Think Progress

Who Is John D. Bates?

By Guest Blogger on Jul 20th, 2007 at 5:52 pm

Who Is John D. Bates?»

bates.jpgYesterday, federal district Judge John D. Bates “dismissed a lawsuit filed by former CIA officer Valerie Plame and her husband [Joe Wilson] against Vice President Cheney and other top officials over the Bush administration’s” retaliatory leak of Plame’s identity. Bates’s decision yesterday is in line with a long record of injecting his personal political agenda into the administration of law. Some other recent examples include:

- In August 2006, Bates “ruled that it was acceptable for the president to sign a bill that had not been passed by Congress.” A clerical error resulted in the President receiving a version of a law approved by only one half of Congress. Bates upheld the law, despite the President being warned of the error before signing the bill. [LINK]

- In December 2002, Bates protected the Bush administration by narrowly dismissing a lawsuit filled by the U.S. Comptroller General David M. Walker against Cheney. Walker “wanted Mr. Cheney to reveal the names of industry executives who helped the administration develop” its energy policy. Bates argued turning the records over to Walker “would hobble an administration’s essential, legitimate ability to receive frank information and advice.” [LINK]

- From September 1995 to March 1997, Bates served as Deputy Independent Counsel to Whitewater investigator Ken Starr. During that time, Bates wanted open access to what Sen. Pat Leahy called, the “dresser drawers of the White House.” At the time, Bates “successfully argued that the White House had to turn over documents related to then-first lady Hillary Clinton.” [LINK]

Furthermore, shortly after he was appointed to the FISA court, the Bush administration sought and received approval to continue its domestic spying program.

Ryan Powers




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285 Responses to “Who Is John D. Bates?”

  1. Punchy Says:

    I’ve seen some nerds in my life, but MAN, this guy is textbook.


  2. gummitch Says:

    It’s elementary constitutional law, dummies. Republic presidents have absolute authority and privilege. Democratic presidents have to bend over and take it up the patootie.

    Jeeze, didn’t youse ever take civics?


  3. helenahandbasket Says:

    It all depends on what the definition of “political hack” is.


  4. nully wully judge Says:

    rotten from the top down


  5. Nothing Matters Says:

    US District Judge John Bates dismissed the case on jurisdictional grounds and stated that he would not express an opinion on the constitutional arguments.

    Where’s the beef?


  6. pete592 Says:

    So what was all this I was hearing about liberal judges who legislate from the bench?


  7. O. Bigfoot Says:

    Wow! Bates did all that?!!!

    It’s good to have friends in the the right places!


  8. JesusChrist_GodOfWar Says:

    Textbook crony.

    … so… it’s OK to stack the courts when ReichWingNuts to it, right?… WRONG!…

    Bad decisions made by bad judges have a nasty habit of living on for years and years and years…


  9. gummitch Says:

    US District Judge John Bates dismissed the case on jurisdictional grounds and stated that he would not express an opinion on the constitutional arguments.

    Where’s the beef?

    Comment by Nothing Matters

    Are there just too many words in the post for you to read? Couldn’t quite get past the first paragraph, apparently.

    The quality of trolls here continues to go downhill.


  10. trueblue Says:

    Who is John D. Bates?

    Well, he looks like someone who is hiding something very dark and sinister.

    Just look at those eyes. That fake half smile.

    Evil. He’s evil.


  11. JesusChrist_GodOfWar Says:

    Let me guess… this Joker graduated with his Law Degree from one of those University of Jesus Freak schools…

    And how is a christian graduate from a christian “school” any different than a muslim graduate from a muslim school? Ah, to h*ll with it. ReichWingNuts won’t see the truth in it.

    Wherever this Joker graduated from, he’s firmly in Bush’s pocket… playing pocket pool with the Toy Emperor… as in Bought and Paid For.


  12. Joe Says:

    We must defeat activist judges like this clown.


  13. WaltinTexas Says:

    Typically corrupt right wing actions. Business as usual for this administration.


  14. O. Bigfoot Says:

    “Bad decisions made by bad judges have a nasty habit of living on for years and years and years…

    Comment by JesusChrist_GodOfWar — July 20, 2007 @ 5:59 pm”

    Yeah, just look at Roe v. Wade. Killing America’s children since 1973.


  15. Ironchef Says:

    This is like the fargin mafia..only White House style!

    Is there no pocket this administration hasn’t picked, any good they haven’t made bad, any laws they have kept, any sacred founding national document they haven’t desecrated?

    MILITARY COUP NOW!


  16. helenahandbasket Says:

    O.Bigfootinmouth: You mean that there were no abortions performed before 1973 or do the back alley ones, not count?


  17. Nothing Matters Says:

    #9

    It’s true, life’s too short to read all the propaganda.

    I thought the point was about the recent case.

    I didn’t realize no one cares about Plame, the POINT is about a hit piece on a judge.

    Gotcha now. sammitch


  18. Zooey Says:

    This administration had this jackass on the FISA court — a guy who would have signed off on spying on his own mother — and they STILL violated the law going around FISA?


  19. jake3988 Says:

    Well no wonder this president can get away with whatever the hell he wants… he got a ultra conservative judicial system that’ll let him.

    And pansy-ass dems who refuse to impeach.


  20. Zooey Says:

    Yeah, just look at Roe v. Wade. Killing America’s children since 1973.
    Comment by O. Bigfoot — July 20, 2007 @ 6:06 pm

    I guess the pre-1973 abortion wards were just for giggles.


  21. Trekkie Says:

    “Are there just too many words in the post for you to read? Couldn’t quite get past the first paragraph, apparently.”

    I have to agree with Nothing Matters.

    Bates didn’t say they didn’t have a colorable claim. He said they hadn’t used all of the administrative rememdies they had been provided by statute. Once they have exhausted those, then they can sue.

    I’m not saying he’s a good judge, but his decision in this case was procedurally accurate.


  22. helenahandbasket Says:

    21: Except that the Privacy Act gives no administrative remedy against the Vice President.


  23. Ben B Says:

    I hope this no more SC justices resign/die. This guy’s gotta be on the replacement short-list.


  24. Ben B Says:

    …and seriously, a president can’t sign a bill not passed by Congress. WTF?

    A ruling such as that should get you disbarred…


  25. Tom Says:

    Where’s the beef?

