I feel so sad this morning. I feel totally defeated. I find it incredulous someone who’s views are so noted could even be brought forth. Aren’t judges supposed to be impartial? I’m terrified and devastated. I’m doing a training today to make calls in South Carolina. I’m sad and weary but have to do something or I won’t be able to forgive myself if this monster gets re-elected. I also just emailed your post to our family members on the right and told them to not contact me anymore. It is unforgivable to me that they value the rights of the unborn over the rights of LGBTQ people including my son. I told them that and said I will not be calling, texting or visiting any more. My heart is broken and I hope all of us who feel this way take action by voting, making calls, sending post cards and texting in battle ground states.
Michelangelo, you have described Barrett and her views perfectly. This person has all the views reflected by members of a Catholic Opus Dei follower , the Catholic equivalent to the fundamentalist evangelists. You described her, as an “ultra-conservative Catholic”, she is dangerous to ALL citizens.The people who support the GOP, will eventually regret her appointment. Health insurance ,as bad as it is, Supreme Court future decisions would uninsure millions because of pre-existing conditions and higher costs . Re-visiting equality laws & discrimination disguised as “religious freedom” will be expanded under her “doctrine”.....that will likely not only effect LGBTQ+, but single mothers, non-christian religions, etc.etc....the “bible”....her god’s book ...is her guidance in all legal matters. Even the current pope lives outside of the Vatican because of the threats of the Vatican Opus Dei members who oppose Pope Francis and his liberal views. We should also investigate our AG Barr, there is evidence that he belongs to a group who have strong connections with Opus Dei. On top of all this, her appointment will further erode the democracy that the US is tentatively clinging too.
You wrote: "It’s not hard to see how, with Barrett joining the court’s other religious conservatives, Americans who are anti-LGBTQ who couch their views as religious beliefs special rights afforded to them to discriminate against LGBTQ people and others."
I think you meant (something like):
It’s not hard to see how, with Barrett joining the court’s other religious conservatives, Americans who are anti-LGBTQ who couch their views as religious beliefs, (will construe those beliefs as) special rights afforded to them to discriminate against LGBTQ people and others.
This new appointment to the Supreme Court has really frightened me, teetering on the edge. I woke up at 3:45AM with heart pounding terror. My first thought on waking was "Amy Coney Barrett" so I know that must be what I was dreaming about when I woke up suddenly. She is so extreme, I am frightened for us all.
The vast majority of the country falls on a continuum between center-right and center-left, yet we are pinned in place by a small far-right majority. Since Democratic leadership has proven to be utterly incapable of strategic action, it's up to the people to continue to vote in new Democratic leadership to gain and retain majority representation in every local, state, and federal election until the partisan anti-American GOP and weak, feckless Democratic leadership are put out to pasture. This means every race every year every election (Democratic governors matter, Democratic AGs matter, cross-racial coalitions of voters matter). In the tenuous event that Biden wins, the day after his inauguration, citizens need to place boots on the ground to gather momentum for the 2022 elections, then 2024, then 2026, and all special elections in between. The far-right has waged a 40-year battle to create the dystopia we are witnessing in 2020. While there are a decent number of strong and capable Democratic representatives and senators, we cannot depend on current Democratic 'leadership' for anything We must vote them all out and demand leaders with courage and vision. We cannot afford to ever again be complacent about our representation. This is not an impossible task...we vastly outnumber the far-right. Millions can join groups to register voters throughout the year, every year (not just 2 months before a general election), watch key votes, and if your representative doesn't vote for the issues that the majority of the country seeks (environmental relief, broadened healthcare, stronger alliances with allies to thwart Russian aggression and Chinese/Russian/Turkish civil rights abuses, less income inequality, removal of impediments to racism, etc, etc). SCOTUS is more challenging to fix...it's been broken for decades. Democrats voted for Clarence Thomas, a vote that coarsened the Court, John Roberts has made one partisan decision after another, further cheapening the intent of the Court. Kavanaugh was a ridiculous choice, Barrett is just another nail in the coffin of an outdated institution. I don't know if Biden will have the stomach to expand the Court, even if Democrats somehow win back the Senate, but it must be done at some point to protect legislation that will advance this country and reflect the will of the people. Even if our current leaders are incapable of doing so, we need to think strategically and join/support/create groups to counter the Federalist Society and right-wing propaganda. Finally, some form of a center-right party will rise from the ashes of the current GOP, and that is a positive. One-party rule corrupts and should never be allowed in a democracy for long-term success, but it is essential for the next generation to correct the absurd imbalances we currently face. Another final note...we must never again blindly trust the DOJ, FBI, or the intelligence services...they have massively failed too many times: 9/11, the Iraq war, Iran-Contra, global money laundering, Trump/Putin. This means that we force more transparency and accountability. We cannot afford to ever let our government run on autopilot again.
