. However, Congress is not in session right now. The president can appoint a temporary justice in what's called a "recess appointment". Once Congress convenes they would go through the confirmation process, but in the mean time he'd sit on the bench and his decisions would be binding just like he'd already been confirmed.

This would be a galactically stupid idea. Agree or not, everyone must admit that a sizeable portion of the US population does not view the current administration as legitimate. Having a temporary appointed judge pass down a binding decision in favor of the incumbant is quite possibly the only thing that could happen that would be worse then what we went through in 2000.

There has been rumbling from the Supreme Court that they will not be accepting any cases this time around. So if there is another disputed election it will probably be decided in whatever state supreme court where it happens. If it does go to Washington, Reinquist will be wheeled in strapped to a hospital bed if neccesary.

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

More likely, they will simply refuse to hear the case. Which would mean the lower court's (State Supreme Court's) decision would stand and there would be no further Federal precident. I'm pretty sure most of the Justices still have a bad taste in their mouths after the 2000 decision, and they want no part of Round 2 in 2004. And I'm sure most of the US District Courts don't want any part of it either. And come to mention it, probably most of the State Supreme Courts...

Here's to hoping only legitimate lawsuits (eg. "observers" openly hassling voters) get heard, and lets hope there aren't even any of those.

Oh, and by the way, US people... go vote http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif

Everyone else... if you can make it to Florida, you try too. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

I read recently that it may not be just Rhenquist but at least 2 others stand a very good chance of 'stepping down' within the next 4 years. That's a potential 1/3 of the whole Supreme Court being replaced in the next presidential term. That IMO is the biggest thing the next Prez will be involved with. So much so that it is highly influencing my vote.

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

Agreed, a fine book. Although the protagonist isn't exactly lovable or ethical either.

"Consider Philebas" was another fine work by Banks. A true tragedy, which I will admit, I like.

WELL, I voted, (for Kerry, and the rest a straight Libertarian slate), before work. Did you vote yet?

NO? Then get your butt out there and vote!~ This is important.

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

a couple of interesting stories from CNN

http://edition.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLIT....ap/index.html

if you can view aol news, this is a distrubing tidbit.
http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/elections...=3&cid=946
basically it's about voter intimidation


and for giggles, a new twist in the 'turn in your guns and weapons' community programs. I love the russians for this kinda stuff.

http://edition.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/eu...eut/index.html

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

So far it looks like we're in for another 4 years of unjust wars, brutality and corporate legislation, and you americans can look forward to four more years of your civil rights being stripped away. I guess there's still time for a turnaround but I'm not optimistic.

I don't know if Kerry would have been any better, but he couldn't have been worse.

Oh, and has anyoine else noticed that US political analysts on TV always have stupid hair and nasty shirts?

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

Just my humble Opinion

I was personally hoping for a Kerry win, looking at the figures now it doesn't look possible. Also I was Hoping for Kerry just so we in the UK wouldn't get dragged into stupid and unecerssary wars, some reports i've found on the actual death count in Iraq are shocking http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/shock.gif. Blair was smart in a right, ally with the unstable superpower and you're free from harm, at least from them!. Kerry just seemed to appeal more to me, he acted like a president and his foreign policies sounded better.

The again what really got me was the "constant" way analysts kept saying America saw Bush as a "War President". Over in Europe we call that War Mongering. But in the end it's their country, let's hope the voters made the right choice. Still, for those Anti-Bush guys here you go: Them's Fighting Words

I also dislike the idea of having the worlds most powerful country led by a man with a more suited physical appearance to star in PG Tips adverts than President of the United States. (For those unaware of this great british tradition: PG Tips Chimps)

This is a disturbing observation, I'm not about to confirm this for i feel you might just be right http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...es/biggrin.gif

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

Wise words and cool links RD.

Here's another interesting link:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/h...ml/default.stm

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

it did continue along with my theory that the North East of USA should one day attempt to leave and join Canada. the West coast should form their own country. And the rest... Well they can carry on with the republic

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I'm so disapointed to see that fear prevailed. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/fear.gif

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

No way! I want in on the action too! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

a classic onion

http://theonion.com/news/index.php?issue=4044

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

You guy's don't have to worry about the republic continuing. You voted yourself out of a democracy and into a monarchy over fear of what lies in our closets. I do hope that in my life we can someday return to the republic that our progressive, liberal founding fathers gave birth to.

If you ask me, this election proves the terrorist won. they were out to change our way of life, to scare us into changing. And look what happened. Proud America! not any more.

