habeas corpus is the law, and yes, it applies to Guantanamo detainees. Who would ever have imagined that more than two hundred years after the adoption of the U.S. Constitution an administration would be fighting to Limit (.e., defeat) habeas corpus? And here's a surprise--it wasn't a unanimous decision. Nope, the matter was decided 5-4. Any guesses on who comprised the gang of four? Why yes, you are right.
California Supreme Court overturns gay marriage ban. The AP reports: The California Supreme Court has overturned a gay marriage ban in a ruling that would make the nation's largest state the second one to allow gay and lesbian weddings.
The justices' 4-3 decision Thursday says domestic partnerships are not a good enough substitute for marriage. Chief Justice Ron George wrote the opinion.
* * *
The case before the court involved a series of lawsuits seeking to overturn a voter-approved law that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
With the ruling, California could become the second state after Massachusetts where gay and lesbian residents can marry.
And if California does become the second state to offer marriage, Im going to guess that the New Jersey legislature will go back to work and finally give gay New Jerseyans full marital rights instead of separate, and not quite equal civil unions. And so on. Shit, in a few years Alabama could be sanctioning gay marriage. Or not.
Bush's disapproval rating worst of any president in 70 years. And yet impeachment is still off the table. One day, our descendants will look back on this period of time and wonder why we did not do the right thing. Just a fucking disgrace.
Link via Atrios.
Ongoing nomination fight hurting Clinton more than Obama. The AP reports: In a dramatic reversal, an Associated Press-Yahoo! News poll found that a clear majority of Democratic voters now say Sen. Barack Obama has a better chance of defeating Republican Sen. John McCain in November than Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.
While Obama and Clinton are both sustaining dents and dings from their lengthy presidential fight, the former first lady is clearly suffering more. Democratic voters no longer see her as the party's strongest contender for the White House.
Voters of all types have gotten a better sense of Obama, who was an obscure Illinois legislator just four years ago. As more people moved from the "I don't know him" category in the AP-Yahoo! News poll, more rated Obama as inexperienced, unethical and dishonest. And 15 percent erroneously think he's a Muslim, thanks in part to disinformation widely spread on the Internet.
But Obama's positive ratings have climbed as well, while Clinton — widely known since the early 1990s — has been less able to change people's views of her. And when those views have shifted, it has hurt her more than helped.
The New York senator's ratings for being honest, likable, ethical and refreshing have fallen since January, and Obama scores higher than she does in all those categories.
I hope that one result of this wasteful extended primary is that the old-school, scorched earth campaign strategy finally dies. Another probable result of this election season, I think, will be the understanding that although corporations and wealthy individuals can throw early money to a candidate, that an inspiring candidate can out-fund the traditional sources by tapping average people who are willing to support him or her $25, $50 or $100 at a time. The idea that money from the people could trump money from the powerful...that's a good thing. That said, please Pennsylvania, you can end this next week. Think about it.
Obama calls for shareholder input on pay for executives. Corporate greed is killing us. Good for Obama for directly confronting the beast. And yes, his plan isn't perfect, but it is a start. Wonder what Hillary's version will look like. Yes, I'm laughing.
Tucker Canceled; Other Programming Changes Ahead. Mediabistro.com reports: Insiders tell TVNewser Tucker Carlson's 6pmET show Tucker is getting the axe, but Carlson stays on as a political contributor to all MSNBC shows at least through the 2008 election. The official announcement, expected tomorrow, will include details about who will replace Tucker at 6pmET as well as other political programming additions. Sources say the network is going to beef up its schedule with more NBC News talent.
Hey MSNBC why aren't you giving Rachel Maddow her own show? After all, Olbermann and others are using Maddow quite a bit this election cycle, and everything I've read suggests that she is doing a great job. But, there is a but, and it is this: even though Maddow's bright and well liked, even though (maybe because of?) she is a Fulbright Scholar with a Ph.D. from Oxford University, I'm guessing MSNBC is concerned about the shit storm the rightwing would stir up if they gave Maddow, who is an out lesbian, her own show. Still, I think she would be a draw and would certainly do much better than Tucker. Here's hoping we are all pleasantly surprised by MSNBC's new schedule (but I'm not holding my breath).
LUXE LOSING SHINE -- SALES AT SAKS, NEIMAN SLOWED IN FEBRUARY. Imagine the pain of an Upper East Side mother having to explain to her young daughter that yes, she must wear a last season frock to her $30k/year private school. Why must the young suffer so?
House holds Bush confidants in contempt. And the republicans walk out of the house in protest, prompting Pelosi to respond by rolling her eyes while whispering "drama queens."
Ok then, kudos to Nancy Pelosi. Now if she manages to keep the house from adopting that filthy version of FISA that Harry Reid let out of the senate, I may have to cut her a big break. And if this continues, well the democrats will reap the reward for finally doing their job. As for me, no real praise until impeachment is on the fucking table.