    Comment by Nothing Matters

    Resting quietly between mr bush’s ears.


  26. Buck Fush Says:

    Another cronie enabler, go figure. It is obvious that they have stacked the courts…didn’t Hitler do this too?

    IGNORE THE TROLLS
    Let’s not let them destroy the threads like they did yesterday, ignore them people


  27. Zooey Says:

    A ruling such as that should get you disbarred…
    Comment by Ben B

    He’s not a lawyer anymore — no disbarment. He should be up for judicial review or sanctioned, but that ain’t happening.

    If another Supreme Court Justice drops dead or resigns, guess who’s in line right after Harriet Miers?


  28. Aimee Says:

    Judge Bates is a person that puts Party over Country and the American People.

    Another one who is destroying our country.


  29. Bruce from Texas Says:

    Who Is John D. Bates?

    http://www.dcd.uscourts.gov/bates-bio.html


  30. Nothing Matters Says:

    #21

    Hey Trekkie, don’t put words in my mouth! Your post was way more cogent than anything I said.

    Just kidding.


  31. trueblue Says:

    helenahandbasket and Zooey,

    Yeh. That Margaret Sanger really had nothing to do during the early 1900’s. Everything was peachy keen in those poor places, and those “supposedly” desperate women trying to feed 10+ mouths with more on the way because you can’t say no to the husband were just whining.

    /sarcasm


  32. Ret. Col. Jack Ripper Says:

    I still remember the conservative reaction to Tom Delay’s indictment. The trolls and Delay’s people were all saying the indictment was improper because the judge was “partisan.” The fact that the judge was, in fact, a republican, didn’t dissuade them from their argument.

    Now, the nihilistic, sociopathic troll says “where’s the beef?”


  33. r Says:

    At Number 26 properly spelled “Buck Fush” chimed in with the first Hitler comment. Very nice work.


  34. Perry Logan Says:

    Doesn’t he know the Republican Dream is over?


  35. trueblue Says:

    Resting quietly between mr bush’s ears.

    Comment by Tom —

    Hahaha! Good one.


  36. Karim Says:

    I think maybe Congress should talk to this man.


  37. Damian Says:

    And remember, this tool has a LIFETIME appointment.


  38. Boudin Bob Says:

    And remember, this tool has a LIFETIME appointment.

    And that’s a damned good thing too, so that political considerations won’t affect him.


  39. Ret. Col. Jack Ripper Says:

    After Dems take over the executive branch in 2008 and hold it for the next 24 years, this guy’s going nowhere. His career ends here. There is no more upward mobility for this hack.


  40. Boudin Bob Says:

    #40: What makes you think there will be elections in 2008 or a new president in 2009. I don’t think that’s going to happen as long as we are at war.


  41. katy Says:

    yep:

    “they have officially. now. gone… rogue.”

    -rachel maddow


  42. Zooey Says:

    And that’s a damned good thing too, so that political considerations won’t affect him.
    Comment by Boudin Bob — July 20, 2007 @ 6:27 pm

    Did you read the post? This judge is purely political, and sleeps in Cheney’s left armpit.


  43. Rebel in CA Says:

    Everybody is missing the point.

    There is no longer a separation of powers in the United States, as demanded by the Constitution.

    Time for revolution is ripe, if we are to keep our nation as the Founding Fathers intended it to be; otherwise everyone say hello to Fuehrer Cheney.


  44. Zooey Says:

    yep:
    “they have officially. now. gone… rogue.”
    -rachel maddow
    Comment by katy

    It’s going to take a generation or more to fix the damage — assuming we get the chance to try….


  45. Boudin Bob Says:

    Did you read the post? This judge is purely political, and sleeps in Cheney’s left armpit.
    That’s how you see it. It doesn’t make it a fact. You’re so far to the left that you can’t see a fair decision when you see it.


  46. The Republic of Stupidity Says:

    This administration had this jackass on the FISA court — a guy who would have signed off on spying on his own mother — and they STILL violated the law going around FISA?

    Comment by Zooey

    Back in 1990, whilst between jobs, I sold Christmas trees for a month. As we got nearer and nearer to the Big Day, we started giving away stuff to get it off the lot… wreaths, little bags of holly, things like that. Even w/ a BIG sign sitting on the holly stack, saying “FREE”, I still caught 2 women one morning STEALING the stuff… trying clandestinely stuff bags into their purses.

    It’s inbred.


  47. Nothing matters Says:

    #32

    Dismissed the case on jurisdictional grounds and stated that he would not express an opinion on the constitutional arguments.

    He didn’t make a political opinion one way or the other. Dismissed because of jurisdiction. I say again, where’s the beef?


  48. shane Says:

    And that’s a damned good thing too, so that political considerations won’t affect him.
    Comment by Boudin Bob — July 20, 2007 @ 6:27 pm

    Did you read the post? This judge is purely political, and sleeps in Cheney’s left armpit.

    Comment by Zooey

    What do you expect, this is Ct or Mr. P or both.


  49. Sparky Says:

    Can this creep be impeached?? maybe in 2009?


  50. Zooey Says:

    That’s how you see it. It doesn’t make it a fact. You’re so far to the left that you can’t see a fair decision when you see it.
    Comment by Boudin Bob — July 20, 2007 @ 6:31 pm

    This is not a “left” or “right” issue when it concerns you and me, American citizens. If these bozos start rounding us up, you’re in as much shit as me.

    We’ll remember how you volunteered…..


  51. The Republic of Stupidity Says:

    You’re so far to the left that you can’t see a fair decision when you see it.

    Comment by Boudin Bob

    Excuse, Loafy, but if yu CAN read down into the article, get to the part where this guy said it was okay for Bru$ch to sing a law that hadn’t even been passed yet. What part of “Con-sti-tu-tion” are you missing here?

    Can you really defend something that nutty, and IF Clinton had done such a thing, you’d been howling like Tom Delay the day he resigned.


  52. Boudin Bob Says:

    What do you expect, this is Ct or Mr. P or both.

    Ah yes. Distill all the trolling into one or two characters.

    I am neither.

    Is it really that hard to believe that there are 10+ trolls on this site?


  53. Boudin Bob Says:

    What part of “Con-sti-tu-tion” are you missing here?

    Bush can do whatever the damn he wants. Clinton’s irrelevant because, unlike Bush, he was pursuing wrong policies for this country.


