Constant bashing of the judicial system leads people to have no faith in our judicial system. Our institutions are breaking down. The people have no confidence in our institutions because whatever when they do something we disagree with, we tear them apart
We are incredibly divided. Here is a short piece from David Brooks of the New York Times, talking about moral relativism:
“At the same time, science and reason failed to produce a substitute moral order that could hold the nation together. By 1981, in the famous first passage of his book “After Virtue,” the philosopher Alasdair Macintyre argued that we had inherited fragments of moral ideas, not a coherent moral system to give form to a communal life, not a solid set of moral foundations to use to settle disputes. Moral reasoning, he wrote, had been reduced to “emotivism.” If it feels right, do it. In 1987, Allan Bloom released his megaselling “The Closing of the American Mind,” arguing that moral relativism had become the dominant ethos of the era.”
They are blatantly making rulings that go AGAINST the best interest of the public at large, while focusing on a minority of the populace to appease THEM ONLY!
“Bashing the judicial system! Where did you learn to do this kind of thing?”
“We learned it from you, Donald Trump, we learned it from you.”
But on a more serious note, The appearance of impropriety used to be the standard for those on the bench and in public office. That was where the line was drawn. Accepting money from someone you just handed a lucrative contract to didn’t use to pass the smell test. Now, because of this decision a prosecutor either has to be able to read minds, or has to find the secret diary where the public official has written in detail how he snookered money out of the deal. I think the Supreme Court deserves a little bashing on this one!
Quid pro quo is and will continue to be a central theme throughout our governing system. In most cases, no actual money changes hands. But favors or votes or endorsements have always been present. Scratch my back, I'll scratch yours. Whether its Democrats or Republicans, this is a reality.
That, of course, is true -- but, like torturing prisoners of war, it's always been done but it was NOT public policy nor legal. Now the Court is saying it's legal!
This Supreme Court has absolutely stained the reputation of what used to be a respected institution. Trump's appointees are the ones destroying the integrity and respectability of the Court, and should be removed!
Trump is proposing elimination of income tax on gratuities.
Brilliant move to make bribes (sorry, gratuities)non-taxable and prevent the IRS from taking a share for the American people.
If this proposal becomes reality you will see a lot of the wealthiest Americans benefitting mightily. Every bonus paid to Wall Street traders and other executives will become non-taxable gratuities.
Maybe my own corporation will change my pay rate to $1 per year and provide me a non-taxable gratuity for tens of thousands of dollars.
If everyone starts thinking like crooks we would see the benefit of MAGA.
Theory crossed my mind too. Was it a coincidence that Trump spoke of tips just before this ruling came out? Is there a logical reason why Trump brought up no tax on tipping? Seems very out of context for him.
However, it seems as if you buy anything Trump says. For instance, he knows nothing about Project 2025. My head is not pointed! The huge problem with Trump is that he dares to insult our intelligence and fails miserably. There is a reason that the professor at The Wharton School deemed him, "The most stupid student he had ever dealt with."
The problem is that about 30% of the people want to support him. They know half of what he says is a lie. They don’t care. They believe he is telling a greater truth.
I dont think its "common" knowledge that many waiters, waitresses etc actually hourly pay rate is $2.13 an hour! NOT the "huge" minimum wage of $7.25. Therefore those tips mean everything. I think I read that the dumpster has promised to make tips tax free??? What a guy.
Maybe in NY - not necessarily in all states. And "making bank" is a reach - depends upon what kind of establishment. When your job is waiting tables & more or less depending upon customers actually tipping? Not always a certainty. My daughter worked at an Applebys in VA briefly a few years ago and got $2.13 an hour - tips not so good there. Luckily - that was a very brief moment in time.
Waited on tables most of my life....earned 1$ per hour when I started. Went to $ 4.25 at some point in the 80s as I was *head* waitress - which meant I did more work lol.
I applied for a loan of 1,000 at Beneficial back then...bank minimum to borrow was $1500 and I didn't want the extra $500. Anyways, Beneficial refused to accept my CLAIMED TAXED tips because they weren't a "dependable " income.
