Bush To Give Keynote Address Honoring Federalist Society’s 25th Anniversary
Bush To Give Keynote Address Honoring Federalist Society’s 25th Anniversary
In 1982, conservative legal scholars such as Antonin Scalia and Robert Bork held the Federalist Society’s first National Student Symposium, launching an organization meant to advance the “rule of law.” This week, the organization will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a three-day convention, featuring speakers such as Clarence Thomas and John Yoo, along with Scalia, Olson, and Bork.
The Federalist Society has experienced a golden era under President Bush, who will, not surprisingly, be giving the keynote address at the organization’s black tie gala on Thursday. It has served as a gateway for judges and legal aides who strive to work inside the administration, in effect promoting individuals who have dedicated themselves to enforcing a right-wing ideology rather than the law. A look at the oversized influence Bush has afforded the Federalist Society:
– Filling top-level appointments. When he took office, Bush immediately filled many of his administration’s top appointments with current and former Federalist Society members, including: Gale Norton (Interior Secretary), John Ashcroft (Attorney General), Spencer Abraham (Energy Secretary), Ted Olson (Solicitor General), and Michael Chertoff (Homeland Security Secretary).
– Filling career Justice Department slots. Under Bradley Schlozman, approximately “half of the 14 career lawyers hired” for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights division were members of the Federalist Society, “up from none among the eight career hires in the previous two years.”
– Filling judicial vacancies. Administration officials note that in the early days of the Bush presidency, “about a quarter of their judicial nominees were recommended by the Washington headquarters of the society.” In 2005, The New York Times reported that “15 of the 41 appeals court judges confirmed under Mr. Bush have identified themselves as members of the group.”
– Tracking U.S. attorneys’ Federalist Society membership. Political appointees in the Justice Department, such as former Gonzales aide Monica Goodling, assessed U.S. attorneys based not only on prosecution experience and political experience, but also whether they were members of the Federalist Society.
In 2005, the White House seemed to recognize the dangers in associating too closely with the conservative society. It aggressively resisted media efforts to (accurately) characterize then-Supreme Court nominee John Roberts as a member of the group, going so far as to call and pressure reporters to report otherwise.
Apparently, that’s all water under the bridge. Not only is Bush speaking at the anniversary celebration, but so is Roberts.
UPDATE: Rudy Giuliani is the only presidential candidate who will be speaking at the convention. His Justice Advisory Committee includes Federalist Society members Olson and failed court of appeals nominee Miguel Estrada, as well as society co-founder Steven Calabresi.
UPDATE II: Although Mitt Romney won’t be speaking, his lawyers committee will be holding a breakfast at a nearby lobbying organization on Friday. View invitation HERE.
UPDATE III: In 1970, Bush was rejected by the University of Texas law school. As a backup, he attended Harvard Business School.
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135 Responses to “Bush To Give Keynote Address Honoring Federalist Society’s 25th Anniversary”
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It’s a great time for the conservative movement. Long after Bush is gone, his legacy will be carried on by the judiciary, and by the subdued capabilities of rogue middle eastern nations.
November 12th, 2007 at 2:39 pmCrikey!! Our Founders must be spinning in their graves!!
November 12th, 2007 at 2:40 pmDream on Jake - I mean (s)hits.
November 12th, 2007 at 2:41 pmplease, also considering tracking the members of the center for strategic and international studies, the center for a new american security (which includes tp’s john podesta), the council for foreign relations, the trilateral commission, and the attendees of the bilderberg group… besides tracking them, it would also be interesting to report on how many members overlap… easily done, tp… just visit the websites (except for bilderberg, of course)…
And, yes, I DO take it personally
November 12th, 2007 at 2:43 pmMary,
Anything substantial to offer in rebuttal or support of the point being made?
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 2:44 pmAll of these name’s and position’s are very interesting, make’s me wonder if they are all just pure facists groups..BTW doe’s the most evil of all (cheney) have any ties and or will he be speaking here also.?…Just wondering..Blessings
November 12th, 2007 at 2:49 pmSince you ask Jake - my point is that you are in complete denial about Bush’s legacy!
His name will be spoken with contempt by the majority of the inhabitants of this planet for as long as there are history books in existence.
November 12th, 2007 at 2:50 pmAnything substantial to offer in rebuttal or support of the point being made?
Hits
Comment by hits — November 12, 2007 @ 2:44 pm
hits, your wishful thinking and full-out lies are hardly points that deserve anything but derisive laughter.
Bwahahahahaha!
and the “conservative movement” is over. Yur judges will be reomoved by impeachment, and the Middle East will be pacified by diplomacy instead of angered by mass-murder. Your movement has failed, completely and famously. You are but a footnote of history. Enjoy the executions following the war-crimes trials.
November 12th, 2007 at 2:51 pmFact of the matter is Bush and Cheney (more than Bush) have brought more overt power to the institution of the Executive. Bill Clinton was a great President, and he didn’t need overt power to make things happen from his office. However, not all Presidents can be charismatic and/or intelligent like him. the institution is somewhat sacrosanct, and so, Cheney and Bush (2 folks who represent more of the average Americans than Clinton did, in terms of inteligence) did the right thing in attempting what they have.
