[extropy-chat] Re: SCOTUS rulings and replacements

[Brett Paatsch]

Joseph wrote:

>> (I do realise that I could find this stuff out myself by Googling, and
>> probably will, but I thought if some US'ians saw how much this stuff
>> interests some of us that don't even live there, then they might discover
>> an interest in their own systems as well.  The Supreme Court is one
>> of the real hubs of civilizing, or otherwise, power not just in the US
>> but in the world.  It may be on a par with, or at more likely at present
>> given the might of the US, even more powerful than the UN Security
>> Council).
>
>
> I doubt you will maintain that view of the Supreme Court if they suddenly 
> start handing down decisions that are contrary to your political views. 
> Like, say, if another Justice Scalia is appointed to fill O'Connor's 
> vacancy. Then it will doubtless replace George Bush as the seed of evil in 
> the world.

I think you missed the "or otherwise" in what I wrote. I'm saying based
on a reading of the constitution and discussions with other list members
and other reading that its clear the Supreme Court has a lot of power
in the US. And because the US has a lot of power in the world it also
follows that the SCOTUS has power in the world.

I'm thinking of things like free trade agreements and such, being treaties.
If I want to enjoy the benefit of any treaties, including trade treaties,
made with the US then this stuff will matter to me personally.

See Article III, Section 2, clause 1, again.

"The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising
under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made,
or which shall be made under their Authority;  ...."

Please let me be clear, I am not a supporter of George Bush, but I don't
regard him as the seed of evil in the world. It is possible for me to see
that things that George Bush does could be good both in his aim and in
his effect.  I don't think in terms of "seed of evil" and I don't 
characterise
those who hold views different from mine as evil.  It doesn't help.

When I see people in politics talking about "evil" or "believing" my radar
goes way up though because I suspect they are appealing to the lowest
common denominator voters. I think that they are trying to encourage
others to take nuance and judgement out of their deliberations and to
just jump on their band wagon or be run over by it and by those that do.

Brett Paatsch