Through spokeswoman, Bush makes cautious comment on Ten Commandments furor (Pretty weak)

KVIA.com (AP) ^ | 8/28/03

[truthandlife]

Through his spokeswoman, President Bush has ventured a cautious opinion on the controversy over the Ten Commandments monument in Alabama.

Deputy Press Secretary Claire Buchan (BYOO'-kan) says it's important that laws and court rulings be respected.

However, she notes that some courts have ruled it's O-K to erect displays of the Ten Commandments -- while others have forbidden it. Either way, she says, rulings can be appealed.

But that's the most she'd say -- even though the president has made the encouragement of faith-based social work a central part of his administration.

She didn't say whether Chief Justice Roy Moore was right or wrong to champion the monument in Alabama's Judicial Building. The statue was removed today by order of a federal court.

[montag813]

Come on now. In fairness, how could it possibly benefit Bush to take either side here? Besides, he is trying to get David Pryor confirmed, and any comments on Moore's behalf would greatly complicate this.

[proud2serve]

Now I'm sure that the judicial system is confused. Since the Commandments are prominently displayed in the US Supreme Court, why take issue in a lesser court? I firmly believe that this is just lack of contraversy and something had to be the target again.

[jwalsh07]

I'm a Bush supporter since early on but he needs to take a side in the new culture war just like everybody else.

He's doing an excellent job as CIC, but I'd like him to join in the fray here.

[Catspaw]

From the statements from Moore and his attorneys, Moore will be appealling the 11th circuit decision to the US Supreme Court. The President traditionally withholds comment about a pending case. If the Solicitor General submits an amicus brief in the case, we'll know the position of the administration.

[rabidralph]

From the start, the president's staff has said it's a matter for the state of Alabama to decide. Just like the Recall is a matter for the state of California to decide. Let the man enjoy his vacation and concentrate on national matters.

[montag813]

He's doing an excellent job as CIC, but I'd like him to join in the fray here.

There is no politically safe way for him to do so without leaving Pryor out to dry. Think about it.

[vigilo]

The GOP is AWOL from the cultural war. What a bunch of worthless, good for nothing mice.

[jwalsh07]

Pryor is not going to get a vote ont he floor of the United States Senate. It doesn't matter how may times he upholds his oath of office to obey the rule of law, Schumer and Leahy are not letting it get to the floor under the current rules of the Senate.

[LiteKeeper]

SPOTREP

[truthandlife]

The President traditionally withholds comment about a pending case. If the Solicitor General submits an amicus brief in the case, we'll know the position of the administration.

Good information. Thanks.

[pgyanke]

From the start, the president's staff has said it's a matter for the state of Alabama to decide.

That is the crux of the problem. Alabama was fine with the monument for two years. It's the Federal court ruling that has changed the equation. It is now a Federal issue.

I agree this is politically sticky for Bush but someone has to stand up for our country's laws. Judge Moore is doing a courageous job but he's going to need some help at the Federal level to win this one.

[Sloth]

Besides, he is trying to get David Pryor confirmed

That's BILL Pryor. [Thank God David Pryor is *not* up for a federal judgeship]

[justshe]

Catspaw.....I thought I had read that the SCOTUS had refused to hear the case.....no?

[montag813]

That's BILL Pryor. [Thank God David Pryor is *not* up for a federal judgeship]

I stand corrected, and yes that would be pretty awful.

[Zaxis]

I think it's safe to say that we know where Bill Clinton stands on "displaying erections".

[No Dems 2004]

President Bush needs to make stronger stands on moral issues and needs to stop being so evasive. Homosexuality is yet another issue he tries to duck and dive. He must show himself stronger.

[Catspaw]

Catspaw.....I thought I had read that the SCOTUS had refused to hear the case.....no?

No.

What the Supremes refused to hear was an appeal from the 11th circuit on an extraordinary stay.

This is what happened: shortly before and shortly after the 11th circuit decision came down, Judge Thompson asked Moore's attorneys if they were going to request a stay. They declined both times. (To this day, I've heard no explanation from them as to why they did this.) After the time for a stay expired and the Friday before the big rally in Montgomery, they applied to Judge Thompson for an extraordinary stay (usually used in last minute death penalty appeals), citing, among other things, that the reason they wanted the stay was to fulfill Judge Moore's campaign promise. Thompson denied the extraordinary stay. They then appealed to the 11th circuit and the 11th circuit denied the extraordinary stay. That's when they appealed to the Supremes, and the Supremes denied the extraordinary stay.

All of this was unnecessary, of course, had Moore's attorneys requested the usual stay while they appealed to the Supremes.

They still plan on filing a writ of certiorari, appealing the 11th circuit decision. When that's anyone's guess, but let's hope they don't miss the deadline.

[sasafras]

You got to stand for something or youll fall for anything. Message for Bush - Do the right thing, not the politically correct thing.

[sasafras]

You got to stand for something or youll fall for anything. Message for Bush - Do whats right not PC.