November 12th, 2007 at 2:53 pmMary,
Your presumption of the future is too pitiable to even respond to, especially when you cannot even call the poster by his name. However, to you, your delusions.
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 2:54 pmWith the overwhelming majority of the public finally coming to realize how much they’ve been lied to and deceived by groups of evildoers like these, their future is dim (as is their keynote speaker) and their gains will be be short-lived and seen as another dark moment in American history.
November 12th, 2007 at 2:55 pmAnything substantial to offer in rebuttal or support of the point being made?
SHits
Comment by shits — November 12, 2007 @ 2:44 pm
Make ya a deal, “sh!ts”; when you offer something “substantial” in rebuttal or support of any point, then we’ll take you seriously.
I’m not holding my breath. And delusional right-wing fantasy scenarios don’t count.
November 12th, 2007 at 2:55 pmLefty Patriot,
It is possible that certain judges be removed by impeachment, just as it is possible that life be destroyed on Earth by an asteroid strike, if you will. Your attempts to acknowledge the entire spectrum of possibilites is quite funny, and in this context, quite irrelevant.
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 2:56 pmralph the wonder llama,
But facts do - you know, the kind you don’t like to refer to. However, you are quite free to ignore them and my opinions
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 2:57 pmMary,
Your presumption of the future is too pitiable to even respond to, especially when you cannot even call the poster by his name. However, to you, your delusions.
Hits
Comment by hits — November 12, 2007 @ 2:54 pm
So responds the poster who earlier wrote:
Long after Bush is gone, his legacy will be carried on by the judiciary, and by the subdued capabilities of rogue middle eastern nations.
Perhaps sh!ts should look into a dietary irony supplement.
November 12th, 2007 at 2:57 pmThere is somebody that wants to hear this piece of work talk? Oh, that would be those making money off Bush’s war.
November 12th, 2007 at 2:57 pmralph the wonder llama,
Your attempt at triangulation doesn’t cut much ice. Your attempt at humor is much more noteworthy.
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 2:59 pmralph the wonder llama,
But facts do - you know, the kind you don’t like to refer to. However, you are quite free to ignore them and my opinions
Hits
Comment by hits — November 12, 2007 @ 2:57 pm
Exactly what facts are you referring to? I didn’t see any in your postings, except for your assessment that Bush and Cheney have increased the reach of executive power. Your judgment that this is a good thing renders your critical-thinking abilities suspect. As if your other posts weren’t enough evidence of that.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:00 pmYawn,ZZZZZZZZZ
November 12th, 2007 at 3:00 pmYour attempt at triangulation doesn’t cut much ice. Your attempt at humor is much more noteworthy.
Comment by hits — November 12, 2007 @ 2:59 pm
I see sh!ts is going for the “baffle ‘em with bullsh!t” strategy. Might be a wise choice, given the crappy hand his ideologoy has dealt him.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:01 pm#7 Mary there is one thing Bush has done right….there will never be another Bush President for 100 years..that is how long people will talk of the worst President ever.
And Bush supporters you don’t have to worry about outside terrorism when you have the Manchurian Bush doing all he can to sell out American people and our wonderful country.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:02 pmralph the wonder llama,
The body of facts the relate to -
1) The appointment of conservative judges who will carry on the conservative underpinnings in their judgments
2) The destruction of the strategic capabilities of Iraq, which under Saddam could have exerted strategic influence in the Middle East to threaten our national interests and ultimately our national security
Thanks
November 12th, 2007 at 3:03 pmHits
#19 Ralph, that wasen’t ment for you,It is today’s responce to the under the bridge tender’s.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:03 pmFederalists? No, sorry, Fascists, Corporatists, Imperialists and Monarchists, they truly are… As noted in earlier comments, our historical Federalists would be spinning in their graves if they could see this perversion of their ideals in the late 20th Century and the early 21st Century by this so-called “Federalist Society”… Of course, Monarchists Bush and Rudi love this crap…
November 12th, 2007 at 3:03 pmhits is irrelevant. a coward to the bone, which is just as well, he would endanger any troops he was assigned to. I just hope he enjoys the executions to come of Republican leaders, and the impeachment of john Roberts and Sam Alito. I know I will.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:04 pmralph the wonder llama,
I don’t attempt to baffle. My approach is to simplify.
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 3:04 pmSomething you ought to consider, Hits - there were no Nazis at all in Germany after the war….just good, nice, innocent Germans who were deceived by evil Adolf.
Just sayin’.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:04 pm“hits” sez:
And exactly what “capabilities” would those have been, Jake?