Most servers do prefer cash, but most people use card now and leave paper trails. There's no way he could even possibly do this without setting off a shitstorm in the hospitality business. It's just ridiculous and is meant as red meat to the ignorant.
The only person whoever actually paid me my worth for my skills was Matt Funiciello.
I think anyone who waits tables deserves to be paid enough to live on - its hard work and far too many people currently have to work more than one job to earn enough to live. Thats just wrong.
Having been divorced with two kids - I remember what it was like starting over & having no credit history etc. Worked in a hardware store for $2.00 an hour for a while. Obviously, this was over 50 years ago.
This sitting SC bench is dismantling basic tenets of right and wrong that used to proudly distinguish our country from merry ole England, and today’s failed states and authoritarian regimes.
Rep Ocasio Cortez has filed articles of impeachment against Alito and Thomas for refusing to recuse from cases they, their wives or the people who had bribed them with millions of dollars of perks over many years would benefit from the outcome. Additionally, Senators Whitehouse and Wyden have asked the AG to appoint a Special Council to investigate Justice Thomas’ criminal violations of tax and ethics laws.
Success is unlikely, but at least there’s a record that some of our elected representatives understand that these behaviors fall in the ‘Wrong’ category. I guess Kavanaugh and his cohorts never went to Sunday School.
Just before Trump's first year as president Zephyr Teachout published a remarkable book on the history of bribery and court cases that address it called "The History of Corruption in America: FromBenjamin Franklin's snuff box..." She was working on a lawsuit accusing Trump of violating the emoluments clause in the Constitution. Re: corruption in the Supreme Court, I applaud Representative Ocasio Cortez for introducing articles of impeachment against Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito.
How do you prove a corrupt sate of mind? Is it proven when you don’t recuse yourself from cases which impact the groups buying your loyalty? No way to distinguish between a corrupt gift or gratuity? Ok- neither should be accepted by you or your family. Seems so simple and this has been the expectation up until this court. The level of corruption hasn’t ever been openly accepted or expected at the Supreme Court level by our community. It’s further proof that the republicans are no longer the republicans of my youth. Getting rid of checks and balances I all parts of government is one of the steps taken by fascists. Since the Supreme Court has no checks and balances, no ethics or morals, it is the perfect place to make adjustments to the laws which will further corrupt our system. I feel like I’m watching a horror movie and keep mumbling “ What the hell is wrong with these people?”
A few years ago, I took Turkish friends -- green carded but not citizens -- to our local state rep for help getting her mother a visa here for the birth of their second child. My friend brought along a lovely vase to present to the rep, but both I and my rep told him, kindly, that gifts were not only unnecessary because the rep would just do his job to represent the people in his district, but actually unethical and likely illegal. We have now apparently fallen to the degree that we must "tip" -- aka, bribe -- public officials to carry out the duties for which they were elected. Will there be anything left of decency, common sense, and the rule of law in our country? Even if the Dems can get and maintain control of the government, we are still stuck with this Court that has no respect for any of those three. Heart-breaking. Terrifying.
Actually, the immunity case already made it legal for an American to legally commit murder, so I think my grip is just fine.
Constant bashing of the judicial system leads people to have no faith in our judicial system. Our institutions are breaking down. The people have no confidence in our institutions because whatever when they do something we disagree with, we tear them apart
Judges, like other public officials, should be held accountable for their actions when their actions make no sense and weaken our society.
I love how you’re so proud of the nonsense you speak, you remain anonymous. Typical for sure.
There is a system in place for selecting judges. If you don’t like it, change it.
We are incredibly divided. Here is a short piece from David Brooks of the New York Times, talking about moral relativism:
“At the same time, science and reason failed to produce a substitute moral order that could hold the nation together. By 1981, in the famous first passage of his book “After Virtue,” the philosopher Alasdair Macintyre argued that we had inherited fragments of moral ideas, not a coherent moral system to give form to a communal life, not a solid set of moral foundations to use to settle disputes. Moral reasoning, he wrote, had been reduced to “emotivism.” If it feels right, do it. In 1987, Allan Bloom released his megaselling “The Closing of the American Mind,” arguing that moral relativism had become the dominant ethos of the era.”
