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This blog is the work of an educated civilian, not of an expert in the fields discussed.

Thursday, March 05, 2020

Abortion Case, Schumer and Elizabeth Warren Drops Out

Yesterday was the big abortion oral argument and Chief Justice Roberts was by accounts (unlike the Kansas Supreme Court -- which had a big abortion case last year -- of course, there is no video) not very supportive of the state's side.  This doesn't mean Louisiana will lose, or lose fully, but it's something.  Alito and to some extent Kavanaugh (who wrote a dissent to the stay in this matter that Roberts joined and was chosen in part for his abortion positions) were mostly alone, Gorsuch staying on the sidelines. 

Meanwhile, Senator Schumer said something about Gorsuch and Kavanaugh specifically that got pushback (I think it advanced goals big picture-wise, but otherwise, this article is mostly on point).  As to Roberts' reply see here (including comments).  Note his reply was released to the media but not posted on the website's page for us peons. Finally, again, abortion needs to be seen as legitimate on social media, tv/film etc. The author nicely thanked me for comments I posted on Twitter.  Edith Windsor's (second) wife also retweeted my tweet about her book and how her finding love again was a nice optimistic moment.  Ah Twitter.

(As Orin Kerr, who I don't like at times but do respect for on the record voting for Hillary Clinton in 2016, thanked Schumer for taking back part of what he said and said it's time to move on.  I agree.  Meanwhile, some Senate Republicans are pushing for a censure vote.)  

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As basically expected, though it's sad, Elizabeth Warren (like Kamala Harris, who some wanted to endorse Biden before the big California primary, not endorsing anyone) has dropped out.  Charles Blow, who early on said "don't you dare vote for Bloomberg," wrote a good op-ed that touched upon Warren (partially blames sexism) and Sanders.

Key point: "In the end, I believe that voters are coalescing around an idea: While they admire the revolutionaries, they are more comfortable with slow and steady progress."  Deep down, though I am supportive of Warren, that to me is a respectable position.  And, Sanders specifically is too blunt and "gnomes will get us to the revolution" about things and nasty about "the Establishment" which apparently includes a lot of black voters.  AOC tweeted that "the revolution" needs to be more inclusive.

Plus, Sanders needs the youth vote and to bring in new people, which doesn't seem to be happening.  Burdens to young voters (26A!) should be noted, but I do not think that is all that is to it since many others are burdened too. There is no perfect candidate but a general election presidential candidate does need  to have some uniting function and in this country also it helps if there is some celebrity-like hook. Obama in various ways had that while being too "Establishment" for some people (talk Sanders wanted to primary him in 2012).  Biden being a sort of Reagan figure might be unpleasant to some, but yeah, that might be why he wins.

Knock on wood.  Sigh though.  I was for Gillibrand. Out.  Harris. Out.  I wasn't really for Klobuchar but early on thought she was a maybe unity type candidate.  Out.  I was wary about Warren but at some point she was just too good to not support especially after Harris left.  Out.  Never for Marianne Williamson. (Not even in photo.)  Never for Gabbard though with one delegate, I believe she is qualified to be at the next debate.  Maybe, for kicks, with my "got to vote for a woman ..."  Nah.  It is not the first time I voted for someone in New York who already left the race.

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To toss it in, there is another troubling execution scheduled for today and I'll update later.   

Update: There was a bit of notice when Justice Thomas -- in charge of the circuit -- stayed the execution but those in the know realized it was probably just so the others could have a chance to look at the record.  Though it appears that the facts make it more notable than some others, no justice dissented or even commented on record.  Though Sen. Doug Jones supported delay and a close relative of a victim opposed the execution, Nathaniel Woods was executed by lethal injection.

I am of the mind that any execution warrants at least a brief statement on why the final challenges do not warrant a stay/review, but there are a certain subset that warrant particular notice.  This from what I gather is one such case and it is depressing that neither Breyer or Sotomayor, the two most open and vocal on death penalty matters, did not do so.  Like there was a recent execution of someone who was on death row for around three decades.  That is Breyer's concern though maybe a murder in prison is not the best avenue.  The facts here are a lot more ripe to use as a red flag on its own and for the death penalty itself. 

Instead, crickets.

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