During his State of the Union, Obama rebuked the Supreme Court over Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission stating:
"Last week, the Supreme Court reversed a century of law to open the floodgates for special interests - including foreign companies - to spend without limit in our elections. Well I don’t think American elections should be bankrolled by America’s most powerful interests, and worse, by foreign entities. They should be decided by the American people, and that’s why I’m urging Democrats and Republicans to pass a bill that helps to right this wrong."
The amazing thing was actually seeing Justice Alito shake his head and mouth "not true" as the President was speaking. The Chief Justice appears to be shaking his head as well.
Juan Williams on Fox News: "I am not sure it is appropriate for the President to scold the Supreme Court...it worries me in terms of intimidating a branch of government."
Now, I personally am not sure that the "Supremes" were intimidated-- but Justice Alito certainly looked angry.
I have been looking and I cannot find another instance where a President has publicly rebuked the Supreme Court to their "faces." I believe the President failed to remember that the Supreme Court is an Equal Branch of office. They hold office for life, and they do not report to the Executive Branch.
I don't see any reason why a President can't publicly disagree with the Supreme Court. One of my favorite quotes is:
ReplyDelete"John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it!"
Andrew Jackson never really said this, but I endorse the concept. If I were President I'd enforce no law made by Congress (or SCOTUS) which is contrary to my oath to support and defend the Constitution.
What's most remarkable about Obama's statement is that he calls for "a bill that helps to right this wrong."
Why does this "Constitutional scholar" not understand that if the Supreme Court already declared the law contrary to the 1st Amendment, that any subsequent law likely fail to pass muster?
Objection!
Overruled.
Your honor, I strenuously object!
I don't mind Barry objecting to SCOTUS- But I do mind them being INVITED to the People's House and being reprimanded, publicly to their faces-
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like FDR- I don't like what the court says so I am going to pack the court-
I knew that Andy Jackson did not make the quote but his actions were deplorable in ignoring the court-- and the reasons why many Cherokee's do not accept $20 bills!
Again, this sounds like a repeat of Jackson... Congress- pass the bill again!!! Despite what the court says.