Well you are correct, legally; the court is supposed to only address controversies that reach it, not “invite” specific types of cases so that it can proactively make policy .. or overturn precedent. In that sense Thomas was telling on himself.
Hi C.G. ✋ Hope you are having a good holiday!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 We are waiting on the A Capitol Fourth on PBS tonight, then fireworks down the street!!!💫 Be well, hope you have a blessed week, and we get some good news from the J6 Committee.🙏
Happy Fourth of July!!! My parents came in town to visit, so have had a good, hot weekend! Folks have been popping off firecrackers all day. I like the visuals, but I never understood those who do it for the loud sound. I'm hoping you have a great Fourth also! Btw, I think the J6 Committee has been doing a great job! Have a fabulous short week!! 😊🎆
Hi C.G. Our hometown neighbors a city that has fireworks displays every year. We can see it from down the street so we see it from there. No crowds, no traffic.😁
So glad for you that your parents are visiting. Enjoy your special time with them.😊
What the courts decided was to wash their hands of anything concerning our liberties and threw it back to the states in which we live.
It wouldn't be so bad if the politicians of these states had any basic biology and health knowledge, especially as it relates to the female body.
Other than limited knowledge of coitus and that coitus is what produces babies, men in particular are generally ignorant in this area.
These local and state POLS have been thrown into law and law enforcement, by people who themselves are seeming just as ignorant of the job, also.
But at the same time, WE FORGET WHO PUT THESE IGNORANT PEOPLE IN OFFICE in the first place.
It was/is we, the American people who with our own ignorance, apathy, hatred and jealousies that resulted in us hanging our selves.
We have voted in people who shouldn't be in charge of taking care of a goldfish, let along writing law for us, also but writing them in such a way as to protect themselves from liability.
.We voted these people in office complete with nice perks and benefits in the majority of cases and then when they abuse the powers they all but dare us to kick them out.
We can't do anything about the Justices on the Supreme Courts.
They are in for life.
But there is an election coming up.
These are state and local elections.
These are also elections in which we vote in all representatives of our states.
There are also some Senate races up.
It's about time WE THE PEOPLE do our share to weed out people who does not have our best interest at heart.
We pay these people nice salaries to do and handle our business.
These people are our employees.
They are not our friends although we can have a friendly working relationship with them.
The Supreme Court chose to just wash their hands of our problems, so be it.
We can find another way to get the job done.
President Biden has said he will sign into law any such bills that will protect our right after he has enough Senator and definitely reps to get a bill (s) passed and on his desk.
These bill will be codified.
They will be beyond the reach of the Courts.
It will be a bill that WE THE PEOPLE have voted on.
I can only hope that people will go to the POLLS in record number.
Even as the states have made it their business to try sabotage voters efforts in some corners, register now to vote, get your IDs ready if necessary.
Be prepared to stand in long line.
Get a copy of the ballots and have your 'cheat' sheet ready that way you won't have to think about which person you will vote for.
If you vote quickly other can come in and do the same.
Each year since 2016 we have increased voter turnout.
But even so there were still about 45 million people eligible who didn't vote in the 2020 election.
they hear arguments pro or con regarding which cases to take and then make their decision; i.e. the supreme court decided in Dec 2021 after hearing arguments to take Dobbs case - which led to the downfall of Roe.
exactly! because last December was when Sonya Sotomayor at the Dobbs hearings that the Supreme Court is in danger of having a certain political stench; Amy Come Barret asked if it is still permissible to take an unwanted infant to a police/fire station - Barrett's remark made me think we were doomed; they are taking up Affirmative Action next year - watch out
I am a Jungian Psychologist. People in my profession have been treating the terrible psychological and physical consequences of societal oppression like this forever! We will, of course, continue to treat the terrible wounds perpetrated on citizens by right wing, ignoramuses. I appreciate your continual reporting on this GQP evil. Please mention how much help exists out there for those suffering from this oppression and encourage them to seek it! Thanks. Dr. Barbara Kobrin.
When I was in college I got pregnant and decided to get an abortion. I lived in Utah and there was only one Doctor that performed abortions and it took several hours to get there. While I was in college I did work for my physiology instructor. I confided with him my situation. I’d gone to 12 years of Catholic Girls School, so it was not an easy decision. He told me never regret the decision you make; only regret you had to make a decision.
Those words once I understood helped me make the decision.
