Sotomayor Confirmation Hearing

Loved Grassley's comment on the disruption...something about him having the ability to turn people on.

The case under discussion is Didden v. Village of Port Chester.

Mr. Didden waited entirely too long to assert a takings claim. [If you sleep on your rights, you lose them.]

He certainly brought on a considerable amount of laughter. That's something HE could say . . . but imagine if Sotomayor had said it . . . LOL

Discussion now on case Riverkeeper, Inc. v. EPA.

Congressional legislation explicitly required "best technology available" to minimize adverse impact on the environment.

Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.)

Again--paraphrasing:

Executive Power

The events of 9-11 were used to justify policies. Did that day change your view of the Constitution on individual rights?

A: The issue of the nation's security is one of continuing discussion. In the end, the Constitution protects individual rights. That day did not change her views on the Constitution.

Paraphrasing--

Q: Concerns about broad executive privilege and powers (Youngstown framework).

A: The framework doesn't change.

Q: Gov. memo on torture issue didn't even mention Youngstown case....

A: She would be surprised if a court didn't consider the framework.

Q: Incorporation discussion. What's the test?

A: The Supreme Court has not yet determined the test. Earlier cases may inform the Court's decision.

Q: Asking Sotomayor to speculate whether the right to bear arms will be found to be "fundamental" under an incorporation analysis.

A: She can't prejudge (HEY THOMAS!).

Senator Kyl (R-AZ) (Republican Whip) is questioning now.

(He was an ASS yesterday.)

Kyl is trying to get an assurance that Sotomayor will recuse herself on 7th & 9th Circuit cases on the incorporation issue (on the right to bear arms) if the Court grants certiorari. She cannot commit herself.

Kyl is asserting that Roberts and Alito made "firm" commitments to recuse themselves, but Sotomayor questions whether they made a broad commitment. She states she will consult with her colleagues.

He is continuing in that same tone.

I give Sonia props for controlling her answers so as to not make him look as stupid as his questions are.

Too bad Kyl's questions aren't as "inspiring" as the number of times he's used the word "inspiring."

This is another of those examples where the Senator enjoys hearing himself talk for so long that no one has a clue of what his question is.

It sounds like SS is in favor of the government seizing personal
properties under eminent domain laws... what an ASS she is.

He talks so fast that one can't keep up on all the strands in the rag he's laying on her.

Why is it that it is assumed that being a minority means you will side favorably with minorites out of "empathy?"

It is just as likely that she would say to someone, "I'm a minority and made a success of myself by getting a good education and working hard. Because we are minorities doesn't automatically apply special consideration to us."

It must be the example of Clarence Thomas. His opinions have been flaming with favoritism for minorities.

rofl

Huh? Sen. Lindsey Graham?

It's difficult to paraphrase his ridiculous line of questions, need a transcript.

From Huffington Post: "To lure African-Americans into the GOP, Steele is offering 'fried chicken and potato salad.'"

She should be confirmed. Most of the republican senators should be voted out of office.

This made my day...