November 12th, 2007 at 3:04 pmAnd that brings me to a quote by Hits’ hero:
“I am not a dictator. I have only simplified democracy.” - Adolf Hitler
November 12th, 2007 at 3:05 pmThe destruction of the strategic capabilities of Iraq, which under Saddam could have exerted strategic influence in the Middle East to threaten our national interests and ultimately our national security
Thanks
Hits
wrong as wrong could be. talk about fact-free, hits is it.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:05 pmIf it is a great time for the conservative movement, it must be in spite of not because of W. W is by no stretch of the definition a conservative. Therefore, I fail to see how or why his purported “legacy” will be carried on by any conservative after he is gone. One would hope that the true conservatives would quickly put down the Kool-Aid and get back to what was driving the Left so crazy for the decades before W was placed into office by that supposed defender of all things Constitutional (except the right to vote and civil rights) and our Federal system of goernement: Scalia. The irony is lost on you?!?
Blind obedience to a half-baked political philosophy posing as a power grab by corporatists — That’ll be W’s legacy for the GOP. Waive bye-bye to your precious rule of law (thought crime legislation, GitMo, torture, FISA, habeas repeal). Waive bye-bye to your idea of fiscal responsibility (while selling your soul to China) Waive bye-bye to your idea that the US is not in the business of nation-building.
Hell, your claimed triumph of reduced capabilities of middle eastern nations is just a slogan. Last I saw, Iran was on the uptick and all of our supposed allies in the region were thinking about dumping the dollar as the currency of oil for euros or rubles.
Yeah, W’s been such a visionary for the Great Old People. Enjoy that legacy. It must be wonderful, this drug conservatives drink that lets them believe bad is good, wrong is right, unlawful is lawful, treason is patriotism and party loyalty over anything else is paramount. See, before there was a party, there was a Constitution. The Federalists should read it sometime.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:05 pmLefty Patriot,
I am quite irrelevant in some contexts. In many others though, I am the only thing that matters.
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 3:05 pmLeftside Annie,
I almost entirely agree with your point.
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 3:06 pm#22 your words “could have”….didn’t want to, wasn’t going to but could have….so 3856 lives for “could have”. I guess someone like you would think keeping the boogyman away was worth 3856 lives.
And what is your take on the fact we had Bin Laden in August within reach but were not allowed to take him? That would make 3 times your man let him go, after declaring “we will get him dead or alive.”
November 12th, 2007 at 3:06 pmTripMaster Monkey,
I presume you are referring to me. The capability to intrude on our national security interests.
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 3:07 pmLeftside Annie,
Hitler did indeed simplify democracy. He simplified himself out of it.
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 3:08 pmthe strategic capabilities of Saddam Hussein’s Iraq:
throwing sand in somebody’s face
yelling loudly in Arabic
???
It’s why Bush attacked; they had no defense, but Bush had to show his bullying ways. Now the world hates him and pities the middle East, the dollar falls like a rock, and the USA loses wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and the GWOT, all at once. heckuva job, bushy!
November 12th, 2007 at 3:08 pmLefty Patriot,
Your comment is incomplete and hence, irrelevant
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 3:08 pmAnnie - Remember Bush saying ” a dictator is not all that bad, as long as I am the dictator.” Little did we know he really mean’t it.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:09 pmpo,
Your claim to the future is interesting. I disagree, and you are free to not be influenced by me
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 3:09 pmYour comment is incomplete and hence, irrelevant
Hits
Comment by hits — November 12, 2007 @ 3:08 pm
Obviously it’s relevant to somebody, or nobody would have answered.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:10 pmtexaslady,
Bin Laden should have been taken out when we had the opportunity. The folks who let him go displayed incompetence or lack of judgment.
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 3:10 pmHey, hits, what exactly are those “national security interests” you keep refering to but not identifying? Since you want to talk facts, let’s see what you got? Last I checked, Saddam didn’t have squat. Had you asked me about that before the Ware of Iraqi Liberation or whatever moniker you’re placing on it now, I would have told you that. As would a lot of other folks. See, Daddy Bush had already reduced that cpability. W was probably drinking then and didn’t get the memo. What’s Cheney’s excuse? Oh, yeah, he wasn’t paying attention on 9/11 so someone had to pay. Why not the usual suspects. That’s thinking outside the box, no? You silly silly girls.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:10 pmLefty Patriot,
But remember, we need to get out of there NOW. Right now, my money is being wasted in Iraq and I don’t think that’s right.
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 3:11 pmNothing like a fraternity of elite cultists to tell the rest of the rabble how things should run.
-GSD
November 12th, 2007 at 3:11 pmHi Jake
Jake is actually a new deal hypocrite. He is a military washout on social security, medicare, medicaid, food stamps, and yet he bites the hand that feeds him. Why? Well he wants to be Fats Limbaughs cabana boy..if you get my drift… Jake, why do you hate America so much? We support you in your little trailer trash existence and all you do is whine and lie. Maybe you’d be happier polishing Chavezs’ knob? I thought you would.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:12 pmThe folks who let him go displayed incompetence or lack of judgment.