Years later I (still in Utah) I worked for a full service women’s clinic that performed abortions. I saw first hand the anguish the women experienced. It was not a decision that was easy. It was heartbreaking. The clinic was picketed all the time. On the anniversary of the passing of Roe there was always the fear the law would be overturned. The clinic opened a clinic in Colorado in anticipation of the laws changing in Utah. They were prepared to transport the women round trip so they could have the procedure.
My research paper in college was on the history of abortion. One thing I learned personally and in research-a woman will try to do anything to end an unwanted pregnancy regardless of the consequences.
On June 24th life as a woman knew changed and rights we fought for are in danger of being overturned.
Thank you for sharing this deeply personal tale. The intrusion into what could only be one of the most difficult times in a woman's life is beyond the pale. One Repug politician recently said HE believed life began at conception (nonsense), so a raped 12 year old girl SHOULD carry the fetus of the rapist to term. Sickening!
The SC will not stop there. Thomas made it clear. We must join hands and keep fighting together. I admire your strength.
Yes. I wrote him a letter and told him the SC never considered what the fallout would be from striking down Roe. I told him he should be careful if he wants to revisit Obergefell decision. Next on the list of things to dissolve could be INTERRACIAL marriage !! I told him he should consider that outcome !!!!!!
Lucy, you are so brave to share your story with us. These men and this one misguided woman, have no idea what they have done to our country. I remember hearing about back alley self abortions, and how so many women died. Unfortunately these justices will never have any empathy for the lives lost because of their decisions. God bless you!!!🙏
You might be interested in this woman: Margaret Sanger
She was responsible for helping women not to get pregnant. One could say she was the first one that helped women use methods to not get pregnant. Regardless of what the law did she continued her work. She is a true hero
Hi Lucy!!! Thank you, I will read up on her. We definitely need more heroic Americans today. So many cowards roaming the halls of Congress. Take care and be safe.
The ramifications of this ruling doesn’t just affect grown women but it filters down to American girls. In 1973 the world was so different. Now girls are reaching puberty at a younger age than 1973 which means 10 year old girls can be forced to give birth from a rape and/ or incest event. In what universe is this moral? The potential criminalization of naturally occurring miscarriages is inconceivable in its cruelty. Most American women have experience dealing with being marginalized economically and diminished professionally and harassed sexually but this feels like a direct assault and violation of our personhood. I feel truly stripped of my freedom and I love the support of likeminded women and men.
Truda, I echo your sentiments too. I just don’t understand how this is happening in this country. What happened to separation of church and state? This reversal of Roe v Wade is definitely based on religious beliefs of the conservative right. What’s next? If Clarence Thomas has his way..contraceptives, IVF, etc will be banned. We are no longer living in a free country.
Yes, but I wrote him a letter, telling him that if he wants to re-examine Obergefell decision, he should realize that INTERRACIAL marriage could be the next issue on the list !! Told him to seriously consider that possibility !!
Thanks for your newsletter and analysis on the Supreme Court’s decision - Roe versus Wade.
Thank God that I live in the state of New Jersey where women’s rights to make their decisions are still respected. Governor Phil Murphy just signed women’s abortion rights into law.
I will never ever understand the following:
- Why guns have more rights than women in this country
- Why men (or women) will make decisions on women’s bodies and the women have no say (or choice) to what they want to do with their bodies
- Why evangelicals and religious fanatics will impose their own religious beliefs on others - just because they carry/ study the Bible/ Quran go to church/ synagogue/ mosque: all these doesn’t define one as a good person…these type of people tend to be hypocrites, wolves in sheep’s clothing and downright wicked
I have concluded that Clarence Thomas’ judgement is seriously skewed…he is a very disgusting and disturbed person. Why will he go as far as overturning laws because of who someone chooses to sleep with? Wow, this branch of government is so messed up…talk about going back to medieval times. The conservative justices really wanted to know who people have sex with? That’s so messed up and so perverted
When was this constitution written? We have done amendments…why can’t we amend laws to the 21st century?
I want to live in a society with a government that respects everybody’s civil and health rights especially women’s rights. One more thing, no man should never ever make decisions about women’s bodies…the last time I checked men don’t have uterus and have zero idea what women go through with their bodies.
My first inner-response to his comments was--what about inter-racial marriage? It's getting real close to home for him, but I suppose he feels safe. Talk about above the law!!!
Today, I saw coverage of a conversation he had with someone years ago, expressing the desire to make the Left suffer because they made him suffer. Now, I guess we know his goal. Make America Suffer Again！
Thank you for bringing up interracial marriage. Clarence and Ginni are silent. Maybe she's busy texting stuff on attempted coups 2.0.
