Marshall apologizes for 'red states' quip

Boston Globe ^ | Jonathan Saltzman,

[Cincinatus' Wife]

The chief justice of the state Supreme Judicial Court yesterday apologized for a joke she made at the beginning of her commencement speech at Brandeis University in May, when she quipped to spectators gathered beneath blue and white balloons, ''No red states here."

The remark by Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall, who wrote the court's landmark 2003 decision allowing same-sex marriage, triggered a confidential complaint to the Commission on Judicial Conduct. The commission released an extraordinary statement yesterday from the state's top jurist, who said she regretted making what might have been construed as a political statement.

''The comment was an unconsidered, spontaneous attempt to connect with the exuberant, celebratory feeling in the audience, reflecting the balloons I had seen," Marshall said. ''The reference to 'red states' was not part of my written, prepared speech. I regret the comment, and I apologize for it. I did not intend to say anything of a political nature."

[starbase]

"I regret the comment, and I apologize for it. I did not intend to say anything of a political nature."

Right.

[stocksthatgoup]

What a fool.

[stocksthatgoup]

If you are an attorney representing a conservative client would you expect a fair hearing from this judge?

[Snickersnee]

"The reference to 'red states' was not part of my written, prepared speech."

Ergo, I didn't really say it. And I can't see what all the fuss is about.

[MillerCreek]

Nah, she's only sorry that her words were heard/read by people outside her 'celibratory' peers.

[Berlin_Freeper]

"I regret the comment, and I apologize for it."

That should be read as:

"I regret the comment being reported on, and I am bitter about being forced to apologize for it. Just wait till I get some Republicans in my court and I will make them pay dearly for this humiliation. Just wait."

[csvset]

Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall's Bio

[BigCinBigD]

She looks like a deranged guppy.

[starbase]

What a fool.

Are you talking about me or the judge!

Would my posting be more clear if I had said

"(sarcasm) Right.(/sarcasm)" ?

[cincinnati65]

I was flipping through channels the other day and caught part of Bravo's "Top Ten Things About Being a Red Stater". This had to be the single most condescending program I've ever seen. Some of the highlights:

Truckers, Being as Fat as you Want, Killing your Food, Extended Family Values (with plenty of incest references), and Hating Hillary (apparently because we're sexist and think women should remain in the kitchen).

It was supposed to be tongue-in-cheek (I guess), but after a while it just seemed like another vicious attack.

And then the lightbulb went off over my head and said "No, that's REALLY what Blue Staters think the red states are all about."

[Joe Boucher]

If Mrs. Clinton were to win the presidency, look for Maggy Marshall to be elevated to the 9th circuit court of appeals where she'll fit right in.
Great impartial justice there Mass.
What are all your public officials there garbbage?

[Cincinatus' Wife]

It's always "tongue in cheek" when a LIBERAL says it.

But if a conservative.......you know the drill.

[jshermn]

Massachusetts should become a ward of Venezuala!

[spartan68]

Massachusetts should become a ward of Venezuala!

You made one slight mistake,
that should read;

Maine and Massachusetts should become wards of venezuala!!

[ThirstyMan]

If you are an attorney representing a conservative client would you expect a fair hearing from this judge?

Truth Revealed!

[xzins]

This woman should be forced to recuse herself from any decision in which a conservative client or issue or is being represented.

[BenLurkin]

She would do well to recuse herself -- wouldn't hold my breath though.

[babydoll22]

Did she borrow Donald Trump's hair for this picture?

[peyton randolph]

If Mrs. Clinton were to win the presidency, look for Maggy Marshall to be elevated to the 9th circuit court of appeals where she'll fit right in.

In the great tradition of Ruth ACLU Ginsburg, I see Clinton nominating Marshall for the U.S. Supremes instead.