You know, I have been waiting forever for someone - anyone - to call these idiots out for attacking LGBTQ rights/marriage, but staying SILENT on divorce. Just once, I want a reporter/Congressperson/Senator to ask: "Are you willing to rule to outlaw divorce in our country?" Because you know none of these right-wing dolts would. If they are silent on divorce, then they need to shut up when it comes to marriage equality. Period. For the record, I don't care if people get divorced, long as it's not me and my husband :)
Unfortunately, the Democrats don't fight hard enough to stand up for what's right. We saw that four years ago when Dems acquiesced to McConnell's refusal to pursue Supreme Justice hearings during an election year. Dems need to show some tough backbone to represent and maintain human rights for all.
It is time for Senate Democrats to draw a line and fight. Senate Republicans are street fighters and break the rules and precedents. If Republicans can break the Senate rules why should Democrats obey them? The Senate Democrats should violate the Anti-Filibuster Rule. There are enough Democrats to keep the filibuster going until the election. Senate rules do not have the force of law. The only thing that the majority party could do is to try to expel Senators who participate. It is highly unlikely that they would expel 40 or more Senators. That could cause a constitutional crisis. If Democrats refuse to use extreme tactics they and the country will lose. That will roll back civil rights, voting rights, LGBTQ rights and women's rights for the next 40 years. Extreme times call for extreme measures!
You could never make me upset. You are a gift to all of us and am so thankful you keep us informed. And your energy keeps us going! Thank you for all you do and lets keep fighting to make sure there is equality for all people and Trump is defeated by huge margins ! XOX
I can't even describe how I am feeling. It is so very hard to continue everyday with Trump as the 45th. It is mind numbing to me that anyone can support this person.39 days and counting!!!!
She and Kavanaugh will make a fine pair — they are cast from the same ilk and take direction from the same people. They will conspire, I'm sure. I'm sure Kavanaugh is salivating at the thought of eventually becoming Chief Justice. I'm no fan of Gorsuch but at least he showed a tiny degree of situation, if you will, where he will properly follow the Constitution — although I won't hold my breath moving forward.
What upsets me today in particular, however — and I'm sure Eric Boehlert is paying close attention to it — is the media's frenzy, not about how the Repugnicans are hypocrites and cheating the majority of Americans out of their right to control their destiny, but how, oh!, oh!, yes, yes, the R's are choosing ... Amy Coney Barrett and, oh!, what's she all about, and, oh, how momentous it is, etc etc etc. — while we ponder what our future is gonna look like.
One quick last thing (sorry!): if you haven't seen The Social Dilemma, you must. In particular, the 2nd half of the documentary explains quite well the answer to our dumbfounded question as to how could there be even more than 25% of Americans supporting the nutcase in the WH.
An editorial question: when you write “ she is very hostile to anti-LGBTQ equality,” don’t you mean that she’s hostile to LGBTQ equality, not anti-LGBTQ equality? She likes anti-LGBTQ equality, no?
