Posted on 03/31/2005 3:11:22 PM PST by Crackingham
House Majority Leader Tom DeLay on Thursday blamed Terri Schiavo's death on what he contended was a failed legal system and he raised the possibility of trying to impeach some of the federal judges in the case. "The time will come for the men responsible for this to answer for their behavior," said DeLay, R-Texas.
But a leading Democratic senator said DeLay's comments were "irresponsible and reprehensible." Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., said DeLay should make sure that people know he is not advocating violence against judges.
DeLay, the second-ranking House GOP lawmaker, helped lead congressional efforts 10 days ago to enact legislation designed to prod the federal courts into ordering the reinsertion of Schiavo's feeding tube. He said the courts' refusal to do just that was a "perfect example of an out of control judiciary."
Asked about the possibility of the House's bringing impeachment charges against judges in the Schiavo case, DeLay said, "There's plenty of time to look into that."
President Bush expressed sympathy to Schiavo's parents.
"I urge all those who honor Terri Schiavo to continue to work to build a culture of life where all Americans are welcomed and valued and protected, especially those who live at the mercy of others," he said.
White House spokesman Scott McClellan refused to join DeLay in criticizing the courts. "We would have preferred a different decision from the courts ... but ultimately we have to follow our laws and abide by the courts," McClellan said.
Joining DeLay in taking issue with the judiciary was Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., who said, "The actions on the part of the Florida court and the U.S. Supreme Court are unconscionable." Also, GOP Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina said the case "saw a state judge completely ignore a congressional committees subpoena and insult its intent" and "a federal court not only reject, but deride the very law that Congress passed."
DeLay said he would make sure that the GOP-controlled House "will look at an arrogant and out of control judiciary that thumbs its nose at Congress and the president."
Unless DeLay wants to lose the House and the Senate, there will be no impeachments.
I am with you -- I cannot believe what I have witnessed on here with the attacks on the Federal Judiciary. They were not activist judges which is what I want in judges. These Federal Judges ruled on the law not emotion which is what I thought conservatives wanted from our Federal Judges. Guess I was wrong. Conservatives on here only want judges to Rule on the Law when they rule the way they want them to. If it is against what they want, they want activist judges.
Frankly, I am disgusted with the hypocricy I am seeing.
I did that on this one, it leads everywhere.
Unfortunately, you can do that with most issues these days.
What? No treason?
Some Freepers also advocated violence against judges -- been hitting abuse on them because that doesn't need to be on this site.
If you could hear Glen Beck in the morning, you would get the whole story. He's been on this for many years.
Some Freepers also advocated violence against judges -- been hitting abuse on them because that doesn't need to be on this site.
Not on this thread you haven't. I've read EVERY post here and haven't seen anything of the sort.
An article in our paper said this is costing President Bush on his social security reform as well.
I am one of those who did not favor the lawlessness advocated by some here, who wanted the President to send in the Marines or Jeb to storm the barricades.
DeLay is pandering. That's called "making a fool of one's self."
Not only the two examples you posit, but also judges throwing out laws that were enacted by a vote of the people.
I know what it means. I also read the legislation which states that "The District Court shall entertain and determine the suit without any delay or abstention in favor of State court proceedings, and regardless of whether remedies available in the State courts have been exhausted." Well, the entertained the suit without delay, and since no new evidence was offered determined that there was no reason to overturn the prior decision and start over. Happy?
David Boies has done pro bono work in the past...he worked for years to help get an American woman's children back into her custody. Her husband kidnapped them and took them to another country.
Which clause?
DeLay is pandering. That's called "making a fool of one's self."
Whew. I thought you were two-faced. ;) I agree on the first point.
I have contempt of Congress on most days, too.
I think you are wrong. Conservatives want judges to rule based on the constitution, not their whims. We want strict constructionist, constitutionalist judges whatever that may bring!
The American people already overwhelmingly oppose DeLay sticking his nose into this issue in the first place.
If he keeps it on the front burner, he's going to turn off a significant segment of voters.
Not everybody thinks the judges are the "bad guys" in this case. In fact, the majority don't.
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