People say no nation or few nations could stand against America. Perhaps not a few, but many can - and with bush, I fear they will at the american's people expense

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

Really, so the end process of a democratic election is the loss of democracy. Now I will admit that I am not fond of democracy, but it seems to someone like me that when the majority of the people, through a process intended to discover the majority opinion, choose either one side or the other that democratic process has run as intended. Correct me if I am wrong but I somehow suspect you would not call it the end of democracy if perhaps the other side had won. As for your comment that they chose a Monarchy, are you perhaps referring to the re-elected president being the son of a former president. In this case I must point out that by this definition as soon as the 2nd Adams president was elected the US was a monarchy. Then again I am not priveleged to be a citizen of the so called "Greatest Democracy" in the world so what do I know http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif. If you want to start a discussion pointing out the flaws of Democracy you may well be surprised to find me agreeing with you, however I disagree with your original statement.

Edit: oh look, the thread tripped and is going downhill http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

I've just finished reading A Strange Valley by Darrell Bain which is set in a near future USA which is dangerously veering to become a religious right theocracy after the presidency of a certain Bush Jr.

Then someone discovers a strange valley inhabited by atheistic, skeptical, rational humans who turn out to have been mutated by unusual prions and the president does everything in his power to stop the prions from spreading including setting off a dirty nuke. Quite a fun read.

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

Of course he wouldn't be saying that if Kerry or his chosen candidate had won, but it's not about who's side that I think he's debating here, it's the man himself. A lot of us in Europe are worried that George W.(TF) Bush and Co will slowly strip away your rights (as he already has been doing) and then use any and every trick in the book to circumvent the rule a maximum of 2 terms as president, if that fails I really hope you don't get stuck with another Republican President in 2008.

As those who frequent the forum might be able to tell, I really don't Like the Bush Administration, Their Policies, Their Methods or even Bush himself. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

Ah well thankyou for explaining the problem. I find it interesting that his opponents on the one hand say he is stupid, and yet at the same time imply that he is secretly planning (with his super villain machinations http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif) to set up a dictatorship. Surely however if the majority support him then they agree with his policies, or do people perhaps imply that most of the population is unable to see what is happening, in which case can they be judged to be unsuitable to make a choice. Yes, thats it "quick, the population are incapable of making their own choices, break out the stockpiled weapons lets have a coup to set things right http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif" Most perplexing. I must say I have seen no evidence of this supposed plot to remove people rights, however at the same time I don't live in the US to experience these changes nor do I see any need to view documentaries that put forth allegations of such. I don't believe in watching something I already hear opposes my viewpoint when I have no intention of changing my views (It'd be a waste of time, would left wing supporters watch a documentary espousing conservatism http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...s/confused.gif). I have investigated the claims that FOX is biased towards the rightwing, and must admit they do go at it quite blatantly. However I have no doubts leftwing associations are just as biased. There is no such thing as impartiality.

However Deadstar, fear not, I can see the future and it is a glorious bureaucratic union such as I see developing in Europe. Down with celebrity politicians, long live the faceless bureaucrat official working silently to make sure everything is orderly (go on I dare you to name 3 European MPs http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif). Everything will be fine when the one world state develops, eliminating all cultural differences and giving order to our lives 24/7.

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

I just checked the US Budget thread, this thread is going the same way http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...es/biggrin.gif

RandallW, I would argue with you, but we'd go round in circles and nothing would change, we are set in our respective view points. I believe Bush is a Tyrant and a War Monger, Uses his Religous and Moral Beliefs too openly to influence people, Is Oppressing the American People and using Fear as a Method of Control. You have your own views.

So I'm Adding Fuel to the Fire http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif Some Links for you all to discuss. I'm not claiming any of this has been proven yet, Is True or false, has been dismissed, it's just some stuff I thought i'd throw in for disscussion.

Motion to Remove the 22nd Amendment
Possible Story about the Patriot Act
Ahh, The sheer Clean and Fair Tactics of US Elections.

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

I actually suspect that the Bush's second term will be less radical. He really does appear to see himself as the second coming of Reagan. For those that don't remember, Reagan showed a somewhat softer side in his second term. Going as far as working out arms control treaties with the "Evil Empire" U.S.S.R.

Bush's emphasis will be on his "legacy" and to do that he's going to need to be much more of a moderate. He no longer needs to get elected, so he's no longer beholden to the wishes of the religios right-wing of his party or the neo-cons. There is already talk of a cabinet shakeup, perhaps begining as early as this week.