I feel so sad this morning. I feel totally defeated. I find it incredulous someone who’s views are so noted could even be brought forth. Aren’t judges supposed to be impartial? I’m terrified and devastated. I’m doing a training today to make calls in South Carolina. I’m sad and weary but have to do something or I won’t be able to forgive myself if this monster gets re-elected. I also just emailed your post to our family members on the right and told them to not contact me anymore. It is unforgivable to me that they value the rights of the unborn over the rights of LGBTQ people including my son. I told them that and said I will not be calling, texting or visiting any more. My heart is broken and I hope all of us who feel this way take action by voting, making calls, sending post cards and texting in battle ground states.
So...a real life Handmaid's Tale. Scary, these people walk among us in positions of authority.
What's the information on her actual bench decisions? Or has she steered clear of "dangerous" cases that could thwart her SCOTUS nomination?
She's a straight-up liar. There is *no way* she was unaware of what ADL does when she agreed to that speaking engagement.
Michelangelo, you have described Barrett and her views perfectly. This person has all the views reflected by members of a Catholic Opus Dei follower , the Catholic equivalent to the fundamentalist evangelists. You described her, as an “ultra-conservative Catholic”, she is dangerous to ALL citizens.The people who support the GOP, will eventually regret her appointment. Health insurance ,as bad as it is, Supreme Court future decisions would uninsure millions because of pre-existing conditions and higher costs . Re-visiting equality laws & discrimination disguised as “religious freedom” will be expanded under her “doctrine”.....that will likely not only effect LGBTQ+, but single mothers, non-christian religions, etc.etc....the “bible”....her god’s book ...is her guidance in all legal matters. Even the current pope lives outside of the Vatican because of the threats of the Vatican Opus Dei members who oppose Pope Francis and his liberal views. We should also investigate our AG Barr, there is evidence that he belongs to a group who have strong connections with Opus Dei. On top of all this, her appointment will further erode the democracy that the US is tentatively clinging too.
You wrote: "It’s not hard to see how, with Barrett joining the court’s other religious conservatives, Americans who are anti-LGBTQ who couch their views as religious beliefs special rights afforded to them to discriminate against LGBTQ people and others."
I think you meant (something like):
It’s not hard to see how, with Barrett joining the court’s other religious conservatives, Americans who are anti-LGBTQ who couch their views as religious beliefs, (will construe those beliefs as) special rights afforded to them to discriminate against LGBTQ people and others.
Thank you for the thorough analysis.
This new appointment to the Supreme Court has really frightened me, teetering on the edge. I woke up at 3:45AM with heart pounding terror. My first thought on waking was "Amy Coney Barrett" so I know that must be what I was dreaming about when I woke up suddenly. She is so extreme, I am frightened for us all.
The vast majority of the country falls on a continuum between center-right and center-left, yet we are pinned in place by a small far-right majority. Since Democratic leadership has proven to be utterly incapable of strategic action, it's up to the people to continue to vote in new Democratic leadership to gain and retain majority representation in every local, state, and federal election until the partisan anti-American GOP and weak, feckless Democratic leadership are put out to pasture. This means every race every year every election (Democratic governors matter, Democratic AGs matter, cross-racial coalitions of voters matter). In the tenuous event that Biden wins, the day after his inauguration, citizens need to place boots on the ground to gather momentum for the 2022 elections, then 2024, then 2026, and all special elections in between. The far-right has waged a 40-year battle to create the dystopia we are witnessing in 2020. While there are a decent number of strong and capable Democratic representatives and senators, we cannot depend on current Democratic 'leadership' for anything We must vote them all out and demand leaders with courage and vision. We cannot afford to ever again be complacent about our representation. This is not an impossible task...we vastly outnumber the far-right. Millions can join groups to register voters throughout the year, every year (not just 2 months before a general election), watch key votes, and if your representative doesn't vote for the issues that the majority of the country seeks (environmental relief, broadened healthcare, stronger alliances with allies to thwart Russian aggression and Chinese/Russian/Turkish civil rights abuses, less income inequality, removal of impediments to racism, etc, etc). SCOTUS is more challenging to fix...it's been broken for decades. Democrats voted for Clarence Thomas, a vote that coarsened the Court, John Roberts has made one partisan decision after another, further cheapening the intent of the Court. Kavanaugh was a ridiculous choice, Barrett is just another nail in the coffin of an outdated institution. I don't know if Biden will have the stomach to expand the Court, even if Democrats somehow win back the Senate, but it must be done at some point to protect legislation that will advance this country and reflect the will of the people. Even if our current leaders are incapable of doing so, we need to think strategically and join/support/create groups to counter the Federalist Society and right-wing propaganda. Finally, some form of a center-right party will rise from the ashes of the current GOP, and that is a positive. One-party rule corrupts and should never be allowed in a democracy for long-term success, but it is essential for the next generation to correct the absurd imbalances we currently face. Another final note...we must never again blindly trust the DOJ, FBI, or the intelligence services...they have massively failed too many times: 9/11, the Iraq war, Iran-Contra, global money laundering, Trump/Putin. This means that we force more transparency and accountability. We cannot afford to ever let our government run on autopilot again.