Hits
that’s all they’ve ever displayed, the Bush cartel, yet you support them. You have demonstrated your irrelevance convincingly, and I and others can skip your blather from now on out. Thanks.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:12 pmralph the wonder llama,
The body of facts the relate to -
1) The appointment of conservative judges who will carry on the conservative underpinnings in their judgments
2) The destruction of the strategic capabilities of Iraq, which under Saddam could have exerted strategic influence in the Middle East to threaten our national interests and ultimately our national security
Thanks
Hits
Comment by hits — November 12, 2007 @ 3:03 pm
Sh!ts,
Both of those “facts” are instead opinions, since they assert future developments that cannot be objectively verified at this point in time, and which may very well not turn out according to the PNAC plan.
Thanks
November 12th, 2007 at 3:12 pmRalph
The presidency is “somewhat sacrosanct” and Bush and Cheney are none too bright, so it’s a good thing they’ve shredded the Constitution in favor of a dictatorial executive branch? This is what passes for wingnut logic?
November 12th, 2007 at 3:12 pmThank you hits for allowing me to be free from your influence. Lucky for me, I have a brain and think for myself. I’d already decided to be free from your influence. I just want to see if you know what the hell you’re talking about. Guess I know.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:12 pmpo,
What you are referring to is known as “wisdom of the future’. You see, sitting in your couch today with your vast amount of knowledge, it’s easy to criticize the caveman who took a decade to invent the wheel.
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 3:13 pmLefty Patriot,
I don’t support Bush carte blanche. I merely optimize my support to my own existence and survival - in this case they seem aligned with Bush’s actions
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 3:14 pm“hits” sez:
Clever boy.
What a splendid non-answer.
In what ways could Iraq have “intruded on our national security interests” before the invasion and occupation, Jake?
November 12th, 2007 at 3:14 pmralph the wonder llama,
You do have an element of truth in your post
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 3:14 pmThe presidency is “somewhat sacrosanct†and Bush and Cheney are none too bright, so it’s a good thing they’ve shredded the Constitution in favor of a dictatorial executive branch? This is what passes for wingnut logic?
Comment by NoOneYouKnow — November 12, 2007 @ 3:12 pm
Give ‘em a break. What else have they got to go with?
November 12th, 2007 at 3:15 pmpo,
You are allowed to do that.
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 3:15 pmralph the wonder llama,
You do have an element of truth in your post
Comment by hits — November 12, 2007 @ 3:14 pm
Sh!ts,
What “element of truth” would that be?
Ralph
November 12th, 2007 at 3:16 pmTripMaster Monkey,
Sometimes you don’t wait for facts to materialize. You act on opinions. Iraq could have had nuclear and biological weapons based on our knowledge at the time. We should have acted and we did. They were not found. Too bad for them, but we still did the right thing.
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 3:17 pmralph the wonder llama,
The fact that my post referred to an opinion as a fact, and which you correctly pointed out
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 3:18 pm#42 No, I am speaking of this last August, the armed drones had him, we could hear him, the commanders tried and tried to get permission as they did the other times to grab him and Bush/Cheney refused.
So, as you stated earlier whatever keeps you safe and happy is your agenda you go with, don’t think Bush/Cheney is thinking of your safety. You may want to reconsider your loyalty and you may need to look up that word.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:18 pmtexaslady,
If Bush/Cheney demurred, then they were quite stupid in making that decision. However, on average, they still seem quite better off, don’t you think?
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 3:20 pmI’m bored with Sh!ts and its faux-Buddhist non-answers. I regret responding to it and giving it the chance to derail this thread.
I ask for the forgiveness of the TP community.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:20 pm“hits” sez:
Bullsh!t.
The intelligence that Iraq had WMD was not merely mistaken - it was deliberately falsified by this administration. This invasion and occupation of a sovereign nation wasn’t stated on mistakes…it was started on deliberate lies.
You know this as well as I and everyone else here. Stop trying to sell your pathetic revisionism…no one’s buying.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:21 pmBush Republicans believe in presumption of guilt. They believe the US Constitution is an outmoded document and should be shredded.
Trolls, please stand by your men when they say these things.
-GSD
November 12th, 2007 at 3:21 pmralph the wonder llama,
You have the opportunity to not be influenced by me. Thanks for the engagement.
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 3:22 pmIraq could have had . . . Iran could have . . . what about Pakistan does have . . . Israel does have . . . China / India / Russia all have. And we wonder why all the kids in that neighborhood want the good stuff. You would too if you were them. So, for today boys and girls, we’re here to figure out how we can all get along. Now Georgie, put down the nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. YOu know flashing them just makes everyone upset, nervous and anxious to get their own.
Why is it that conservatives are incapable of seeing a situation from any viewpoint other than their own? Why? WHY?!? You’ve got a brain. USE IT!
November 12th, 2007 at 3:22 pmBush Republicans believe that Bush is God and should never be questioned or challenged.
A vast departure from the mindset of the men who framed the US Constitution.
-GSD
November 12th, 2007 at 3:23 pmit’s easy to criticize the caveman who took a decade to invent the wheel.
Hits
Comment by hits — November 12, 2007 @ 3:13 pm
Hey Jake, do you really believe that cavemen invented the wheel? Do you have any proof that didn’t come from the Flintstones or a creationist museum?
