Some quickie thoughts respecting issues currently in the news ...
Just because the Supreme Court decides something does not mean things are over. Thus, allowing affirmative action in some cases for state universities led to efforts for a state constitutional ban on such preferences. Michael Dorf examines the issue in a thought provoking essay entitled: "Universities Adjust to State Affirmative Action Bans: Are the New Programs Legal? Are They a Good Idea?" This includes the legitimacy and value to the alternatives, the motivations behind the options made, and so forth. For instance, is "equality" sacrificed for "merit," and if it is, to what end? And, yes, the quotes are supplied advisedly, given the debatable nature of the terms and how they are carried out in practice. More here.
Bush is dubiously compared to past leaders as much as the current conflict is compared to much more scary ones in our history. Glenn Greenwald has a particularly biting rejoinder, again citing actual history to underline the point, showing us what real leaders do -- let's call this the "Churchill Edition." Meanwhile, the NYT cites a new move by the administration to submit administrative agencies to more political control from the White House. As noted here, there is some justice to this policy, but the problem simply is that we really have no reason to trust his judgement. Thus, it's a bad sign. And, Kevin Drum properly sneers at TMQ's continual defense of our apparently environmentally friendly President.
Relatedly, we look next on the enablers. BTC News discusses John Dickinson's different recollections respecting a key moment in Ari F.'s testimony in the Libby trial. How amusing. How confusing ... hey, maybe Libby did forget! Ha ha. Yeah right. Maybe, Johnny boy here can remind how he and his fellow press enablers helped to promote the lie filled smear job of Joseph Wilson, smeared because he dared to criticize the Bushies for selling the war like a used car salesman might sell a clunker. And, then, there is the whole Plame mess ... But, JD sorts focus on "the process" or whatnot, denying the message they are sending, while the core facts are ignored. See also, the (latest) Broder example.
Oh, and John Dean also brought up a lesser reported tidbit from the recent Gonzo appearance in front of Congress related to why we cannot trust these people, and those who do (including members of his party) are played as suckers. This includes John McCain, a big enabler, who recently obtained the support from two more -- the gentle ladies from Maine. As comments suggest, maybe they had little to choose from (you know, since they are not Judases to the party ala Joey L.), but why announce it now? Seems dumb.
Anyway, Barbaro has died. It is remarkable how much effort was taken to try to save that horse, one who had an injury that would usually have merited a quick bullet in the head. To be blunt about it. Seriously, much might be said about selective kindness (rightly so, up to a point), but such acts do underline how society does care about (certain) animals. Again, up to a point, something to be happy about. You know, like if another Colt (or more than one) fell ...
Hey Yogi!