60-40 Senate Votes to Stomp out Freedom of Speech

[toenail]

In direct and wanton violation of their oaths of office, sixty U.S. Senators just voted to squash the First Amendment to the Constitution.

[Congressman Billybob]

I know this sounds like Quidam, and I regret that. IF Shays-Meehan winds up in the Supreme Court, that will be the 17th case I have briefed there. I DO know this stuff. (It is not resolved yet whether I will be representing a party to the case, or just a "friend of the Court." Either way, unless I am dead and buried, I will be there.

BTW, I was invovled in the planning, in meetings in New York, of Buckley v. Valeo, 1976, (at Stewart Mott's penthouse apartment), which not only struck major portions of the first ever "campaign reform law," but also had the whole thing dumped back in Congress' lap to do it right this time.

If push comes to shove, that's EXACTLY the result I will seek now, 26 years later. Expect the SCOTUS decision within six months, IF there is going to be any Court review.

Billybob

[concerned about politics]

OK. They're deliberatly sending something obviously unconstitutional up to Bush to sign, cornering him politically, knowing they're breaking the law of the land by signing it in the first place.
This alone sounds like abuse of power by the Seanate leaders.

[GOP_Lady]

Thanks! I knew that it would have to employ two, if not all three, but did not know the order of events. :-)

[Congressman Billybob]

The Soliicitor General is part of the Executive Branch. He reports to the President, and no one else. However, I don't think that General Olson has any difference of personal or constitutional opinion with President Bush on this.

Billybob

[RoseofTexas]

When will we know what W intends to do with this EXCREMENT bill?

[El Gato]

If he vetoes this the media will have a field day.

So let them have their field day. His poll numbers won't be hurt and if his has to defend a veto, and does so, it might actually backfire on the Demos and wayward RINOs. i.e. So Senator, is it true you voted to trash the first amendment? (Never mind that the same Senator probably repudiated the 2nd long ago.)

[Ken H]

My theory--

Bush agrees to sign CFR. He then invites McCain, Feingold, and Clinton to the signing.

Instead of signing the bill, he vetoes it. Then he orders the immediate arrest of the Senators.

Olsen argues before the USSC that the President would be violating his Oath of Office if he didn't arrest them.

[Congressman Billybob]

The President will act within the 10 days provided by the Constitution. I do not expect him to wait to the very end of that period, but some things have to be done to set the stage for what Bush will do.

Keep in mind that I do NOT know what he will do for sure. I only know ONE fairly complex option that he can take.

Billybob

[Congressman Billybob]

The President will act within the 10 days provided by the Constitution. I do not expect him to wait to the very end of that period, but some things have to be done to set the stage for what Bush will do.

Keep in mind that I do NOT know what he will do for sure. I only know ONE fairly complex option that he can take.

Billybob

[rwfromkansas]

He is visiting SC soon....not sure when.

[concerned about politics]

The picture of dashole and the traidor McVain caught my eye.
Dashole looks giddy, like "we got W now. He's toast."
But the look on McVains face is one of evil revenge. Look at his eyes. It not the look of glee.
The eyes are the key to the soul.

[rwfromkansas]

The SC has refused to serve as a presidential advisor and will refuse to do so in this case.

[El Gato]

This from CNN.:

"In a statement released by the White House, Bush said he will sign the bill despite some misgivings about it.

"The reforms passed today, while flawed in some areas, still improve the current system overall," he said. "The legislation makes some important progress on the timeliness of disclosure, individual contribution limits and banning soft money from corporations and labor unions."

However, the president said the bill, which most of his fellow Republicans in Congress opposed, raises "some legitimate constitutional questions." He also said he continues to believe "the best reform is full and timely disclosure of campaign contributions."

---

If it has Constitutional questions, then he should uphold his oath and veto the bill.

If he signs it, someone needs to ping Claire Wolfe and ask her if it's time yet?

[ao98]

Bush to appear in Greenville for Graham(a CFR supporter)

[concerned about politics]

Here's hoping Billybob knows more about this than CNN!

[VRWC_minion]

If it has Constitutional questions, then he should uphold his oath and veto the bill.

Option B is to not enforce those sections which are not constitutional. That would be Bush's style. Brilliant compromise.

[RoseofTexas]

GEEZZZZ..don't know what to make of it. I guess he'll sign, don't know...bummer! I do know that he'll be out of the states for a few days so we won't know till he come home what to expect. I HATE OUR GUTLESS PUBS!! Especially the RINOS! EXTREMELY sad those RINOS have safe seats!

[El Gato]

You mean have Bush ask SCOTUS for guidance on a law he believes may be unconstitutional, prior to signing it? Hmmmmm....that's a pretty good idea, if it's possible.

It's not. That's what the Attorney General is supposed to do. The SCOTUS will not give advice, since they only rule on cases. I think the AG or Solictor General could appeal to have the law overturned, but if you are going to take the heat for that, why not just veto the bill? They clearly do not have enough votes for an overide.

[VRWC_minion]

Here's hoping Billybob knows more about this than CNN!

This was one of the signs BB told to look for

However, the president said the bill, which most of his fellow Republicans in Congress opposed, raises "some legitimate constitutional questions."

[RoseofTexas]

HMMMMM...good observation! Here's crossing my fingers!