November 12th, 2007 at 3:24 pmTripMaster Monkey,
Falsification is your opinion. If there is such clear proof of falsification, why isn’t 85% of the public (including you) marching to DC to topple the Govt.? Where are your Senators? Maybe they were falsifying their opinions on the original falsification? Indignance on supposed wrong doings is not enough. For ensuring my national security, I am willing to take a wide berth and accept collateral damage, and also withstand puny Monday morning quarter backing.
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 3:24 pmtroll buster,
Do you understand the concept of modeling? Probably not
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 3:26 pmWhy is anyone responding to hits? Seriously. He’s got nothing to offer, not even a good argument. All he does is respond with nonsense to divert any kind of discussion. If he was in your house you’d cuff him and kick him out. Here you debate with him. His goal is to get your attention. You’re playing his lame game. This site sucks when every 2nd post is a retort to a moron like this.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:26 pmDave C,
You make a flawed, but coherent argument. Your response on this topic though, is extremely ironical and funny, considering the context in which it has been delivered.
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 3:28 pmThe Federalist Society is a criminal organization-like the mafia, only worse.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:28 pmGeorge W. Bush is negotiating with Kim Jong Il of North Korea and has been giving NK money.
I thought he said “we don’t negotiate with evil?”
-GSD
Not to mention cutting deals with insurgents who have killed almost 4,000 US troops just so they will stop fighting long enough to pretend victory.
Bush negotiates with Iraqi dead enders!
November 12th, 2007 at 3:28 pmI’m with Dave C, post #71.
Let’s put down the nacho-cheese flavored rice cake and move on.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:29 pm“or ensuring my national security, I am willing to take a wide berth and accept collateral damage, and also withstand puny Monday morning quarter backing.”
So, I’ll ask again, how is your national security being protected by chucklehead and bobbleboy? Once someone explains that to me then they can go on and be all high and mighty and talk about wide berths (for their fat butts in their oversized cars and McMansion homes) and collateral damage (which always involves someone else’s kid).
Once you tell me what national interests your protecting, rather than destroying, perhaps you’ll get some discussion. Until then, you’re just a fool buying into the hype. The only thing we’re protecting at the moment is a bunch of government contrators’ bottom lines. That’s your fact. Now let’s hear ‘hits’ opinion.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:29 pmDave C sez:
You’re right, of course. I’ve made my point and refuted his specious bullsh!t…I’ll leave it at that, and offer the troll no more food.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:29 pmDave you are right….he has stated he is a selfish, self centered person who only is loyalty to the party/agenda that serves him well. He has no belief, no honor, no compassion. Wow maybe he is not even a human just a space taker.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:30 pmToday’s GOP, wide berths and wide stances. No morals.
-GSD
November 12th, 2007 at 3:31 pmYikes. I swear to God, Hits sounds just like Dustin Hoffman in “Rainman”…
November 12th, 2007 at 3:31 pmDo you understand the concept of modeling? Probably not
Hits
Comment by hits — November 12, 2007 @ 3:26 pm
You didn’t answer my question little TROLL, do you really believe that cavemen invented the wheel?
November 12th, 2007 at 3:32 pmHits: Time for Wapner!
November 12th, 2007 at 3:33 pmI looked at the list of the speakers at this “celebration” and noticed how few women would be speaking, but, then I saw that Phyllis M. Schlafly would be there so that’s good.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:34 pmman, have you ever gone to see what the Federalists think they stand for? Really quite amazing. If I was them, I’d be pissed W was showing up. What a joke.
From their website (emphasis mine):
About Us
Our Purpose
* Law schools and the legal profession are currently strongly dominated by a form of orthodox liberal ideology which advocates a centralized and uniform society. While some members of the academic community have dissented from these views, by and large they are taught simultaneously with (and indeed as if they were) the law.
* The Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies is a group of conservatives and libertarians interested in the current state of the legal order. It is founded on the principles that the state exists to preserve freedom, that the separation of governmental powers is central to our Constitution, and that it is emphatically the province and duty of the judiciary to say what the law is, not what it should be. The Society seeks both to promote an awareness of these principles and to further their application through its activities.
* This entails reordering priorities within the legal system to place a premium on individual liberty, traditional values, and the rule of law. It also requires restoring the recognition of the importance of these norms among lawyers, judges, law students and professors. In working to achieve these goals, the Society has created a conservative and libertarian intellectual network that extends to all levels of the legal community.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:37 pmshits- Saddam had No, repeat, NO strategic capbabilities in 2002-2003.
Numbnuts!
November 12th, 2007 at 3:38 pmshits- Saddam had No, repeat, NO strategic capbabilities in 2002-2003.
Numbnuts!
Comment by Uncle Ho — November 12, 2007 @ 3:38 pm
yeah, but it was OK to bomb and destroy families and innocents, because he might someday try to have some weapons. see, that’s what the USA stands for under the GOP: murder, mayhem, theft and cronyiism, without the underlying honor of the Mafia.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:40 pmHits: Time for Wapner!
