Alabama, one more time

[kaasirpent]

But this time, not in my words--in the words of James Randi.

The whole article is here. My favorite quote is this:

As a nation currently struggling with its credibility and its image on the world stage, we certainly didn't need this ridiculous scene to be played out publicly. I'm personally embarrassed by Justice Moore's stance, his actions, and his ignorance of reality, since they reflect on my country. He committed what he knew was an improper act — arguably an illegal act — then openly and flagrantly violated a federal court order to reverse that action, and he has shown no remorse, nor discomfort. In fact, he's crowing and preening in the spotlight that he's brought to bear on his actions. The ethics complaint that was brought against him stated that he failed to "observe high standards of conduct" and to "respect and comply with the law." And this is the Chief Justice of the State of Alabama?

And people wonder why there is such rampant apathy on the part of voters?

Oh, yeah. Sign me up twice.

Comments

[jost.livejournal.com]

Ah, but therein lies the infamous State -vs- Federal battle. If we separate the aspect of religion from it entirely it still holds water in a question of whether or not a Federal Judge has authority to dictate what a State Supreme Court can and cannot do on State property. If we leave religion in the mix, it actually lends more credence to the State Justices as the First Amendment prohibits the Federal Legislature from even passing laws concerning the subject of religion, and thus the Federal Judiciary should not be able to interpret laws not affecting federal laws or the abridgment thereof. This will be an interesting situation to watch, regardless of the Biblical nature of the monument.

Legally, the order has to stand.

[craftsman.livejournal.com]

The supremacy clause of the constitution does declare that Federal rule always trump state rules IF that particular power is explicitly granted to the Federal government. Since the Supremes long ago decided they were the sole arbiter of their jurisdiction, the federal courts do have the right to issue the court order and ol' Roy does have the legal obligation to move it. He can continue to fight the rremoval effort through legal means since he does feel that is part of his job and evidently enough votors agree. He must, however, comply with legally valid court orders in the mean time. That, in essence, is the Alabama Attorney General's opinion