  54. trueblue Says:

    Why does Nothing matters keep using a term Walter Mondale made famous outside of the commercial?


  55. shane Says:

    What makes you think there will be elections in 2008 or a new president in 2009. I don’t think that’s going to happen as long as we are at war.

    Comment by Boudin Bob

    And then they threaten to cancel elections and the transfer of power. Isn’t this treason they threaten. And since you two Mr. P/CT called the FBI in here maybe they better check out your plans.


  56. Zooey Says:

    What do you expect, this is Ct or Mr. P or both.
    Comment by shane

    Naaahhh, I really think most of these trolls are their own special selves. The ones who use different names sometimes are obvious.

    This “Boudin Bob” is just another wingnut whiner who totally supports the war, but wouldn’t dream of actually fighting in it.

    And, he insults boudin.


  57. Boudin Bob Says:

    If these bozos start rounding us up, you’re in as much shit as me.

    What makes you think that I won’t be out there rounding people up? I hope, really hope, that it won’t come to that, but we’ll see in 2008. If the people make the right choice, we’ll have no trouble at all. If, however, we’ll have an unsuitable president, well, all options will be off the table.


  58. Boudin Bob Says:

    And, he insults boudin.

    Oi! How about some cracklin’ instead? :)


  59. shane Says:

    Is it really that hard to believe that there are 10+ trolls on this site?

    Comment by Boudin Bob

    10 people this out of touch with reality. Pretty hard to believe.


  60. Zooey Says:

    What makes you think that I won’t be out there rounding people up? I hope, really hope, that it won’t come to that, but we’ll see in 2008. If the people make the right choice, we’ll have no trouble at all. If, however, we’ll have an unsuitable president, well, all options will be off the table.
    Comment by Boudin Bob

    I’m interested to know what makes you feel comfortable being willing to behave like a Nazi brownshirt.


  61. Boudin Bob Says:

    #61: Saving this country from the liberals.


  62. justabill Says:

    That’s one seriously reich-wing wacktivist judge.

    Hillary Clinton docs weren’t protected but Bush Cheney’s are? WTF is in the koolaid he must drink with every meal?

    Sickening.


  63. the fly-man/W is 4 WEAK Says:

    Look I understand the injection idea, but this should just be a reminder that when you vote for someone to be President you get a lot more than just someone who wrecks foreign countries , starts unecessary wars, denies habeas rights, spies on American citizens, you also are at the mercy of their judicial appointments. Yous paid your nickle and you takes your chances.


  64. VerbalKint Says:

    He is a partisan activist judge.


  65. Ret. Col. Jack Ripper Says:

    Boudin Bob: “What makes you think there will be elections in 2008 or a new president in 2009. I don’t think that’s going to happen as long as we are at war.”

    Boudin Bob, if you really feel that way and are not simply trying to jerk chains, you are nothing more than treasonous, unamerican criminal. Elections were held while we were simultaneously fighting the two most powerful industrial fascist powers in the world who were bent on destroying our way of life. Elections were held during the Civil War. They were held during WWI. They were held during the War of 1812 when the British actually overran Washington DC and burned the capitol. You have no brains and no respect for our system. As such, you are, by definition a unpatriotic American.


  66. shane Says:

    If, however, we’ll have an unsuitable president, well, all options will be off the table.

    Comment by Boudin Bob

    And is there any Democrat that you’d consider suitable.


  67. trueblue Says:

    Anyone seen the movie,

    “V for Vendetta?”

    Eerie.


  68. r Says:

    #62
    That’s one seriously reich-wing wacktivist judge.

    Hillary Clinton docs weren’t protected but Bush Cheney’s are? WTF is in the koolaid he must drink with every meal?

    Sickening.

    Comment by justabill — July 20, 2007 @ 6:41 pm

    The lefties take over the “Clinton Did It” rant.

    NO FAIR, THAT”S OURS!


  69. Boudin Bob Says:

    #66: Yeah, whatever. I’ve cast my dice already and I’ve got a role to play in 2008-2009. Just vote the right way and it won’t get nasty.


  70. Zooey Says:

    #61: Saving this country from the liberals.
    Comment by Boudin Bob — July 20, 2007 @ 6:41 pm

    You’re talking to yourself again.

    I know you don’t know me personally, but please tell me exactly what am I, as a liberal, doing to ruin this country?

    Details, please.


  71. Zooey Says:

    Yeah, whatever. I’ve cast my dice already and I’ve got a role to play in 2008-2009. Just vote the right way and it won’t get nasty.
    Comment by Boudin Bob — July 20, 2007 @ 6:44 pm

    Tell us, Bottom Boy, what is the right way to vote? And how will things get nasty? Sounds exciting!


  72. GSD Says:

    Now we know what happened to Tootsie.

    -GSD


  73. trueblue Says:

    vote the right way and it won’t get nasty……..

    Sounds like a threat to me. Anyone else?


  74. Ret. Col. Jack Ripper Says:

    “Just vote the right way and it won’t get nasty.”

    Said the Stalinist/Nazi/Maoist (take your pick.) A patriotic American would never say such a thing. For 230 years, we’ve seen change of power without a drop of blood or tanks in the streets. If you don’t appreciate and honor that fact, you don’t deserve to call yourself American. I can’t believe you’re serious about this.


  75. Suzy Q Says:

    The point that is made in providing a bio on this ratbag is that all republicans are criminals. Not even judges are exempt.

    With all of the talk about deporting undocumented illegals how about a new movement….The deportation of all republicans, they are criminals worse than a scumbag that sneaks into our country and sucks up all of our resourses.


  76. Zooey Says:

    Yoo hoo, Cracklin’ Bob…….

    What about that info on how I’m ruining the country, and how you’re gonna make things ugly around here…..?



  77. Merlin Says:

    #17I Comment by Nothing Matters — July 20, 2007 @ 6:12pm

    …the POINT is about a hit piece on a judge.

    Pure troll talk! Pure evasion based on self centered ignorance and egotism.

    Walker “wanted Mr. Cheney to reveal the names of industry executives who helped the administration develop” its energy policy. Bates argued turning the records over to Walker “would hobble an administration’s essential, legitimate ability to receive frank information and advice.”