November 12th, 2007 at 3:40 pmMakes since Bush is now a fake Judge as he illegally got Libby out of going to jail. This group might think they have control and will succeed in controlling the United States but on problem the people. The United States was founded because of the non Democracy of England. We will have to do it again. The United States has been invaded from within and the longer Americans sit back and do nothing the worse it will be. These idiots are fighting for total control of a broken system. The Courts/Church call for no abortions and no sex for teenagers, while allowing birth control pills given the junior high schools girls. This Organization has liars, perverts, child molester and those who hire prostitutes now that a real club. Bush isn’t educated enough to give a speech that makes any since as he’s dumb as a door knob. Justice Roberts will have to be silent about the medical problem he had as his wife was a so show. Gonzales will be the most interesting of all the question will be can he recall anything. If the Supreme Court continues to work in the interest of the current Dictatorship it will be a down fall of the United States Supreme Court. Most of these idiots have forgotten that this country was form for the people by the people. The Media has shown it works for the White House and spreads propaganda as ordered. The World is watching and soon the US will be so divided that any strong country can come in and take over. Right now our Law Makers can be brought for the right price and lies come out from every one’s mouth. Even the Supreme Court Justices are on the take. Rudy fits right in this group of corrupt bunch.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:42 pmThis quote is from a story about some guy who won a lawsuit award that this writer didn’t agree with:
‘This reminds me of a conversation I had at the Federalist Society Lawyer’s Convention. One of my colleagues told me that there are some states where Public Defenders are elected officials. He then asked, “Can you imagine their campaigns? ‘Vote for me, I will be soft on crime.’ Or, ‘I will get guilty people acquited.’”‘
http://sullainstitute.blogspot.com/2005_11_01_archive.html
Is that a typical Federalist way of thinking? Public Defender = get guilty people acquited? Yikes.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:46 pmpo, given all that, how come I didn’t see the Federalist Society on the list of “10 Most Dangerous Institutions in America” recently?
Seems like they’re a whole lot more dangerous than TP. But you still gotta keep an eye on those unviersities and colleges, though. I don’t trust those smart guys…
November 12th, 2007 at 3:46 pmlaunching an organization meant to advance the “rule of law.â€
The oxy morons of all time inviting the chymp to give a keynote address…
Kreist, they could have asked Putin to give it, woulda been more appropriate.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:50 pm“po, given all that, how come I didn’t see the Federalist Society on the list of “10 Most Dangerous Institutions in America†recently?” Ah, probably because the organization handing out that “award” was one which would be sympathetic to the Federalists’ actual positions on issues (not those cited in their press package). If the Federalists practiced what they preached, they might not be so bad. Problem is, they’re just a bunch of people who couldn’t stand being wrong so they started their own club, made up a bunch of nice sounding principles and then proceeded to do whatever necessary to obtain power. The marketplace of ideas meets the frathouse, so to speak.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:54 pmPo, my tone did not come through in my post.
I wasn’t arguing with you, though I can see how it may have sounded that way.
Just clarifying.
November 12th, 2007 at 4:00 pmwithout the underlying honor of the Mafia.
Comment by Lefty Patriot — November 12, 2007 @ 3:40 pm
Or quite frankly, the competency. The Mafia is rarely this messy and stupid.
November 12th, 2007 at 4:04 pmcomment by Lefty Patriot @ 3:40 pm
what you say is sadly true.
November 12th, 2007 at 4:05 pmits completely fitting that Constitution-shredder bush will give a keynote address at the Federalist Society, otherwise known as The Craven Plutocratic Fascists of America (CPFOA) - colloquially known as Crap Phooey.
November 12th, 2007 at 4:23 pm.
And here I thought the American Nazi Party had been around longer than 25 years.
November 12th, 2007 at 4:41 pmYeah, makes sense to have a “C” student, a (failed) MBA and not a lawyer, do that. They’re about results, not rigour….
Cheers,
November 12th, 2007 at 4:51 pm#26 Hits:
My approach is to simplify….
Quite suitable behaviour for the two neurones you possess.
Such tendencies are subsumed rather nicely by the fallacy of bifurcation so dear to your, and Republicans’, rhetorical hearts.
Cheers,
November 12th, 2007 at 4:58 pm#71 Dave C:
This site sucks when every 2nd post is a retort to a moron like this.
Actually, it’s over half just him. Flag it as abuse.
Cheers,
November 12th, 2007 at 5:04 pm#71 Dave C:
This site sucks when every 2nd post is a retort to a moron like this.
Actually, it’s over half just him. Flag it as abuse.
Comment by zuch — November 12, 2007 @ 5:04 pm
Yes, indeed. A successful trolling effort is one that makes an entire thread all about the troll. There isn’t any good reason to feed their neuroses.
November 12th, 2007 at 5:06 pmWho would a group of fascist traitors invite anyone but other fascist traitors?