They are blatantly making rulings that go AGAINST the best interest of the public at large, while focusing on a minority of the populace to appease THEM ONLY!
We should have NO faith in them at this juncture.
They are corrupt.
Anonymous trolls.... Have a nice day.
So you support tipping government officials?
“Bashing the judicial system! Where did you learn to do this kind of thing?”
“We learned it from you, Donald Trump, we learned it from you.”
But on a more serious note, The appearance of impropriety used to be the standard for those on the bench and in public office. That was where the line was drawn. Accepting money from someone you just handed a lucrative contract to didn’t use to pass the smell test. Now, because of this decision a prosecutor either has to be able to read minds, or has to find the secret diary where the public official has written in detail how he snookered money out of the deal. I think the Supreme Court deserves a little bashing on this one!
Quid pro quo is and will continue to be a central theme throughout our governing system. In most cases, no actual money changes hands. But favors or votes or endorsements have always been present. Scratch my back, I'll scratch yours. Whether its Democrats or Republicans, this is a reality.
That, of course, is true -- but, like torturing prisoners of war, it's always been done but it was NOT public policy nor legal. Now the Court is saying it's legal!
This Supreme Court has absolutely stained the reputation of what used to be a respected institution. Trump's appointees are the ones destroying the integrity and respectability of the Court, and should be removed!
Jim Hightower's "Low Down" provided some reputable links to orgs. that are responding to the recent insanity of SCOTUS.
Trump is proposing elimination of income tax on gratuities.
Brilliant move to make bribes (sorry, gratuities)non-taxable and prevent the IRS from taking a share for the American people.
If this proposal becomes reality you will see a lot of the wealthiest Americans benefitting mightily. Every bonus paid to Wall Street traders and other executives will become non-taxable gratuities.
Maybe my own corporation will change my pay rate to $1 per year and provide me a non-taxable gratuity for tens of thousands of dollars.
If everyone starts thinking like crooks we would see the benefit of MAGA.
Theory crossed my mind too. Was it a coincidence that Trump spoke of tips just before this ruling came out? Is there a logical reason why Trump brought up no tax on tipping? Seems very out of context for him.
However, it seems as if you buy anything Trump says. For instance, he knows nothing about Project 2025. My head is not pointed! The huge problem with Trump is that he dares to insult our intelligence and fails miserably. There is a reason that the professor at The Wharton School deemed him, "The most stupid student he had ever dealt with."
...and, likely: the most unscrupulous...
The problem is that about 30% of the people want to support him. They know half of what he says is a lie. They don’t care. They believe he is telling a greater truth.
It is inexplicable., but they vote.
It’s almost like they have a comprehensive plan to gain power and use that power to enrich a small minority.
LARGE TAX CUTS FOR WORKERS, AND NO TAX ON TIPS!
Now I understand that plank in the Republican platform. Also, Dana Milbank pointed out the exclamation point on this plank, but not on:
PREVENT WORLD WAR THREE, RESTORE PEACE IN EUROPE AND IN THE MIDDLE EAST, AND BUILD A
GREAT IRON DOME MISSILE DEFENSE SHIELD OVER OUR ENTIRE COUNTRY -- ALL MADE IN AMERICA
It’s good to know their priorities are with the graft.
Quid for quo lolol.
Is that why the government came down so hard on tipped non government workers?
Handling waiters, bartenders etc to claim every single penny??!!
But someone give me a huge luxury vacation because I pull for them in the government and that's OK??!! STOP
I dont think its "common" knowledge that many waiters, waitresses etc actually hourly pay rate is $2.13 an hour! NOT the "huge" minimum wage of $7.25. Therefore those tips mean everything. I think I read that the dumpster has promised to make tips tax free??? What a guy.
Maybe in NY - not necessarily in all states. And "making bank" is a reach - depends upon what kind of establishment. When your job is waiting tables & more or less depending upon customers actually tipping? Not always a certainty. My daughter worked at an Applebys in VA briefly a few years ago and got $2.13 an hour - tips not so good there. Luckily - that was a very brief moment in time.
