Scalia is dead

[DaveW]

 

Lol ... as far as I know you can drink beer legally before you can run for president. Also, I'm assuming you're aware of this.

 

Plus, you seem pretty sane still, and according to your profile, you're almost as old as Chief. Older than Sid Hartman, even.

You missed the point I was making. If you are old enough (18) to get drafted and go and fight and potentially die for your country, you should be old enough to run for any office you want. (Or at the very least be old enough to drink legally)

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

The service takes 17 year olds, therefore some guys in the service aren't even old enough to buy a pack of smokes legally.

 

[DaveW]

 

The service takes 17 year olds, therefore some guys in the service aren't even old enough to buy a pack of smokes legally.

Interesting... I didn't realize that actually, I was speaking about the draft overall though. I imagine that is still 18?

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Draft age was 19 maybe? Not sure if it was legislation that ended the draft or just DoD changed it themselves. Some of the vietnam vets can maybe speak to that. Yes, I know that at age 17, and with parent/guardian permission, a kid can ship off to boot camp. At least that was the rule a few years ago when the force was larger. (but HS Diploma or GED was also a requirement)

[biggentleben]

 

Draft age was 19 maybe? Not sure if it was legislation that ended the draft or just DoD changed it themselves. Some of the vietnam vets can maybe speak to that. Yes, I know that at age 17, and with parent/guardian permission, a kid can ship off to boot camp. At least that was the rule a few years ago when the force was larger. (but HS Diploma or GED was also a requirement)

 

At 18, you're supposed to register for a draft if one were ever to be needed again, so I would imagine the draft is still 18.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

At 18, you're supposed to register for a draft if one were ever to be needed again, so I would imagine the draft is still 18.

Yes you are right. The selective service. It's all a little murky to me. Although, the chances of ever having a draft again are pretty close to zero, if only for the reason that commanders don't want to lead anyone who doesn't want to be there (against their will).

[drjim]

Draft age was 19 maybe? Not sure if it was legislation that ended the draft or just DoD changed it themselves. Some of the vietnam vets can maybe speak to that. Yes, I know that at age 17, and with parent/guardian permission, a kid can ship off to boot camp. At least that was the rule a few years ago when the force was larger. (but HS Diploma or GED was also a requirement)

What also can happen is a hs student can do basic the summer before senior year and then start their specialty training right after graduation. Split it up a little. Or at least they used to be able to do that.

[Brock Beauchamp]

I don't really get the movement to nominate Obama to the Supreme Court. While I generally like the guy (not really what he's done, more what he stands for and the man himself), I have two issues:

 

1. The dude needs a break. He's had the hardest job in the world for eight years. Give him a breather and let him gather himself.

 

2. I firmly believe that while Obama is smart and educated enough to be on SCOTUS, bench time is important. I want someone who has spent their career presiding over court cases and making tough rulings on the highest court in the country, not a politicized former President with zero bench experience.

 

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of qualified candidates for the job. I don't want to rally around someone with zero experience simply because he has name recognition. And that's what this boils down to: name recognition. It's a continuation of a bad trend we've seen in American politics: fame and dynasty. It has led us to the point where we're considering the election of yet another Bush/Clinton president. Two families have controlled the highest seat in the land for 20 of the last 28 years (and a two-term Hillary would increase that to 28 of last 36 years).

 

There are loads of smart, qualified people in this nation. Stop giving all the jobs to people whose names we recognize. We complain about everything always staying the same yet eagerly jump at the chance to double-down on everything staying the same.

[stringer bell]

I agree Brock. I think there are plenty of qualified judges that the president could nominate.

 

I remain convinced that the Senate will not approve anyone Obama nominates,but I think it will be their undoing in November.

[drjim]

I think the Obama steam is very fringe, no chance.

 

I stand by my prediction that Obama nominates a competent, slightly liberal moderate and there is a lot of huffing, puffing and gnashing of teeth but the nominee is eventually confirmed with no filibuster.

 

I think the Republicans came out strong initially, but the cold political calculus will be too strong a force to reject a competent nominee outright.

[Mike Sixel]

Rhenquist and Warren were never judges (to name two.....)......