November 12th, 2007 at 5:08 pmMost republican strategists estimate that the Dems may have 260 House seats after Nov. 2008. The same people say the Senate will probably go to a Dem majority of 58 seats. People say they will vote for the Dem for pres. no matter who the nominee by anywhere between 12 and 19 points depending on the poll. 70% think Bush has led the country in the wrong direction. 65% want Dems controlling congress. Bush’s (and the modern conservative movement’s) policies have led to historically low value to the dollar, historically high prices for energy, historically high deficits and debt, historically high trade imbalances and what will turn out to be a net loss of job creation. And, it turns out that they aren’t even going to be able to crow about the stock market. Every week a new set of Repub lawmakers decide to retire to “spend more time with their families.”
In the face of all this, Jake/Hits says: “It’s a great time for the conservative movement.” Some people would call this “whistling past the graveyard.” I call it crazy.
November 12th, 2007 at 5:26 pmTI find this on the Fed soc: http://www.fed-soc.org/aboutus/
The Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies is a group of conservatives and libertarians interested in the current state of the legal order. It is founded on the principles that the state exists to preserve freedom, that the separation of governmental powers is central to our Constitution.
Well, clearly they are not fighting for the balance of powers as they persue a unitary executive theory. IE the movement has somewhere gone quite wrong in its ideology.
November 12th, 2007 at 5:27 pmQ. What is the Federalist Society?
A. It is an organization of 40,000 lawyers, law students, scholars, and other individuals who believe and trust that individual citizens can make the best choices for themselves and society.
Its like reading newspeak.
November 12th, 2007 at 5:31 pmHow, might I ask a pro-federalist, have they preserved freedom?
Please cite actual examples.
November 12th, 2007 at 5:34 pmIn the face of all this, Jake/Hits says: “It’s a great time for the conservative movement.†Some people would call this “whistling past the graveyard.†I call it crazy.
Comment by Ret. Col. Jack Ripper — November 12, 2007 @ 5:26 pm
The “conservatives” have demonstrated a complete inability to govern at the very least and an utter refutation of their entire ideology to anyone really paying attention. It is true that they’ve managed to contaminate the judicial branch for years to come, but that doesn’t mean they’ll have much of a legacy.
November 12th, 2007 at 5:42 pmRemember when Roberts denied he was a member of the Federalist Society? Why do we have so many liars in positions of great importance as a result of this criminal administration?
November 12th, 2007 at 5:48 pmI’m bored with Sh!ts and its faux-Buddhist non-answers. I regret responding to it and giving it the chance to derail this thread.
I ask for the forgiveness of the TP community.
Comment by ralph the wonder llama
Forgiven - NEVER, EVER REPLY TO (S)HITS [Jake], it is a creep and is here to spout non-sense and derail the thread.
Buck Fush
November 12th, 2007 at 5:54 pmAnne: “Why do we have so many liars in positions of great importance as a result of this criminal administration?”
Good question. The answer lies in their core political philosophy. Neocon philosophy is profoundly undemocratic and fundamentally dishonest in its approach. The “Father” of modern neoconservative thought was Leo Strauss. He believed that society should be ruled by an elite group he sometimes referred to as “special gentlemen.” He believed that this elite must tell what he called “noble lies” to achieve political ends.
November 12th, 2007 at 5:54 pmNo apologies necessary for me, Ralph. I understand the drive to respond because I often succumb to it myself. It might be better if we talk about them rather than to them. Most of them are not really here to argue a point. They’re here to annoy and derail. But, they sometimes provide “teaching moments” in the absurd things they post and the ridiculous things they believe.
November 12th, 2007 at 5:56 pmIf I made add to 109’s comment. Skull & Bones made up of priviledge kids and sworn to uphold each member. So, if one of them needs a job guess who they can call on to provide the job, competence not a requirement. I often wonder if Kerry’s refusal to demand a recount was giving in to a demand from a S& B “brother”.
So you are either part of the circle of trust or your not. Guess who the majority is, the nots.
November 12th, 2007 at 6:29 pmtexaslady, I believe that most of Leo Strauss’ ilk would refer to Kerry as a “class traitor.”
November 12th, 2007 at 6:40 pmBush has nothing to lose at this point, he isn’t running for a second term. He can buddy up with all the extreme right whackos he wants to. That is what this story is about, that and how this group, along with the PNAC group, Big Oil, evengalicals, and the defense industry, have had a long run at the government, so they can make money.
November 12th, 2007 at 6:44 pmWhat amazes me about hits posting to this blog is that he somehow thinks that we give a sh|t what he has to say. He seems to think that he can somehow influence us if we just listened to his bullsh|t long enough.
He is one of the most irrelevant trolls to ever visit this blog. Too bad he doesn’t see it. Then maybe he would go away and peddle his egomaniac nonsense elsewhere.
November 12th, 2007 at 7:12 pmRCJR - Actually I think he did turn on the majority to keep his standing with his friends. I think Theresa would have been a better candidate her husband John Heinz although a Republican had very liberal viewpoints. Strangely enough one of two Republicans who strayed from the party view who was killed in a small plane crash.
Back to Kerry even Edwards stated he was surprised and upset that Kerry didn’t look further into the events in Ohio. Kerry still has 8,000,000 of money donated to him for that campaign, I would like my donation back.