Waited on tables most of my life....earned 1$ per hour when I started. Went to $ 4.25 at some point in the 80s as I was *head* waitress - which meant I did more work lol.
I applied for a loan of 1,000 at Beneficial back then...bank minimum to borrow was $1500 and I didn't want the extra $500. Anyways, Beneficial refused to accept my CLAIMED TAXED tips because they weren't a "dependable " income.
Most servers do prefer cash, but most people use card now and leave paper trails. There's no way he could even possibly do this without setting off a shitstorm in the hospitality business. It's just ridiculous and is meant as red meat to the ignorant.
The only person whoever actually paid me my worth for my skills was Matt Funiciello.
Red meat to the ignorant is what he does!
I think anyone who waits tables deserves to be paid enough to live on - its hard work and far too many people currently have to work more than one job to earn enough to live. Thats just wrong.
Having been divorced with two kids - I remember what it was like starting over & having no credit history etc. Worked in a hardware store for $2.00 an hour for a while. Obviously, this was over 50 years ago.
**supposed to be harassing
This sitting SC bench is dismantling basic tenets of right and wrong that used to proudly distinguish our country from merry ole England, and today’s failed states and authoritarian regimes.
Rep Ocasio Cortez has filed articles of impeachment against Alito and Thomas for refusing to recuse from cases they, their wives or the people who had bribed them with millions of dollars of perks over many years would benefit from the outcome. Additionally, Senators Whitehouse and Wyden have asked the AG to appoint a Special Council to investigate Justice Thomas’ criminal violations of tax and ethics laws.
Success is unlikely, but at least there’s a record that some of our elected representatives understand that these behaviors fall in the ‘Wrong’ category. I guess Kavanaugh and his cohorts never went to Sunday School.
Well thought-out rebuttal. 🙄
Just before Trump's first year as president Zephyr Teachout published a remarkable book on the history of bribery and court cases that address it called "The History of Corruption in America: FromBenjamin Franklin's snuff box..." She was working on a lawsuit accusing Trump of violating the emoluments clause in the Constitution. Re: corruption in the Supreme Court, I applaud Representative Ocasio Cortez for introducing articles of impeachment against Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito.
And you’re an anonymous troll.
This you?
https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/22/politics/garret-miller-sentenced-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-threats/index.html
I’m more concerned about death threats to elected officials by mindless cult members. Glad to hear you’re not one of ones making death threats.
How do you prove a corrupt sate of mind? Is it proven when you don’t recuse yourself from cases which impact the groups buying your loyalty? No way to distinguish between a corrupt gift or gratuity? Ok- neither should be accepted by you or your family. Seems so simple and this has been the expectation up until this court. The level of corruption hasn’t ever been openly accepted or expected at the Supreme Court level by our community. It’s further proof that the republicans are no longer the republicans of my youth. Getting rid of checks and balances I all parts of government is one of the steps taken by fascists. Since the Supreme Court has no checks and balances, no ethics or morals, it is the perfect place to make adjustments to the laws which will further corrupt our system. I feel like I’m watching a horror movie and keep mumbling “ What the hell is wrong with these people?”
Right on, Ken! But Coach Kavanaugh? Please. Please don’t mess with the Olympics! :)
Perhaps a weak attempt on my part at an analogy.
I, in turn, made a weak attempt at humor. :) I liked your analogy!
...How to determine a corrupt state of mind? When it comes to this "Supreme" Court's "conservatives," simply: read their decisions...
AMEN to that!
A few years ago, I took Turkish friends -- green carded but not citizens -- to our local state rep for help getting her mother a visa here for the birth of their second child. My friend brought along a lovely vase to present to the rep, but both I and my rep told him, kindly, that gifts were not only unnecessary because the rep would just do his job to represent the people in his district, but actually unethical and likely illegal. We have now apparently fallen to the degree that we must "tip" -- aka, bribe -- public officials to carry out the duties for which they were elected. Will there be anything left of decency, common sense, and the rule of law in our country? Even if the Dems can get and maintain control of the government, we are still stuck with this Court that has no respect for any of those three. Heart-breaking. Terrifying.
I am stunned and sickened by their actions!