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

I think the Obama steam is very fringe, no chance.

 

I stand by my prediction that Obama nominates a competent, slightly liberal moderate and there is a lot of huffing, puffing and gnashing of teeth but the nominee is eventually confirmed with no filibuster.

 

I think the Republicans came out strong initially, but the cold political calculus will be too strong a force to reject a competent nominee outright.

This is how I see it playing out as well. A lot of posturing happening now but that will fade as the Republicans realize they've been dealt a losing hand. There's no way they win over the pubic by blocking Obama from doing his job.

[stringer bell]

Nope. Not gonna happen. Obama will submit a nominee and he or she will be rejected, either in committee or on a vote by the entire Senate. Most Republicans see it as more important to stop the court from leaning liberal so that they will reject any prospective justice who is less conservative than the two remaining far right Justices--Alito and Thomas.

 

Somehow conservatives like Kennedy and Roberts have become moderates and real moderates like Sotomayor and Kagan are liberals.

[drjim]

Nope. Not gonna happen. Obama will submit a nominee and he or she will be rejected, either in committee or on a vote by the entire Senate. Most Republicans see it as more important to stop the court from leaning liberal so that they will reject any prospective justice who is less conservative than the two remaining far right Justices--Alito and Thomas.

 

Somehow conservatives like Kennedy and Roberts have become moderates and real moderates like Sotomayor and Kagan are liberals.

But if it looks like Clinton is likely going to win the Presidency and the Dems are going to retake the Senate, that would result in a much, much worse outcome.

[Squirrel]

 

But if it looks like Clinton is likely going to win the Presidency and the Dems are going to retake the Senate, that would result in a much, much worse outcome.

Yup ... it's risky for them not to approve. As I've been saying ... rock/hard place.

[PseudoSABR]

Well, the Republicans are at least taking advantage of the situation with this fundraising letter.  

 

Josh,
Over the weekend, our country suffered a tremendous loss in the passing of Justice Antonin Scalia, an unwavering champion of our nation’s Constitution and an outspoken defender of the original intent of our Founders’ writings.

His presence on the Court is irreplaceable and he will be sorely missed.

The vacancy on the Supreme Court left by Justice Scalia has sent shockwaves through Washington. The next justice named to the Court will play a crucial role in determining the future of policy in America for decades to come.

This is not a decision to be taken lightly.

Senate Republicans have made a commitment to ensuring that the American people have a voice in the selection of the next Supreme Court Justice.

I hope you will join us by signing the petition to stand with Senate Republicans as we hold our ground in waiting to confirm a new justice until after 2016, the time by which the American people will have chosen a new president and a new direction for our country.

Your support means everything at this pivotal moment in American history.

Sincerely,

Mitch McConnell,
U.S. Senate Majority Leader

 

[Squirrel]

 

Well, the Republicans are at least taking advantage of the situation with this fundraising letter.  

I've received similar letters to oppose this obstruction, to sign petitions and to help with fundraising.

[formerly33]

Josh,

 

At least they got your name right.

 

Over the weekend, our country suffered a tremendous loss in the passing of Justice Antonin Scalia, an unwavering champion of our nation’s Constitution and an outspoken defender of the original intent of our Founders’ writings.

 

That is, an outspoken defender of his interpretation of the original intent of said writings.

 

His presence on the Court is irreplaceable and he will be sorely missed.

 

As anyone who dies is irreplaceable, this comes as no surprise.

 

The vacancy on the Supreme Court left by Justice Scalia has sent shockwaves through Washington.

 

I'll say ... we're feeling them in Minnesota.

 

The next justice named to the Court will play a crucial role in determining the future of policy in America for decades to come. This is not a decision to be taken lightly.

 

[said in my best Iago impersonation] Oh, there's a big surprise! I think I'm going to have a heart attack and die from that surprise!

 

Senate Republicans have made a commitment to ensuring that the American people have a voice in the selection of the next Supreme Court Justice.

 

Yeah, too bad it was just Muslims and gays, etc. who voted in our current president. Now we need the American people to vote in a new one. What a drag.

