Personally, I don't care all that much that Ken Mehlman, the former chair of the Republican National Committee, is gay. I think it is relevant, considering that when Mehlman was Bush's chief campaign strategist in 2004, he was instrumental in the plan to thrust DOMA into the limelight in order to motivate the (homophobic) Republican base. So Mehlman's revelation is … Read More
The Standing Issue Of The Prop 8 Appeal
Hi. Welcome to Civil Procedure for Laymen 101. Today we're going to talk about an interesting case going on right now called Perry v. Schwarzenegger, also known as the California Prop 8 same-sex marriage case. As you know, a federal judge last week struck down California's ban on same-sex marriages, which was passed by a thin majority in a public referendum … Read More
Here Come The Grooms
The judge has lifted the temporary stay on same-sex marriage in California. Couples may wed beginning August 18. The order is here (PDF). Meltdown to begin in 5, 4, 3,…. Oh, wait. It already happened.
Prop 8: Is There Standing To Appeal?
The pro-SSM lawyers make a legal argument that I hadn't even thought of. I realize most people won't necessary "get" it, but to anyone who has taken civil procedure, it's brilliant: Lawyers for the gay couples who successfully challenged California's Proposition 8 have raised a question about whether the other side in the battle — the proponents of Prop 8 — … Read More
Quote Of The Day
Well…. would you like Fox’s right to free press put up to a vote and say well, if five states approved it, let’s wait till the other 45 states do? – Conservative lawyer Ted Olsen (who represented Bush in Bush v Gore and who now is the lawyer for same-sex marriage proponents) to Fox News anchor Chris Wallace, after Wallace … Read More
Tip Of The Day (Speaking of Non-Traditional Marriages…)
Here it is: If you insist on marrying another woman while you're already married, don't Facebook the wedding and honeymoon. Just sayin'.
You Say You Want Traditional Marriage?
You say you want a traditional marriage? Fine, let's go to Wikipedia: [Marriage] In the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) Rembrandt's depiction of Samson's marriage feast. The Hebrew Bible (Christian Old Testament) describes a number of marriages, including those of Isaac,[Gen 24:49-67] Jacob,[Gen 29:27] and Samson.[Judg 14:7-12] Polygyny, or men having multiple wives at once, is one of the most common … Read More
Prop 8 Overturned
Two years ago, the voters of California took to the ballots, and overturned legislation which would have permitted gay marriage. That was Prop 8, a big controversy at the time. 52% of Californians voted in favor of the gay marriage ban. But yesterday, a decision by federal Judge Vaughn Walker (a Reagan appointee) ruled that the gay marriage ban violated … Read More
DOMA Declared Unconstitutional
A federal district court in Massachusetts has ruled that the portion of the Defense of Marriage Act of 1996 — specifically, the part that defines "marriage" as between a man and a woman only — as unconstitutional. The ruling came in two opinions, Gill v. Office of Personnel Management, and Massachusetts v. HHS. The state had argued the law denied benefits such … Read More
Deep In The Heart of Texas
There's no group of Republicans out there quite like Texas Republicans: The Texas Republican Party
Question Of The Day
Q: As a species, how shallow and superficial is mankind? A: Pretty damned shallow and superficial.
Closing Arguments In California Gay Marriage Case
In the long run, what happens in the California Federal Court — where the constitutionality of the infamous Prop 8 is being challenged — will not matter; no matter the outcome, an appeal all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court is likely. But nevertheless, it is interesting to read news accounts of the closing arguments given by boths sides … Read More
Marital Advice of the Day (from Pat Robertson)
From the 700 Club last week: TERRY MEEUWSEN (co-host): Pat, this is from Anne who says, "My husband has always been a flirt and loves to talk with other women he finds attractive. He says he would never cheat on me but his actions are starting to get to me. What should I do? ROBERTSON: Anne, first thing is you need … Read More
So, Is ANY Republican Faithful To Their Marriage In South Carolina?
Outgoing governor had an affair, wife divorces him. Former wife now supports new GOP gubernatorial candidate, who we now know also had an affair – with a staffer of the adulterous governor – and who distanced herself from the governor because of HIS affair. Haley, who is married and has two children, has yet to comment on Folks' announcement. About … Read More
Rand Paul And The Civil Rights Act: Part II
As the day progresses, Rand Paul is clarifying his position on the 1964 Civil Rights Act, assuring the voters that he will not try to repeal it. This afternoon, a spokesman for the Paul campaign told Greg Sargent, "Civil Rights legislation that has been affirmed by our courts gives the Federal government the right to insure that private businesses don't … Read More