Justice Ginsburg, Donald Trump and sanity

[Cyrano]

Supreme court justices are not supposed to speak out on political issues (outside of their written court decisions). But Justice Ginsberg (bless her) has seen fit to deem Donald Trump unfit for the presidency.

Well, she didn't use those words. But when a SCOTUS justice speaks out negatively about a current candidate, you just know something really different is going on. Trump has shot back at her with his tweet arrows, but what else would you expect.

Ginsburg is taking crap from all quarters for speaking out, which a supreme court justice is not supposed to do. And for the most part, I agree with this principle. However, when "the most powerful country in the world" is teetering on the verge of insanity by nominating a completely unfit nut to be president, it's the duty of each and every citizen to speak up, regardless of the position they hold.

In case you haven't noticed this particular battle that has been taking place over the past couple of days, google Ginsburg Trump to get caught up.

A thousand cheers for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

[yallerdawg]

1. Sometimes we are compelled to speak out.

[scscholar]

2. It is good to see the judicial branch finally take some control of the executive branch

This has need to happen since Nixon decided to be such a crook. Such a crook.

[forthemiddle]

7. Read the Constitution!!!

The Judicial Branch should NEVER "take some control" of the Executive Branch. They are 3 Co-Equal Branches of Government.

Having said that Trump isn't part of the executive branch yet, Thank God. But if Clarence Thomas said the same stuff about Clinton in a interview, you know we would all be yelling for his resignation.

[Donald Ian Rankin]

3. Strongly disagree.

If "I disapprove strongly of this candidate" becomes sufficient grounds for SCOTUS justices breaking political neutrality then the principle is completely destroyed.

If you say "Ah, but Trump is an exception", you make it utterly inevitable that the right-wing justices will say "Ah, but Obama/Clinton/the next Democratic candidate is an exception".

Ginsburg was wrong to compromise the reputation of her office, and should be condemned, not cheered, for it.

There's an excellent article on the subject at http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2016/07/rbg-and-the-disintegration-of-political-norms.html

[Cyrano]

4. Okay, I've read the article and I disagree

IMO, if Trump were to somehow win (or steal it), all the norms of a democracy could evaporate very quickly.

Donald Trump, like every creature of his ilk who has held power in history, doesn't play by any rules. He makes them up as he goes along. And if wants to change them tomorrow, he will.

A SCOTUS justice speaking out is beyond big. It's "yuuuuuge." But given where we are today, it's justifiable.

But I'll tell you what. If Trump wins and institutes any "rules" he sees fit, let's try having this discussion at that time. Every instinct I have says that we'd be sent to "camps" or shot for trying to have this conversation.

Does that sound a bit radical and extreme? Well, Donald Trump sounds more than a bit radical and extreme to me.

A thousand cheers for Ruth Bader Ginsberg and her wonderful conscience.

[Donald Ian Rankin]

5. Are you willing to accept SCOTUS judges endorsing Republicans from now on?

If so, fair enough, carry on.

[Cyrano]

8. There comes a time

when people of conscience must speak up.

"First the came for ...

Then they come for me and there was no one left to speak up."

Most people have heard the entire quote.

So as what point may Justice Ginsburg speak her mind. Perhaps in some faux "shower room?"

These are not "normal" times." And someday in the future (if we survive) I believe that Ginsburg will be looked upon with respect, admiration, and love.

[Donald Ian Rankin]

9. If you feel you have to speak against a system, you can always leave it.

FWIW, I agree with you about the fact that Ginsburg will be remembered fondly, not least by me. But the fact that I admire other things she's done doesn't mean that I shouldn't condemn this one.

[pansypoo53219]

6. unacceptable is unacceptable.

[Cyrano]

10. Okay.

To me, Donald Trump is unacceptable as the president of the United States.

Perhaps you can explain why this particular man would be acceptable to you.

[morningfog]

11. Trump has attacked the judiciary. She is completely in the right to call him out for what he is.

[Daninmo]

12. well

if we have another election with hanging chad like the Bush vs Gore election,and the supreme has to make a ruling, will she recuze herself because she openly admitted her contempt for Trump?