I have doubts about how sucsesful he's going to be in making this transition. He's going to find it hard to earn trust from those on the other side of the aisle after the Last four years. And I don't believe that there are enough moderates in the congress anymore to really get anything substatnial done.

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

Well Deadstar I agree we can agree to disagree..ee..ee http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gifRest assured, in the interests of being friendly I gave your links a look. I found their content interesting, but commenting will just throw wood on the fire.

Let me take this oppurtunity to say how wonderful I find it that even with our diverse community we can agree to disagree without resorting to arguments. Whenever I feel drawn to express my opinion (and usually I refrain, believe it or not) I expect to come back to criticism. I am delighted that replies are always civil.

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

At Least we havent decided to disagrEEE http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/eek.gif

Excuse me, There are some alien jellyfish who are about to get smited http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smirk.gif

The brief sounds of Anti Proton Beam Wielding Flaming Death (tm) can be heard in the distance...

Ooops...My Bad, One less Hydrogen Gas Giant to worry about, I forgot about that entire flammable thing... [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/Campfire.gif[/img] [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/Campfire.gif[/img] [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/Campfire.gif[/img]

It's a great community here, Rarely do arguments get too heated, although the Last political threads were getting a bit too warm http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

I am more worried about the PNAC folks and the pax america. As the plan is well under way now which is good for nobody outside the USA...

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

You think? Well under way? If the plan was to topple Iraq, Iran and Syria by force, I think the extreme difficulty of maintaining Iraq, and even Afghanistan to a degree, has pretty much made it clear this is as far as we can go.

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

"You think? Well under way? If the plan was to topple Iraq, Iran and Syria by force, I think the extreme difficulty of maintaining Iraq, and even Afghanistan to a degree, has pretty much made it clear this is as far as we can go. "

Its as far as any reasonable person should go at one time - that I will agree with...

Though I would say its farther then one should have gone at one time. We all have fought multi-front wars before and know what happens. Least when we do it, its a game and no one dies, is maimed, or suffers.

Also to a point made earlier... I think this community is really something else. Everyone has been able to express their opinion respectfully and intelligently discussed their views without burnning up the Boards. I just think that is something else and while I think that should be the norm, the reality is - its not the norm. I am pleased and grateful that I have found one place that is intelligent, reasonable, and respectful.

Hats off to all

Rasorow

PS just re-read and what I meant is about fighting multi-front wars is that we are all war gamers and strat buffs. We know what happens through resource drain, logistics nightmare, and increased causalties in our games when we fight on more then one front in our games. Not saying that all of us know what it means to be actually in the foxhole but you have the same problems in the real world as the strat games - only worse.

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

That's another one of those 'if only this happened, everybody would live in peace' stories. Wether it by an invention, a philisophical discovery, a religious ideal or atheism, I don't see the point. The auther sets up the situation that makes something the villian, and then sets up the situation that fixes it. Basically, it's a circular arguement; the auther sets up a philosophy using fiction and then justifies it using fiction.

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

What few people realize is that the Adams produced three presidents, not just two. The third was a great nephew of the younger adams. I'm searching for the website that laid out that family tree.

As I had mentioned in another thread that the Dems are favoring Hilary and Edwards for the next election, there are rumors that the GOP is favoring Jeb Bush or another Bush family member or close friend.

And you guys are right, had Kerry won, I would not have said that. I'm strongly against anything that resembles a dynastic admistration in America. That is why I support term limits at all levels of government.
It can be said the democratic process played out, but what played in america was anything but democratic. When sides start mud slinging at each other, they aren't talking about policy or the betterment of america - they are just trying to keep the attention focused on themselves while they try to BS thier way by reason.

Edit - I had written a lot more, but left it off to avoid becoming too politically-charged.

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

Of course, the books fail miserably if one tries to take it as a form of argument. This is certainly a case of "preaching to the choir". Even the anti-theism tirades in the books are simplistic and underwhelming.

But then again, if theists can have and enjoy the smug in-your-face, I-told-you-so satisfaction of the "Left Behind" series and other Christian fantasy stories of angels that get physically stronger through human prayer battling in the streets (and yes, I've read a few of those too), there's no reason why atheists can't have their own equivalent fantasy stories. It's no more or less than an equal and opposite reaction.

The books even base the valley in the middle of the Bible belt and calls it an island of reason and sanity in a sea of insanity. And there's a ridiculous amount of homosexual and group sex in the books. All this is obviously designed to cause the maximum amount of offense to religious sensibilities.

Re: US Election and Supreme Court
 

Obviously, people on both sides can have those books. I just won't read them as soon as I realise that's what it's about.