 

I hope you will join us by signing the petition to stand with Senate Republicans as we hold our ground in waiting to confirm a new justice until after 2016, the time by which the American people will have chosen a new president and a new direction for our country.

 

I saw a comment by a random Facebook pundit who basically said if Scalia came back to life and Obama nominated him, the Senate would vote him down. Yeah ... I'm sure they would. Funny, isn't it? Way to put things into perspective.

 

Your support means everything at this pivotal moment in American history.

 

Just like every other petition out there.

 

Sincerely,
Always33

Random Twins Daily Poster

[PseudoSABR]

 

I've received similar letters to oppose this obstruction, to sign petitions and to help with fundraising.

I suppose it is common place to solicit like that.  But its oddly suggestive that the seat is for sale, and that they know they don't have good Constitutional argument. 

[drjim]

 

I suppose it is common place to solicit like that.  But its oddly suggestive that the seat is for sale, and that they know they don't have good Constitutional argument. 

 

Isn't everything a fundraising opportunity?

 

Just not enough money in good, sound, drama free governance.

[PseudoSABR]

[twinsnorth49]

I'd vote for Ed Grimley before any current Republican nominee....if I were American.

[Badsmerf]

The GOP has to understand, if the obstruct this process, they are going to get crushed in November. Attempting to spin this into "the American people get a vote!" is only going to work for the ultra right-wing voters that don't matter in an election. The moderates, who pay attention, are not going to like that approach. This is literally leaving a vacant seat on the most important decision making group in the country. I live in Iowa, I like Grassley, but if he obstructs this process I will not vote for him. 

[nicksaviking]

 

I'd vote for Ed Grimley before any current Republican nominee....if I were American.

 

Don't you dare pretend that Cruz isn't one of yours! Both of those guys are Canadian.

 

When do you guys vote on your next Prime Minister?

[twinsnorth49]

Don't you dare pretend that Cruz isn't one of yours! Both of those guys are Canadian.

 

When do you guys vote on your next Prime Minister?

It's still Grimley in a landslide, if Cruz is Canadian he must be from Alberta, so that doesn't count.

 

We just voted in our new Prime Minister, are you telling me the 6 month campaign and French language debates weren't prime time viewing 24/7 on your networks?

 

I don't understand.

[nicksaviking]

 

It's still Grimley in a landslide, if Cruz is Canadian he must be from Alberta, so that doesn't count.

We just voted in our new Prime Minister, are you telling me the 6 month campaign and French language debates weren't prime time viewing 24/7 on your networks?

I don't understand.

 

Sorry, I thought the election was only televised on SCTV and it was decided by a hoof-hockey game between designated conservative and liberal caribou, with the candidate represented by the losing team being forced into the job.

[Mike Sixel]

 

It's still Grimley in a landslide, if Cruz is Canadian he must be from Alberta, so that doesn't count.

We just voted in our new Prime Minister, are you telling me the 6 month campaign and French language debates weren't prime time viewing 24/7 on your networks?

I don't understand.

 

It's just another royal dynasty, at least we don't elect father/son, husband/wife duos......oh, wait. Damn.

[USAFChief]

 

It's still Grimley in a landslide, if Cruz is Canadian he must be from Alberta, so that doesn't count.

We just voted in our new Prime Minister, are you telling me the 6 month campaign and French language debates weren't prime time viewing 24/7 on your networks?

I don't understand.

You admit to having FRENCH LANGUAGE debates, and yet come on here and mock our political process and politicians??

 

 

 

 

[twinsnorth49]

Sorry, I thought the election was only televised on SCTV and it was decided by a hoof-hockey game between designated conservative and liberal caribou, with the candidate represented by the losing team being forced into the job.

Close, it's a curling match between two polar bears and 6 walrus......oh and of course the seal clubbing contest, but we won't get into that.

 

It hasn't been the same since John Candy died, so Johnny LaRue doesn't moderate the debates anymore.

[twinsnorth49]

You admit to having FRENCH LANGUAGE debates, and yet come on here and mock our political process and politicians??

Yes,just to be clear, most of the country debates the French language, Quebec debates in French and nobody understands what they're talking about, but nobody really cares either.