    This is the real problem here. He believes in secrecy and a unitary president, and his decisions, no matter how “good” or “legally correct” they sound or even in some cases may be, are still fronts for the destruction of our Democracy.

    Our founders created a government from “the bottom up” not from “the top down.” Of the people, by the people, for the people should not read “of the rich, for the corporations, by the neocons.


  78. trueblue Says:

    btw:
    Hey, Zooey. Welcome home.


  79. Silence Dogood Says:

    Yeah but, what are his hobbies?


  80. Ret. Col. Jack Ripper Says:

    Face it, Boudin Bob. Without a complete breakdown in our grand experiment in representative democracy, it’s over for this current iteration of the Republican party. Be a man and just accept it instead of a fascist coward. Dems are going to take the presidency and supermajorities in both houses of congress. Bush has broken everything he’s ever touched and now he’s broken his own party. Repubs won’t control congress for at least two decades. It will probably be at least two decades before they are able to elect a president again. Your cult leader has done this to you.


  81. Ret. Col. Jack Ripper Says:

    Merlin: “Our founders created a government from “the bottom up” not from “the top down.” Of the people, by the people, for the people should not read “of the rich, for the corporations, by the neocons.”

    Absolutely! And, let me add that it’s “We, the people…” not “Me, the individual…”


  82. Zooey Says:

    btw:
    Hey, Zooey. Welcome home.
    Comment by trueblue

    Thanks, true. :)

    Now, where is that cowardly cracklin’ sausage troll boy…?


  83. Bob Says:

    It’s Ichabod Crane, so there’s a headless horseman out there somewheres!


  84. Suzy Q Says:

    #81 Right on…..cant elect republicans when they’re all in jail.


  85. katy Says:

    why you don’t want to bother:

    Boudin (pronounced BOO-danh, IPA [ˈbudæ̃]) describes a number of different types of sausage used in French, Creole and Cajun cuisine.
    […]
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boudin


  86. NAMGORK NOHJ Says:

    “Rotten from the top” was the comment from an early comment.

    What is much more frightening about this political rigging is that it was directed by Chief Justice Roberts!!

    These guys control the political decisions that Bush’s judiciary makes. And this is directed by the White House.


  87. Ret. Col. Jack Ripper Says:

    I guess he packed up his jack boots and crawled back into his stinking hole. I’ve got news for a-holes like him. There are quite a few nuts with 50 calibers who won’t stand for what he’s selling no matter who wins the presidency.


  88. LosingFaith Says:

    “Dismissed the case on jurisdictional grounds and stated that he would not express an opinion on the constitutional arguments.

    He didn’t make a political opinion one way or the other. Dismissed because of jurisdiction. I say again, where’s the beef?”
    Comment by Nothing matters — July 20, 2007 @ 6:32 pm

    Ummmm, did you bother to read #22?

    “Except that the Privacy Act gives no administrative remedy against the Vice President.”
    Comment by helenahandbasket — July 20, 2007 @ 6:16 pm

    Will you “see” it this time? Pretty doubtful. Trolls (if indeed you ar one) always continue to say the same thing over and over after people have already responded to them. To them, apparently, ignorance of rebuttal wins an argument.


  89. Zooey Says:

    why you don’t want to bother:

    Boudin (pronounced BOO-danh, IPA [ˈbudæ̃]) describes a number of different types of sausage used in French, Creole and Cajun cuisine.
    […]
    Comment by katy

    Cajun boudin is so lovely and delicious, and that troll insulted it!!


  90. S.D. Says:

    Deputy Independent Counsel to Whitewater investigator Ken Star
    Well, that explains a lot!


  91. Candideinnc Says:

    Crony…it says it all. A man with no ethics and loyalty only to the disreputable. When a person sells his body and soul, he is a whore.


  92. bogtrotters Says:

    Judging from the photo, yet another middle-school wedgie victim.


  93. Zooey Says:

    I guess he packed up his jack boots and crawled back into his stinking hole. I’ve got news for a-holes like him. There are quite a few nuts with 50 calibers who won’t stand for what he’s selling no matter who wins the presidency.
    Comment by Ret. Col. Jack Ripper

    You bet, Colonel. I know super-duper rightwing rednecks around here who, after hearing that crap, would gladly put a bullet in his head.


  94. Spudge_Boy Says:

    Is it really that hard to believe that there are 10+ trolls on this site?

    Comment by Boudin Bob — July 20, 2007 @ 6:34 pm

    Nope, there are not more than 3 trolls on this site. You would ike to think that there are more of you here, but too bad for you there isn’t.


  95. Egreggious Says:

    This is what we get for picking on these guys in high school.


  96. J Lewd Says:

    “Who Is John D. Bates?”

    Republican cum-bucket cleaner.

    Neocon spooge spilled all over your new carpet? Call John D. Bates, the conservative cumbucket cleaner. Mention this ad and get half off on your next cumbucket cleaning.*

    *Offer good in red states only.


  97. Spudge_Boy Says:

    Yeah, whatever. I’ve cast my dice already and I’ve got a role to play in 2008-2009. Just vote the right way and it won’t get nasty.
    Comment by Boudin Bob — July 20, 2007 @ 6:44 pm

    And Bahgdad Bob whips out his fascism card. Nice and you say we are way to far to the left. Sorry dummy. You are so far to the right that everybody in the middle seems like they are to the left.


  98. katy Says:

    Anyone seen the movie, “V for Vendetta?” Eerie.
    Comment by trueblue — July 20, 2007 @ 6:43 pm

    my daughter had seen it before and we watched it together…
    she said, ‘now mom, just remember - it’s a MOVIE… it’s not real’…
    i lost track of how many times i looked at her and said, ‘you need to know -
    this is happening NOW… this is totally happening now’…
    the parallels were definitely ‘eerie’…


  99. JESUS! Says:

    Who Is John D. Bates?
    President of Center for American Progress


  100. JESUS! Says:

    My Enemy


  101. katy Says:

    that troll insulted it!!
    Comment by Zooey — July 20, 2007 @ 7:00 pm

    but you know what they say about sausage…


  102. The Republic of Stupidity Says:

    Make that repeated Super-wedgies, at the hands of laughing girls.


  103. The Republic of Stupidity Says:

    When a person sells his body and soul, he is a whore.

    Comment by Candideinnc

    Are you trying to tell us that Vitter wasn’t even fooling around w/ a woman?