You know, I have been waiting forever for someone - anyone - to call these idiots out for attacking LGBTQ rights/marriage, but staying SILENT on divorce. Just once, I want a reporter/Congressperson/Senator to ask: "Are you willing to rule to outlaw divorce in our country?" Because you know none of these right-wing dolts would. If they are silent on divorce, then they need to shut up when it comes to marriage equality. Period. For the record, I don't care if people get divorced, long as it's not me and my husband :)
Unfortunately, the Democrats don't fight hard enough to stand up for what's right. We saw that four years ago when Dems acquiesced to McConnell's refusal to pursue Supreme Justice hearings during an election year. Dems need to show some tough backbone to represent and maintain human rights for all.
It is time for Senate Democrats to draw a line and fight. Senate Republicans are street fighters and break the rules and precedents. If Republicans can break the Senate rules why should Democrats obey them? The Senate Democrats should violate the Anti-Filibuster Rule. There are enough Democrats to keep the filibuster going until the election. Senate rules do not have the force of law. The only thing that the majority party could do is to try to expel Senators who participate. It is highly unlikely that they would expel 40 or more Senators. That could cause a constitutional crisis. If Democrats refuse to use extreme tactics they and the country will lose. That will roll back civil rights, voting rights, LGBTQ rights and women's rights for the next 40 years. Extreme times call for extreme measures!
You could never make me upset. You are a gift to all of us and am so thankful you keep us informed. And your energy keeps us going! Thank you for all you do and lets keep fighting to make sure there is equality for all people and Trump is defeated by huge margins ! XOX
I can't even describe how I am feeling. It is so very hard to continue everyday with Trump as the 45th. It is mind numbing to me that anyone can support this person.39 days and counting!!!!
She and Kavanaugh will make a fine pair — they are cast from the same ilk and take direction from the same people. They will conspire, I'm sure. I'm sure Kavanaugh is salivating at the thought of eventually becoming Chief Justice. I'm no fan of Gorsuch but at least he showed a tiny degree of situation, if you will, where he will properly follow the Constitution — although I won't hold my breath moving forward.
What upsets me today in particular, however — and I'm sure Eric Boehlert is paying close attention to it — is the media's frenzy, not about how the Repugnicans are hypocrites and cheating the majority of Americans out of their right to control their destiny, but how, oh!, oh!, yes, yes, the R's are choosing ... Amy Coney Barrett and, oh!, what's she all about, and, oh, how momentous it is, etc etc etc. — while we ponder what our future is gonna look like.
One quick last thing (sorry!): if you haven't seen The Social Dilemma, you must. In particular, the 2nd half of the documentary explains quite well the answer to our dumbfounded question as to how could there be even more than 25% of Americans supporting the nutcase in the WH.
An editorial question: when you write “ she is very hostile to anti-LGBTQ equality,” don’t you mean that she’s hostile to LGBTQ equality, not anti-LGBTQ equality? She likes anti-LGBTQ equality, no?
This is so frightening and so sickening. What can we do besides vote, phone bank and donate? I feel so frustrated and enraged!!
The Alliance Defending Freedom. What a name for a group that wants to destroy our freedom!