In a Polarizing Case, Jeb Bush Cements His Political Stature

The New York Times ^ | March 25, 2005 | ADAM NAGOURNEY

[UnbelievingScumOnTheOtherSide]

Mainly because people expect Gov. Jeb to go rogue and surplant all three branches of the Florida government. The words "brave, but not stupid" enter into my mind.

Why does everyone think that taking the exercise of executive power away from the judges is to "supplant all three branches of government"?

When judges rulings are automatically enforced no matter how wrong, the judge is the executive. And when judges twist the Constitution to fit their own whims, the judge becomes a super-legislature. But because of stupidity growing out of decades of miseducation and habit, nobody knows the difference.

An independent executive is far from king. Judges can still express opinions. The legislature can still expreess its will through writing law. And it can still impeach the executive. The impeachment power was placed with the legislature precisely because the executive should not be a pawn of judges. But how many know that today? Practically no one.

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

It sounds like you put your hope in an effort that failed, and you're disappointed.

I can see being frustrated with the court. I just don't understand all the anger at Jeb Bush. I think if I were him, I'd throw up my hands and tell you all you're on your own. People don't appreciate a single thing he's done.

[jwpjr]

I keep taking Jeb to task for holding that news conference and then dropping from sight. I am speaking from frustration. I realize that if his plan is to use the DCF route to saving Terri that the less he says right now the better off he is. Here's a valuable tip for Freepers: When you see the jwpjr as the poster just skip that post. He's typing out of frustration!

[AntiGuv]

Ron Paul or Gary Johnson, but I won't hold my breath for either to show up on my ballot. Lemme go find a list of the leading contenders and I'll get back to you in a little bit with my 1st choice.

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

I haven't heard anything.

I don't think many of these people are trolls. I just think they're looking for someone to blame, kind of like a kid when he's disappointed and feeling powerless...so they blame "Daddy".

[nopardons]

What part of all of this don't YOU get?

The people reelected Greer (and GOD only knows why!),who has already said that he'll throw Jeb in jail; as well as everyone else. The people of Florida have one and only recourse at this point and that id to impeach Greer.

He went too far and he can and should be punished.

[shhrubbery!]

I believe a two-bit county judge has NO constitutional power to block a legally empowered executive agency such as DCF from doing its duty.

Hey, if Jeb had to go to jail, that might be a great photo-op. It did wonders for Martin Luther King.

[UnbelievingScumOnTheOtherSide]

Because Jeb won't exercise independent executive power.
His police force is still being run by out-of-control judges while the governor is reduced to the role of beggar.

[k2blader]

Hhmmmmmmm... in some respects I like Paul, but he is too much of an isolationist for my tastes. Never heard of the other guy..

[jwpjr]

re: no idea how powerful Greer is

Me too! I am wondering if he really is this powerful or is it that someone in Tallahassee blinked. We need to find out because if someone as far down the pecking order in the judicial branch has that much power we are in for a rough ride unless we find a way to cut them down to size.

[jwpjr]

re: no idea how powerful Greer is

Me too! I am wondering if he really is this powerful or is it that someone in Tallahassee blinked. We need to find out because if someone as far down the pecking order in the judicial branch has that much power we are in for a rough ride unless we find a way to cut them down to size.

[k2blader]

I'd like that.

[maine-iac7]

I personally think that Jeb Bush will send in the DCF either way. But if he has an order from a federal judge to do it, a big mess is avoided. It's a frustrating call to wait even another few hours, since Terri might die any time now. The perfect "thread the needle" outcome is that Whittemore says no, Jeb goes in anyway, Greer orders him arrested for this or that, and a big mess ensues. Meanwhile the docs get a PET scan of Terri and determine that she is not PVS, has brain activity, and is aware of what's going on around her.

I think if that scenario were possible, Jeb would do it - but, even if he could get her out into state protection - the law allows that only for about 3 days...that is not enough time to get her stabilized enough to run any tests - particularly and MRI - as I understand, michael had some kind of mechanism implanted in her head years ago that would prohibit an MRI - they would have to come out first - Terri isn't strong enough for that right away.

So, Jeb gets her out, starts the feeding again - only to have her slammed back in the hospice in a few days and start the starvation all over again. that would be multiple barbarism.

and then we wouldn't have Jeb around to do anything, for half the people on this sight would have already hung from the first tree for causing her so much extra pain

[maine-iac7]

I personally think that Jeb Bush will send in the DCF either way. But if he has an order from a federal judge to do it, a big mess is avoided. It's a frustrating call to wait even another few hours, since Terri might die any time now. The perfect "thread the needle" outcome is that Whittemore says no, Jeb goes in anyway, Greer orders him arrested for this or that, and a big mess ensues. Meanwhile the docs get a PET scan of Terri and determine that she is not PVS, has brain activity, and is aware of what's going on around her.

if you're making a reference to the Elian G case - they had a f*iggin COURT ORDER - get it? What do you think Jeb and Pres. Bush have been trying to do

[capitan_refugio]

If Gov. Jeb Bush had said,

"I believe this gal may be the victim of a crime, or crimes, and on my authority, I'm going to put her into protective custody until she gets the medical examination she deserves. I am the Governor and occupy a co-equal branch of the state government. No corrupt court will dictate to me, as I have an equal authority to interpret the laws and to enforce them. If the legislature wants to impeach me, let them try!"

- he would have cemented his credentials as a protector of the right to life.

We'll just have to wait and see what he does.

[UnbelievingScumOnTheOtherSide]

The people reelected Greer (and GOD only knows why!),who has already said that he'll throw Jeb in jail; as well as everyone else. The people of Florida have one and only recourse at this point and that id to impeach Greer.

The people also elected Jeb Bush. If he saved Terri and the people don't like it they can impeach him.

That's because the executive is equal to judiciary, not a slavish arm of the judiciary.

[faithincowboys]

What specifically is so great about them?

[AntiGuv]

Gary Johnson was the former governor of New Mexico before Bill Richardson. Anyhow, I think I have my answer, which is who I thought I'd get back to anyhow, but I wanted to quickly scan a few things to make sure nothing jumped out at me that I might be unaware of. I still don't know enough to be certain, but at this early stage I lean toward Governor Mark Sanford of South Carolina. I've been waiting to hear more, assuming that he runs. I also like Governor Bill Owens of Colorado. Neither is a perfect match for me, but better than the others so far as I can tell.

[faithincowboys]

Yes, they reelected Greer, I bet they want that one back.

Whitemore, the SCOFLA and the SCOTUS are all unelected, unaccountable tyrants.

[Big Guy and Rusty 99]

the system is designed like so:

/ Legistlative / Executive / Judical /

If you cross the line from any side, you are in the wrong.

The only recourse we, the voters, in florida have to vote these judges is out. I will glad can every single one of those robe wearing bastards Unfortunately, short of Michael Schiavos' murder confession (THE MAN SHOULD BE THROWN IN A PLASTIC SHREDDER) or someone running into the hospice and literally kidnapping Terri Schiavo so they can feed her, her legal options are few at this point.

Remember, the ends never justify the means. When you use the enemies tactics, you become the enemy.