  104. katy Says:

    Now, where is that cowardly cracklin’ sausage troll boy…?
    Comment by Zooey — July 20, 2007 @ 6:56 pm

    i think he got his nut with this:
    Just vote the right way and it won’t get nasty.
    and now he’s passed out… or having a cigarrette first…


  105. trueblue Says:

    This is what we get for picking on these guys in high school.

    Comment by Egreggious

    OMG! That is so funny, and kinda sad at the same time.


  106. Wayne A. Schneider Says:

    At first I wondered if this miscreant was another recess appointment, but I see that he got his job in early 2006, when the Confirm-Anyone-With-No-Heart-And-A-Low-IQ-Republican-Controlled Congress was responsible for seeing to it that the president only appointed qualified people to the courts to safeguard our liberties. So it was probably a middle-of-the-night unanimous consent agreement that got him confirmed. Either that or the Dems agreed to him because the president wanted someone much, much worse for another job.

    What amazes me is that any of the decisions mentioned above could have withstood Supreme Court review. Then again, they get to pick and choose which cases they want to hear, so they probably rejected all appeals of this idiot’s decisions.

    This man is the poster boy for judicial appointment reform. We, the People, must find a way to get some kind of non-partisan civilian input to these lifetime appointments. I could do a better job than this joker. And I agree with the others that this guy’s underwear is probably still up his ass from his high school wedgies.


  107. The Republic of Stupidity Says:

    When I look at this guy’s picture, I have to ask myself, “Is it possible for a man to be frigid?”


  108. oldtree Says:

    please, someone that knows how, begin a recall on this jurist
    it is clearly not working in the public interest and must be removed from the bench and examined for what it did as a jurist with an agenda for potential criminal investigation
    we, the people, are not going to take any more


  109. trueblue Says:

    When I look at this guy’s picture, I have to ask myself, “Is it possible for a man to be frigid?”

    Comment by The Republic of Stupidity

    Unfortunately, yes. I had the bummer of a time with one.

    :((


  110. gummitch Says:

    When I look at this guy’s picture, I have to ask myself, “Is it possible for a man to be frigid?”

    Comment by The Republic of Stupidity

    Unfortunately, yes. I had the bummer of a time with one.

    :((

    Comment by trueblue

    Ha. You were just too cheap to buy dinner.


  111. bob h Says:

    It sounds like Bates got his opinions on the Plame case from listening to Fox News.


  112. Wayne A. Schneider Says:

    In August 2006, Bates “ruled that it was acceptable for the president to sign a bill that had not been passed by Congress.” A clerical error resulted in the President receiving a version of a law approved by only one half of Congress. Bates upheld the law, despite the President being warned of the error before signing the bill.

    BTW, this is evidence that Bush has failed to fulfill his constitutional oath to preserve, protect and defend the constitution. Also, I would argue that any Supreme Court Justice who did not grant cert to his this case was not acting in “good behavior” (it’s very naughty to deliberately allow an unconstotutional law to stand), and can subject to removal. But those votes are secret, so we’ll never know.

    In December 2002, Bates protected the Bush administration by narrowly dismissing a lawsuit filled by the U.S. Comptroller General David M. Walker against Cheney. Walker “wanted Mr. Cheney to reveal the names of industry executives who helped the administration develop” its energy policy. Bates argued turning the records over to Walker “would hobble an administration’s essential, legitimate ability to receive frank information and advice.”

    I’ve made my position on the non-existent constitutional right to “Executive Privilege” known on my blog. What people who support this concept fail to remember is that the president, vice president and everyone else in the administration are supposed to be working on bahelf of the people. They do not work for the president (or, the president’s case, the vice president), they work for the people. ANy advice given to the president is supposed to be in the public interest and, therefore, should be publicly revealed unless it relates directly to national security or real-time wartime decisions.

    From September 1995 to March 1997, Bates served as Deputy Independent Counsel to Whitewater investigator Ken Starr. During that time, Bates wanted open access to what Sen. Pat Leahy called, the “dresser drawers of the White House.” At the time, Bates “successfully argued that the White House had to turn over documents related to then-first lady Hillary Clinton.”

    In a great article I came across about the National Review’s boat ride, Ken Starr said to someone he probably didn’t realize was a reporter (because he didn’t ask), about Whitewater, “I am entirely at rest with the process. The House of Representatives worked its will, the Senate worked its will, the Chief Justice of the United States presided. The constitutional process worked admirably.” Need we say more?

    http://news.independent.co.uk/ world/ americas/ article2766040.ece


  113. The Republic of Stupidity Says:

    Ha. You were just too cheap to buy dinner.

    Comment by gummitch

    Or you didn’t buy enough cheap wine…


  114. Jeannie See Says:

    This “Boudin Bob” guy is one of the main reasons I left Louisiana. Try talking to a Repug in LA. They just don’t “get it”. My poor mom bangs here head against the wall every single day. She was a staunch Repug until the whole Iran-Contra affair.

    That aside, there’s this really great place in Breaux Bridge to get Cracklin’. (never cared for Boudin (or Crawfish for that matter) but loves me some Cracklin’.)


  115. trueblue Says:

    Alcohol was one of the problems….

    :(


  116. The Republic of Stupidity Says:

    $5 says this guy puts lots of starch in his own undies!


  117. veritas Says:

    boo hoo, boo hoo


  118. trueblue Says:

    Jeannie See,

    Never had boudin nor crawfish. (I’m a MA girl)

    Never heard of cracklin’. What is it?


  119. The Republic of Stupidity Says:

    This “Boudin Bob” guy is one of the main reasons I left Louisiana.

    Comment by Jeannie See

    Wait a minute… where’s ACE when you need him to connect those dots?

    Boudin Bob… Louisiana… Holy Shi-ite, is “Boudin Bob” really David Vitter, trying to get even w/ us for mocking him in his time of troubles?


  120. trueblue Says:

    WAY OT:

    Anyone attending a Harry Potter shindig tonight?

    Last book and all…?


  121. cosmosis Says:

    Q:Who is John Bates?
    A: Bush tool.

    Next question.


  122. gummitch Says:

    Never heard of cracklin’. What is it?

    Comment by trueblue

    Deep-fried pork fat, essentially.


  123. trueblue Says:

    ewwwwwww.

    We’ve had this talk before. I pick fat off of bacon.

