bleedorange

Establishing judicial review and the actual implementation of it are two different things. And, no, it's not their job to let their own personal belief system or morality guide their decisions on the constitutionality of a law.

Their job is not to use whatever morality they themselves feel is right. And as Alito points out, society's general feelings on the death penalty for these specific cases is evolving towards allowing it. Five states had allowed it, five more were in the process of passing similar legislation, and in Louisiana, juries in 2 out of 4 cases involving this statute returned a death sentence. It can easily be argued that the societal tide was turning in favor of allowing capital punishment for the most depraved perpetrators of this crime. My personal morality would not include implementati

That's the point, though. Where is the court's justification for this. Essentially the majority is using its own sense of morality to determine if something is cruel and unusual. That isn't their job. Plus, it's inconsistent, as Alito pointed out in his dissent:

The Constitution states that the death penalty for convicted child rapists is cruel and unusual?

According to you, maybe, but not to the people of Louisiana where the law was passed (or the other states that had passed similar legislation).

While no fan of Focus on the Family, I'm not sure I see anything inherently wrong with what James Dobson is saying in the article. Other than being a way of life and morality that differs from that of my own.

You know, you're right. Although I seem to remember other stories playing up the angle of a new tribe being found, rather than one that has been known for a century being spotted. And news outlets are now making it a point to clear up the distinction.

Whoops... Secret of the 'lost' tribe that wasn't

I get your point, and I agree with you 100% on it. I think you played a little fast and loose with the words you chose to describe the situation, especially since you could probably find a few boycotting kooks for every piece of pop culture ever released. But now it's becoming a ridiculous point to argue about. I hope your daughter enjoys the movie. My daughter is only 8 months old right now, and I anxiously await the time when we can share in a few of these experiences. Although, I'm certainly not wishing her life away, because this is a great age right now as she crawls around and star

Definitely. It never ceases to amaze me how a lot of highly intelligent people can't grasp the ideas of credit, budget, or "24 months, no interest, no payments," etc.

Finding Nemo is definitely my favorite. I love Thomas Newman's score and the animation is absolutely beautiful. The only misstep they have had, in my opinion, is Cars. But even that was great to look at and had its moments. And speaking of Ratatouille and The Incredibles, I'm anxious for Brad Bird's next film (given the greatness of his first three), which will be live-action as opposed to animated.

Oh, so individuals are commenting on some fringe blogs that they don't plan on seeing the movie. Silly me, I thought you said that boycotts were being planned.

I haven't found anything about planned boycotts.

Back to the election: Interesting editorial form David Brooks in the NYT The Two Obamas

I've always found prayer in school to be one of those unnecessary issues, too. It serves absolutely no purpose. When I was in high school, they instituted a "nonreligious" moment of silence for every morning (or maybe it was every Monday, I don't remember). I had football first period and we had to actually stop practice and turn and face the school for the 30-second silence. It was ridiculous. People should pray on their own time.

This has really come in handy when we need to blend or mix small quantities. Plus, we make our own baby food and it has been great for pureeing everything. And you can get extra attachments for it, too.

No kidding. Does everything have to devolve into a conservative vs. liberal debate? Can't a bad comedian just be a bad comedian?

Montana is such a beautiful state. I wish I could help you out with respect to Gardiner, but I usually spend time on the west side of the state in Missoula or Hamilton. My mother-in-law lives in that area. There should be plenty of great things to do and see around Yellowstone, though. By the way, if you do ever get a chance to go to Missoula, I would highly recommend it. It's a great small college town. Although it seems to be growing fast.

That's a pretty good list. It's hard to argue with any of it. I think you can throw Willie Mays or Roberto Clemente in the mix for the 50s or 60s (both played more in the 60s though). Jackie was 40s and 50s, so it would be hard to pick a decade, but everyone forgets just how great of a pure athlete he was. And for the 80s, I would probably place a combo vote for Magic and Bird. Those two are so inextricably linked and so important to the game, that I would feel bad leaving one out for the other.

"As a ... discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches one." I think it fits.

No, I don't think he was equating Fox with Hitler. I was mainly commenting on the fact that a Hitler reference and comparison was made. Hence, my remark about Godwin's Law.

So Fox = Hitler? Godwin's Law strikes again!

I always hate hearing about stuff like this. What a shame. RIP