November 12th, 2007 at 7:25 pmThe Federalist Society’s judicial views are exactly what Franz Kafka had in mind when he wrote “The Trial.” It’s the arbitrary and authoritarian application of law. Self proclaimed “Originalists” engage in sophistry to bend and interpret the law for their own ideological purposes to serve the interest of corporations and the economic elite while falsely claiming they are doing the opposite.
November 12th, 2007 at 7:44 pmtexaslady: “Strangely enough one of two Republicans who strayed from the party view who was killed in a small plane crash. ”
Right. Say, can anyone think of a conservative who’s been killed in a small plane crash? I’m just sayin…
November 12th, 2007 at 7:47 pmIn 1970, Bush was rejected by the University of Texas law school. As a backup, he attended Harvard Business School.
Yeah. And $3 trillion or so later, we see how well that turned out….
Cheers,
November 12th, 2007 at 7:54 pm#104 Xisithrus (quoting FedSoc propababble):
Q. What is the Federalist Society?
A. It is an organization of 40,000 lawyers, law students, scholars, and other individuals who believe and trust that individual citizens can make the best choices for themselves and society.
OK. I want my share of the troops of out Iraq now.
Cheers,
November 12th, 2007 at 7:57 pmSomebody please stand up in the middle of his attempt at speach
November 12th, 2007 at 8:00 pmand give the Stinking SOB what he deserves.
Looking for a different take on Veteran’s Day? Try this column written from Baghdad:
November 12th, 2007 at 8:13 pmhttp://goupstate.us/ index.php/ lanefiller/ 2007/ 11/ 12/ like_being_a_war_critic_thank_a_soldier
Bush was rejected by the University of Texas law school. As a backup, he attended Harvard Business School.
——————
A rejected “would be lawyer, Bush” or, a rejected “would be painter, Hitler”, are both dangerous and capable of great harm.
Watcht out!
November 12th, 2007 at 8:37 pmComment by lanefiller
Blog whoring isn’t a pretty sight. Go back to your blog, and see what I left you.
November 12th, 2007 at 8:38 pmClarence Thomas , John Yoo, with Scalia, Olson, Bork , John Roberts , Rudy Giuliani , and Chimpy himself .
Wow , a true meeting of the mindless ………………………….
November 12th, 2007 at 8:40 pmHe’ll show up for the Federalist Society but not at the tomb of the unknown soldier for Veterans Day. This man is slime.
November 12th, 2007 at 9:13 pmMost of them are not really here to argue a point. They’re here to annoy and derail. But, they sometimes provide “teaching moments†in the absurd things they post and the ridiculous things they believe.
Comment by Ret. Col. Jack Ripper — November 12, 2007 @ 5:56 pm
I call it vandalism, pure and simple. They are like mischievous children who throw stones at windows. They also show an infantile glee when they “make a funny”. If they were ever physically spanked they would dissolve into regretful puddles of tears full of promises to “never, ever, do it again”.
It’s really quite sad. And disturbing when you figure that some of these unspanked children will actually vote.
Idiots are the bane of democracy.
November 12th, 2007 at 9:26 pmI am quite irrelevant in some contexts. In many others though, I am the only thing that matters.
Hits
Comment by hits — November 12, 2007 @ 3:05 pm
—————-
Examples, please!
November 12th, 2007 at 10:23 pmLong after Bush is gone, his legacy will be carried on by the judiciary, and by the subdued capabilities of rogue middle eastern nations.
Comment by hits — November 12, 2007 @ 2:39 pm
——————
“Subdued capabilities of rogue middle eastern nations”
Your’re truly sick!
November 12th, 2007 at 10:29 pmYour’re truly sick!
Comment by foreyes — November 12, 2007 @ 10:29 pm
Ding! Ding! Ding! Pick a prize from the top shelf.
November 12th, 2007 at 10:35 pm2) The destruction of the strategic capabilities of Iraq, which under Saddam could have exerted strategic influence in the Middle East to threaten our national interests and ultimately our national security
Thanks
Hits
Comment by hits — November 12, 2007 @ 3:03 pm
—————
Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah……..make some sense, will ya?
November 12th, 2007 at 10:35 pm“Gas up the howitzer, Maude, I gots me a blip on the radar.”
November 13th, 2007 at 12:04 amLet the BUSSHIT hit Rudy all over. GREAT!!!! The more he is affiliated with the loser bush, the better it is for TRUE Americans to know.
November 13th, 2007 at 12:08 amWhat is REALLY amazing is that the Originalists, Constructionists (whatever the lying pieces of sh|t call themselves today,) is that the Whorporations that they so lovingly serve and slave over, were actually granted personhood status by “activist judges” back in 1886.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_personhood
Tom Hartman’s book “Unequal protection” tells the whole story. Brings tears to your eyes. http://www.thomhartmann.com/unequalprotection.shtml
“OH the Humanity!”
November 13th, 2007 at 12:14 amCorporations were specifically left out of the The Constitution and Bill or Rights becuse our our founding fathers wanted the states to regulate their own “business” under the concept of states rights.
Since then Congress has phu(ked up everything and all of us!!!!
November 13th, 2007 at 7:44 pm