While there has been a seeming consensus among progressives that because Obama has said that some "detainees" will continue to be held without trial, his moves to close down Guantanamo have fallen dangerously short, his appointment of Sotomayor seems to have broad-based support among Democrats and Independants although Republicans are already mouthing off as usual. Check out Conservatives Already Screwing Up Opposition to Sotomayor on Firedog Lake.

The topic below was originally posted on my blog, the Intrepid Liberal Journal.

President Obama will soon announce his nominee to replace retiring Justice David Souter on the Supreme Court. It's a critical nomination with long-term ramifications for civil liberties, executive power, management-labor relations, the environment and consumer rights. Hence, it is vital the public know whether the judicial philosophy and ideology of any prospective nominee to the court is compatible with their sensibilities and values. Ideally, all nominees would be forthcoming about their philosophy as the senate either confirms or rejects them with full knowledge of the sort of justice they're likely to be.

Posted by permission of Nicholas Benton, owner/editor of the Falls Church New Press.

The Sad Case of the Falls Church

by Nicholas Benton

How Can You Question Climate Change Now?

January 11, 2008

(Click for Larger image)


     Ominous Arctic Melts Worry Experts: An already relentless melting of the Arctic greatly accelerated this summer, a warning sign that some scientists worry could mean global warming has passed an ominous tipping point. One even speculated that summer sea ice would be gone in five years.

http://ecoble.com/2008/01/11/how-can-you-question-climate-change-now/

"Vlad" Gingrich is molesting the Constitution in the name of national security again. This time he's on a tirade about the recent Supreme Court decision that grants prisoners held at young Mr. Bush's pleasure in Guantanamo the right to a habeas corpus hearing.

"This court decision is a disaster and it could cost us a city," Newt said on Face the Nation. Land o' Goshen. The only way this court decision could cost us a city is if it makes Newt's head explode. Driving Newt's noodle to critical mass would be the kind of disaster we need, but it would force us to make some difficult decisions. Losing New York City or Washington D.C. might be too high a price to pay to be permanently rid of Newt, but if we're talking, say, Minot, North Dakota, well…

I take that back. Minot's a lovely city and we have a strategically significant military base there. We'll blow Newt's noggin to smithereens in that chancre sore on the Potomac. Let's just make sure all the politicians are in town when we push the plunger.

This is one of my broody Tuesday's. No need to say more about THAT. Except...an interesting post for those of you who are washing your hands of this years presidential election. From hte McClatchy Washington Bureau comes this gem McCain vows to name more 'Alitos' and 'Robertses.' As McCain might say, "My friends, please take notice."