    Guess I’m just an uptight New Englander.


  124. Partybeforecounrty Says:

    Thats a well trained devoted honorable republican…party before country!


  125. Egreggious Says:

    I pick fat off of bacon.

    Comment by trueblue — July 20, 2007 @ 8:00 pm

    Please save it for me.


  126. trueblue Says:

    Sure, Egreggious,

    When I move to Oregon, we’ll do breakfast and my bacon fat is all yours.

    (somehow, after reading that, it sounds a little naughty….)

    :D


  127. katy Says:

    Never heard of cracklin’. What is it?
    Comment by trueblue

    Deep-fried pork fat, essentially.
    Comment by gummitch — July 20, 2007 @ 7:50 pm

    a k a - pork rinds to us yankees…

    remember the low carb craze?
    all the pork rinds you want to eat!

    (they are tasty)


  128. Expat Says:

    When the Dems take full control in 2008 it will be time to impeach each and everyone of Bush’s court appointments.


  129. Jeannie See Says:

    Never heard of cracklin’. What is it?

    Comment by trueblue

    Deep-fried pork fat, essentially.

    Comment by gummitch — July 20, 2007 @ 7:50 pm

    But it has meat and cajun spices on it. Very tasty.


  130. Egreggious Says:

    When I move to Oregon, we’ll do breakfast and my bacon fat is all yours.

    Comment by trueblue — July 20, 2007 @ 8:04 pm

    I think I’m in love. :)


  131. Jeannie See Says:

    #120 Wouldn’t surprise me a bit. The majority of LA politicians are corrupt on both sides of the party. I can remember when I was 15 and Gov. Edwards was dating the cousin of a boyfriend of mine at the time.

    Hunh, wonder if that is how she was able to afford that 442.


  132. trueblue Says:

    Egreggious,

    Shhhhh!

    Zooey might be listening.

    ;)


  133. Egreggious Says:

    I believe Zooey is having a tryst with the Colonel right now.


  134. trueblue Says:

    ,em>I believe Zooey is having a tryst with the Colonel right now.

    Comment by Egreggious

    Oh you poor man.

    That Zooey’s a harlot!

    (I’m in trouble in 3…2…1…)


  135. Egreggious Says:

    trueblue,

    You said it, I didn’t. :)

    I gotta run for a bit. Will be back later.


  136. katy Says:

    But it has meat and cajun spices on it. Very tasty.
    Comment by Jeannie See — July 20, 2007 @ 8:08 pm

    thanks for clearing that up… i did not know there was any
    actual meat included… mmmmm…


  137. trueblue Says:

    Goodnight.


  138. Zooey Says:

    That aside, there’s this really great place in Breaux Bridge to get Cracklin’. (never cared for Boudin (or Crawfish for that matter) but loves me some Cracklin’.)
    Comment by Jeannie See — July 20, 2007 @ 7:34 pm

    Cool. I used to live in Breaux Bridge. Crawfish Festival!!

    Never could stand the cracklin’, but I luvs me some boudin. Crawfish? I can take it or leave it. :)


  139. Zooey Says:

    WTF!?


  140. LibertyLover Says:

    Calling Larry Flynnt… please dig up some juicy dirt on this guy…


  141. Zooey Says:

    I can’t leave you people alone for a minute!


  142. Jeannie See Says:

    Zooey, where did you live in Breaux Bridge?


  143. trueblue Says:

    ummmmm……………………………………..

    ummmmm…………………………………….

    (ducks and hides)


  144. Jeannie See Says:

    Remember when they held the Crawfish Festival in the streets? Then they screwed it up and contained it to Parc Hardy?


  145. trueblue Says:

    What do crawfish taste like?


  146. Raven Says:

    They taste like very small lobsters.


  147. Zooey Says:

    Zooey, where did you live in Breaux Bridge?
    Comment by Jeannie See

    Oh lordy, I moved away 20 years ago. It was on the side toward Lafayette. Some trailer park with a pig farm down the road. Oy….I was always terrified of tornadoes. :D


  148. Jeannie See Says:

    Raven, I disagree, they taste like the mud bugs that they are (the large ones). Now the small tails, I can eat in a Crawfish Pie. That’s pretty tasty. But not the big ones. Yuck.


  149. Zooey Says:

    Remember when they held the Crawfish Festival in the streets? Then they screwed it up and contained it to Parc Hardy?
    Comment by Jeannie See

    I thought it was still in the streets when I was there. I left in 1986. Streets are better, festivals just tear up the grass.


  150. Zooey Says:

    What do crawfish taste like?
    Comment by trueblue

    I always thought they were rather tasteless, and too much work. I hate ripping the heads off things, even if they are dead. :)

    I did like the corn boiled with the crawfish in Zatarains. Yum.


  151. Raven Says:

    I’m used to the ones caught in cold, fresh water lakes.
    All you can eat are the tails, and they at least jog my memories back to the coast of Maine when I was just a fledgling… alas…


  152. Jeannie See Says:

    Zooey, I know just where you are talking about. It’s still there, or at least it was three years ago.

    I can’r for the life of me remember the name of the road that we lived on but it was by the Exxon store going toward St. Martinsville.


  153. Zooey Says:

    Raven, if I remember correctly, a lot of farmers raise the crawfish in the rice patties. Dual use, I guess.


  154. Raven Says:

    Have they been trained to pick the rice?


  155. Jeannie See Says:

    Zooey, did you attend yoU Stand in Line? Now known as ULaLa by the kids?


  156. Zooey Says:

    I can’r for the life of me remember the name of the road that we lived on but it was by the Exxon store going toward St. Martinsville.
    Comment by Jeannie See

    I was never so happy to leave a place as I was LA. Food - great. People - great. Weather - oh my god it sucked.

    I always loved St Martinville. So historic. Beautiful homes.

    I’ve never had someone know where Breaux Bridge is! My eldest was born down there, in Eunice. He’s an honorary Cajun. :)


  157. Raven Says:

    Just kidding, I’m imagining the crawfish act like little cultivators, aerating the muck, and fertilizing at the same time.
    Crawfish are basically scavengers, eating anything, to the extent of my knowledge……..


  158. Guy Fawkes Says:

    He should be impeached and removed from office.


