No one has thus far mentioned what appears to be a most important fact which has surfaced after the votes were counted in California, namely, that in what is perhaps the most liberal state in the Union,which has far more registered Democrats than Republicans, 60% of the people voted for Republicans- Schwartznegger and McCLintock.
Very Interesting.
I thought that Judge Posner was a historical figure, about whom I knew nothing about. I didn't realize that he or she was current. I'm afraid I know nothing about this jurist's expertise, as I know nothing about this jurist.
Sumac- sir:
Let me assure you that Judge Posner is not a historical figure but one of the USA's leading and most brilliant jurists.
It would take me too long to type out his Curriculum Vitae but just let me say that he is a graduate of Yale in 1959- Phi Beta Kappa- elected in his Junior year, Scholar of the House and Saybrook Fellows Prize.
He graduated from Harvard Law School in 1962- MAgna Cum Laude and won the Fay Diploma, Sears and Beale Prizes and WAS THE PRESIDENT OF THE HARVARD LAW REVIEW( the latter is perhaps the highest prize and honor available in US professional scholarship.
He was a law clerk to Justice William Brennan of the US Supreme Court in 1962 and worked as General Counsel on the President's TAsk Force in 1967. He was also the Assistant to the Solicitor General of the USA in 1967.
He has written fifteen books on law and associated topics, many of which have received critical acclaim.
He has received 10 Honorary Law degrees , beginning in 1986 up to 2003.
His latest honor was the recepit of the Ames Prize from Harvard this year.
He is, in total, a genius of the law.
His books are not easy reading but they are most fulfilling.
'
Judge Posner has been a professor of law at the University of Chicago and was the Chief Judge of the United States court of appeals for the Seventh Circuit from 1993- 2000.
He
WOW. I am most impressed with his credentials.
But, I have none. I am not a Sir.
Thank you so much for the time you took to post that reply.
s
Sumac- sorry for the Sir- no offense intended. I try to be polite to those who are polite with me.
What would you like to read?
Posner has great books:
"An Affair of State" ( about the investigation, impeachment and trial of President Clinton- the bes t thing ever done on the subject)
""Breaking the Deadlock"(about the Presidential Election of 2000- difficult reading since it is so packed with legal concepts but worth the effort)
"Overcoming Law" ( a series of essays- again, difficult reading but wonderfully erudite)
Try one but don't give up after a few pages- You need to stick with Posner.
"be careful what you vote for, it may not terminate"
Just another opinion...it had NOTHING to do with Clinton. NOTHING to do with groping women. It had EVERYTHING to do with frustration, irritation, and JUST THROW THE RASCALS OUT! It could be something for ALL politicians to worry about. Just my opinion.
Clinton did lower the "personal morality for public officials" bar. Substantially.
Sofia, would be my opinion that the press/media lowered the bar. Seems like all the evidence shows that JFK was far more prolific in his "escapades" than was Clinton and the press looked the other way.
dys,
That was then, this is now. But agree with you .
Italgaot:
Think I will start with the essays. Thanks.
VNN:
Agree. That trumped everything.
s
dyslexia wrote:Sofia, would be my opinion that the press/media lowered the bar. Seems like all the evidence shows that JFK was far more prolific in his "escapades" than was Clinton and the press looked the other way.
Factually, you are right, dys--but if a tree falls in the forest... JFK's sexcapades didn't affect the public, because the public didna know. I won't blame the press for Clinton's stupid behavior. Right or wrong, relevant or not--each person is accountable for what they do. IMO. Actually, looking at who JFK was boinking, Clinton does look at least not quite as stupid, or at least risky, by comparison. Biding time with Sam Giancana's girlfriend... not the brightest idea.
Sexual escapades in Washington and in the executive offices of corporations is nothing new -- Clinton was put under a microscope and got caught. Political dirty tricks have become more prevelant in politics ever since Nixon -- seems Watergate meant as little to as someone getting a bj in the White House.
It remains to seen what the complaintants who came forward will do after Ahnold is installed in office. I would prefer not to speculate on what might happen because it could be very bad for the state and national economy.
Considering what Ahnold has been personally responsible for in financial matter in the past, just keep the checkbook as far away from him as possible. I've known many right wing Conservatives who were just as inept at finances and accounting as Liberals. It does not make one automatically money wise to be a Conservative.
The media has to take a lot of responsibility about desensitizing everyone to sexual adventures of the rich and famous.
As far as leadership qualities, some experience with directing would have been good news. Ahnold is credited with directing two TV projects, one an insipid Christmas TV movie.
(If Ahnolds going to "act" like he's a leader, we're in trouble).
Yeah, LW, what was that Christmas movie with Jimmy Stewart? <smile>
If it had been a regular election and Arnold had to make it through a Primary, he wouldn't have made it. The traditional republicans would have never voted him that far. Is my thinking correct on that? I think the Primaries in Calif. are closed.
truth
Italgato, I agree with you and Judge Posner that in addition to the authority constitutionally legally assigned to the OFFICE of president, the individual incumbent's charisma can add to his perceived "legitimacy." But, tell me truthfully, how many presidents can you think of who had a considerable amount of personal charisma? What charisma we do see--aside from the romance of JFK's Camelot mythology--has to do with our rewriiting of history such that our Founding Fathers have become, or have been made to be, larger than life. The "legitimacy" of our Constitution (not its legalilty) is supported by the fact that it was signed by these larger-than-life Founding Fathers, and the legitimacy of the Founding Fathers derives from the fact that their names can be found on the Constitution. The logic is clearly circular, but it works.
Nevertheless, Judge Posner's credentials do not in themselves guaranatee his infalibility. It shows that we should listen to him, no doubt. But then you are comparing his opinion with mine without knowing what are my credentials. Don't bother to inquire: his are much more impressive.
Nevertheless, this discussion reminds me of a friend in college who was seeking a doctorate in philosophy. I once asked him why he wanted a Ph.D. in philosophy. His answer was so that when people disagreed with him he could ceremoniously take out and unfold his degree before their startled eyes. His goal, he joked, was intimidation. Is that your logic here?
truth
Arnold has won mainly because of his charisma in the eyes of many poor souls. To me he remains Gonad the Barbarian.
Although, who knows? He might fool us all yet. I just wouldn't bet on it at the ballot.
A lot of post-recall analysis now calls attention to how helpful Maria Shriver was during the campaign (especially after the accusations of sexual assaults came to light) and how her family joined Arnold on stage on victory night.
When I said to a friend that I was surprised that they were so conspicuous about their support in light of his allegedly extensive betrayal of Maria, the friend reminded me that the Kennedys have been tolerant of this kind of male misbehavior for generations. Too true...
I doubt sexual expades of candidates has that much weight in the whole scheme of things. I think name recognition and who their supporters are are more important and makes a big difference. One cannot overlook the influence of people like Oprah and Warren Bufffet, and to a lesser degree the likes of Robert Lowe and Jay Leno. This recall is a special animal with special pros and cons. I doubt Ahnold would have made it this far in a regular election. IMHO, I think Diane Feinstein would have kicked butt if she had put her name on the ballot.