  159. Zooey Says:

    Zooey, did you attend yoU Stand in Line? Now known as ULaLa by the kids?
    Comment by Jeannie See

    U LaLa, that’s great!

    No, my husband at the time worked for Petroleum Helicopters, and I was a young housewife and mom when I lived down there.

    No smartass comments from the peanut gallery, please. :)


  160. Zooey Says:

    Crawfish are basically scavengers, eating anything, to the extent of my knowledge……..
    Comment by Raven

    Yeah. Blech. Cajuns will eat anything. I know, because my landlord Mr Daigle told me. And I was a witness. :P


  161. gummitch Says:

    What do crawfish taste like?
    Comment by trueblue

    I always thought they were rather tasteless, and too much work. I hate ripping the heads off things, even if they are dead. :)

    I did like the corn boiled with the crawfish in Zatarains. Yum.

    Comment by Zooey

    Tasteless?!! Crawdads?!!!

    Philistine!

    I love the crawfishes. Eat ‘em up. Crawfish pie, though . . . that’s what God eats on his day off. Mmmmmmmmmm.


  162. Raven Says:

    –No smartass comments from the peanut gallery, please. :)

    Comment by Zooey

    Experiences are the best source of knowledge,
    given that we survive them…………………………………………….:)


  163. OxyCon Says:

    So, in other words, Bates is a right wing ideologue, activist/rogue judge, who always “interprets” the law to benefit the Repub party.


  164. Raven Says:

    I was once an instructor at a “wilderness survival” school,
    I’ll not regale you all with the things I’ve eaten…………


  165. Zooey Says:

    I love the crawfishes. Eat ‘em up. Crawfish pie, though . . . that’s what God eats on his day off. Mmmmmmmmmm.
    Comment by gummitch — July 20, 2007 @ 9:00 pm

    Only a Philistine would call a crawfish a crawdad.

    *sticks nose in air*

    To me, a crawfish has a similar texture to shrimp, but no flavor, and slightly fatty. :P


  166. Jeannie See Says:

    Raven, I thank you for that.


  167. Zooey Says:

    Experiences are the best source of knowledge,
    given that we survive them…………………………………………….:)
    Comment by Raven — July 20, 2007 @ 9:01 pm

    I have survived gloriously. :-)


  168. Zooey Says:

    I was once an instructor at a “wilderness survival” school,
    I’ll not regale you all with the things I’ve eaten…………
    Comment by Raven

    Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. :)

    My dad likes to tell stories about what he ate in Marine Survival School.
    Oh. My. God.


  169. Zooey Says:

    Jeannie See,

    When did you live in Breaux Bridge? Where are you now?


  170. Raven Says:

    I have survived gloriously. :-)

    Comment by Zooey

    We can tell!


  171. Toliver Says:

    Quality links to back up the BS TP.


  172. trueblue Says:

    –No smartass comments from the peanut gallery, please. :)

    Comment by Zooey

    D#mn!

    Leaves me out.


  173. Humbert Snopes Says:

    The real question is when will Valerie Plame and Joe Wilson be brought up on perjury charges for lying under oath? Why are the Republicans always trying to act like gentleman. It’s time they adopted the agressive tactics of the DemocRAT opposition.


  174. Merlin Says:

    Comment by Humbert Snopes — July 20, 2007 @ 9:12 pm

    HaaaaaHaaaaaHaaaaa


  175. Jeannie See Says:

    Zooey,

    I lived between Shreveport, Breaux Bridge and Lafayette from 1977 until 1996-7. We moved there from Beaumont, Tx. Lived a little in Oregon and Cali. for a bit in between those years. Now I live in Sarasota, FL.


  176. Zooey Says:

    We can tell!
    Comment by Raven

    It was pure unadulterated hell, but I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, because it brought me where I am today. :)


  177. Zooey Says:

    D#mn!
    Leaves me out.
    Comment by trueblue

    I had you in mind when I wrote that. :D


  178. Zooey Says:

    HaaaaaHaaaaaHaaaaa
    Comment by Merlin

    That was a good one, wasn’t it? You said it all, Merlin!!


  179. trueblue Says:

    I had you in mind when I wrote that. :D

    Comment by Zooey

    Somehow I knew.

    I’m still biting my tongue over here!


  180. Vato Says:

    A kept man. While Bushco is runnin the show.


  181. trueblue Says:

    We’re going to take a troll named Humbert Snopes seriously?

    *snicker*


  182. Zooey Says:

    Comment by Jeannie See — July 20, 2007 @ 9:18 pm

    Wow, you were all over the place like me! How do you like FL?
    I landed in Idaho — dry, dry Idaho. Ahhhh…..


  183. Raven Says:

    because it brought me where I am today. :)

    The best perspective to have, right on!


  184. Zooey Says:

    I’m still biting my tongue over here!
    Comment by trueblue

    Keep biting, you know I’ll get ya. :D


  185. Zooey Says:

    The best perspective to have, right on!
    Comment by Raven

    Briseadh na Faire is a great teacher. :)


  186. trueblue Says:

    Keep biting, you know I’ll get ya. :D

    Comment by Zooey

    I know. I’ve given up trying to think anything different.

    :)


  187. trueblue Says:

    Where has BnF been lately?

    Anyone know?


  188. Raven Says:

    “Who is John D. Bates?”

    One of Madam Palfrys customers, disputing his tab…………


  189. Ronald Reagan and his Master Satan Says:

    Hello, I’m Ronald Reagan, former president and Iran/Contra TRAITOR to the USA.

    I’m DEAD and BURNING IN HELL now, and YOU CAN, TOO!

    Weeelll, that’s Norman Bates for you…

    Partisan Republican “party before country” unamerican TRAITOR psycho!

    Treasonously yours from the pits of hell,

    Traitor Ronnie and my Master Satan


  190. Zooey Says:

    Anyone know?
    Comment by trueblue

    He’s been working on his law practice.
    I read some of his docs — impressive!

    And I saw him on TP earlier, but his comments were deleted almost immediately. No wonder he doesn’t come around much.


  191. Jeannie See Says:

    Comment by Zooey — July 20, 2007 @ 9:22 pm

    I love Florida. I’ve been bouncing in and out of Florida from 1989 (when that MF knocked me of the back of a bike grrrrr) until I finally settled here in 1997. Getting ready to move to North Prt. We bought a house down there.


  192. trueblue Says:

    I really hate when TP does that.

    BnF is an incredible mind and poster.

    TP is shallow and just plain wrong to censor him.

    :(((


  193. Zooey Says:

    Comment by Jeannie See — July 20, 2007 @ 9:31 pm

    Ohhhhh, colorful! I love it!

    I went out for a while with a bike who had a guy.

    Congrats on the house! Great investment these days…


  194. Zooey Says:

    TP is shallow and just plain wrong to censor him.
    :(((
    Comment by trueblue

    gummitch was telling me earlier that willyloman and TripMasterMonkey are banned as well. Can you imagine that!?


  195. Jeannie See Says:

    I read the comments more than I post them but I have to agree, getting rid of BnF is just wrong. I like reading his comments as much as I like reading Karen’s over at C&L.


  196. Jeannie See Says:

    Depends on the frame of mind the Site Monitors are in at the moment I suppose.


  197. Zooey Says:

    Jeannie,

    You maybe seeing many of us over at C&L soon. I’ll look for Karen. I mostly lurk over there. It feels weird to me on other blogs!!


  198. Zooey Says:

    Depends on the frame of mind the Site Monitors are in at the moment I suppose.
    Comment by Jeannie See

    I think TP just has some sort of automated filter system. I know certain words will get you gone in a fast hurry. If we b*tch loud and hard enough about name hijacking or truly offensive behavior, the intern might pull his finger out of his nose and do something about it, but usually not.

    I got Faiz’ direct email address somehow, and I use it.


  199. Pakistani Nukes Says:

    George W. Bush will be the end of the planet if he is not removed from office.

    That’s not an understatement. It’s a fact.

    Russia is going to nuke the U.S. because they, nor the rest of the world, can tolerate the Bush administration running amuk, here…and abroad. And since the People of the USA no longer seem to have a grip on the US government, and can do nothing to prevent whatever Bush “the decider” decides to do, they must take matters into their own hands, until the People of America sieze the War Criminals in the White House and prosecutes them and their henchmen for High Treason and Crimes Against Humanity.

    End of Discussion


  200. katy Says:

    I went out for a while with a bike who had a guy.

    Comment by Zooey — July 20, 2007 @ 9:38 pm

    Laugh Out Loud…
    another classic zinger!

    btw, me too…


  201. Raven Says:

    My credit card and my truck went out with a girl…….. once.


  202. trueblue Says:

    TMM and willylowman??!!??

    WTFWTFWTF???

    What is freaking wrong wit hthis site?

    Next they’ll ban you and Spudge_Boy.

    grrrrr…….


  203. Zooey Says:

    Comment by katy — July 20, 2007 @ 9:48 pm

    Here’s what’s funny, I can’t even remember the guy’s name or what he looked like, but I remember that bike. :D


  204. GOP smells funny Says:

    Who was it that called for the death of judiciary members- Coulter? Delay? Suddenly it sounds like a good idea….


  205. Zooey Says:

    My credit card and my truck went out with a girl…….. once.
    Comment by Raven

    Ouch! Damn, I let the guy keep his bike…..


  206. GOP smells funny Says:

    Zooey- I had a little Italian in me, once.


  207. Zooey Says:

    Next they’ll ban you and Spudge_Boy.
    grrrrr…….
    Comment by trueblue

    Hey, I’m surprised I’m NOT banned! I put up Faiz email address with a thinly veiled suggestion that he needed to be “trolled.”


  208. Zooey Says:

    End of Discussion
    Comment by Pakistani Nukes — July 20, 2007 @ 9:47 pm

    There was a time, not too long ago, that I would have said you were crazy, but no more…..

    I hope you’re wrong.


  209. WaltTheMan Says:

    According to his college transcript, Bates was a C- student in his prelaw courses. I am still trying to find his Law grades.


  210. Jeannie See Says:

    Comment by Zooey — July 20, 2007 @ 9:38 pm

    Zooey, wrong idea. I was on the back of a motorcycle when this drunk college kid was playing chicken on a two lane highway. We were coming back from Ft. Myers to Naples (where we lived) and I ended up in some serious trouble. That was in 1989. Still have that friggin’ rod in my right femur.

    It’s all good though, because it exposed the boyfried that was driving that bike for who he really was. BIG.FAT.WUSS.

    And he wanted me to vote for the repugs or he wouldn’t marry me. Heh.

    He missed out on a really good thing. Now he’s married to some woman that says, “Yes dear, can I get you anything else”.


  211. Raven Says:

    All in good humour, Zooey, like they say, it’s all part of how we got where we are, and I wouldn’t change any of it. ;)


  212. trueblue Says:

    “Yes dear, can I get you anything else”.

    Comment by Jeannie See

    Like a good swift kick in the ass, perhaps?


  213. Zooey Says:

    He missed out on a really good thing. Now he’s married to some woman that says, “Yes dear, can I get you anything else”.
    Comment by Jeannie See

    So is my ex!! And he’s miserable and broke. Ain’t karma grand?

    I’m sorry about your accident, it sounds like you were lucky to survive. There are those pesky silver linings, aren’t there? I’m glad you’re ok.


  214. Zooey Says:

    All in good humour, Zooey, like they say, it’s all part of how we got where we are, and I wouldn’t change any of it. ;)
    Comment by Raven

    True, very true.


  215. Zooey Says:

    According to his college transcript, Bates was a C- student in his prelaw courses. I am still trying to find his Law grades.
    Comment by WaltTheMan

    He must have gone to Harvard Law…..


  216. Jeannie See Says:

    Jeannie,

    You maybe seeing many of us over at C&L soon. I’ll look for Karen. I mostly lurk over there. It feels weird to me on other blogs!!

    Comment by Zooey — July 20, 2007 @ 9:43 pm

    Zooey,

    C&L doesn’t let you have any fun with the trolls.


  217. trueblue Says:

    I realized that changing one decision when I was 14 would have resulted in me not having miniblue.

    14.

    Things happen for a reason - except this corrupt admin who are forcing things on our country.


  218. The Republic of Stupidity Says:

    He must have gone to Harvard Law…..

    Comment by Zooey

    Regent, all the way!


  219. katy Says:

    but I remember that bike. :D
    Comment by Zooey — July 20, 2007 @ 9:52 pm

    you are BAD!

    i DO remember the names…
    one got away… another gave me a son…