Would like to see the media cover this angle more extensively and repeatedly as a glaring example of how obscenely hypocritical Mr."so what that my wife wants King Trump as president " Thomas is and why it matters.
Loving v. Virginia, 388 U.S. 1, was a landmark civil rights decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in which the Court ruled that laws banning interracial marriage violate the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.ò
Thought Congress has the power to control the Sup Court's unilateral, unchecked decisions?
Hi Karyn, the SC will be deciding cases on their own personal beliefs. Not sure if Congress will actually do anything without the full support of both branches.
Yes Karyn, times have changed so much, I don't recognize our country anymore. The GOP definitely wear their hatefulness as a badge of honor. We just need to continue the fight to elect people that truly care about us.
Ari has been a big part of expanding my political knowledge. I'm not on any social media, so this forum has been an awesome way to interact with intelligent people who share my views. We have also found alot of new friends.😁 Have a safe holiday weekend!!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏
I was happy to see you make reference on your show last night to the fact that this ruling also impacts men. You were interviewing Cecil Richards who is in my opinion is a brilliant woman and she also made that same statement. I would love to see her follow in her mom’s footsteps and run for a political office. Men need to step up to the plate when they go to vote in November. It’s not just on women to fight this ruling tooth and nail. I too fear other rulings impacting our civil rights are coming down the pike. I’m guessing one that has only been legal nationwide since 1967 won’t be looked at or considered at all. It’s called Interracial Marriage! Gee, I wonder why?
Hi and greetings from Northern Ireland! I agree with every single word you wrote, summarizes the situation perfectly. To say the Supreme Court is disingenuous is an understatement. It used to be said that the Catholic Church needed to stay out of people’s bedrooms. The States and Court should be doing the same. Instead the opposite is happening. Morality and conscience should be private matters not government dictated. Thank you for the way you are covering this.
Couldn’t agree more. I’m having a hard time processing why my decisions about my body, how I prevent pregnancy, who I have sex with or marry should be the business of anyone who has never met me, knows nothing about me or my life circumstances. 🤔
I agree with you whole hesrtly on everything you said!! Looks like churches are getting into politics in courts are getting into churches---what a mess
If contraception became illegal, would it encompass both genders? Deprivation of reproductive rights and punitive mechanisms are thus far directed at females. Varied and cumulative consequences of the Roe ruling defy reason and quantitative scope. Words are inadequate for this regressive madness, this legal horror, this grave injustice.
I cannot get beyond the rage and indignation of the Roe ruling, beyond consideration for the wide swath of lives it now suddenly, savagely, willfully impacts. While abortion is believed most commonly sought by younger women of prime child-bearing age, it's also of vital necessity to many others; e.g. the still-fertile 45-year-old woman whose birth control failed, a pregnant menopausal woman thought to be safely off birth control, even medically so-advised, and an ectopically pregnant woman whose physician fears legal entrapment, perhaps endangering the life of that woman while applying for potentially legally-required surgical approval. This dystopian world defies belief, will become a continual living nightmare if contraception is made illegal. This authoritarian assault on American life demands immediate, powerful collective action at every effective level. It must be answered in radical terms equivalent to its damage and harm.
I do not understand how the five justices can so radically change the laws that were made over the last 50-75 years to suit their personal opinions. They are out of sync with the people’s and the constitution’s intentions. And, they are quickly moving on to other areas that they should not be involved in like climate control and the authority of the EPA. President Biden needs to quickly move forward with codifying Roe and expanding the number of judges on the Supreme Court. This is a terrible situation and is going to get worse. Wake up everyone, write your representative and senators.
A black, male friend of mine told me the other day that Clarence Thomas is "acting like a White man." Mostly I've been trying to decide whether someone would label me a racist for saying the very same thing, but I absolutely see his point. Thomas is trying to "play God," be the divine one, and be the oppressor.
All but one of those who overturned Roe are men who have never carried a pregnancy, and never will. The other has a prehistoric view of the world - and apparently of life. I'm Catholic, too, but Catholicism never taught me to endanger myself so another could live. Pregnancy is NOT easy. I'm sure every one of us has noticed how a woman's body changes during pregnancy, but what we can't see is what's going on INSIDE the body. I have personally had surgery twice to tack back up my bladder, and it is currently held in place by a mesh sling that will stay inside of me forever. I've had a portion of my intestines hoisted back into place, as well. But, I have had my rectum repaired and relocated FOUR times; and, as I type, it has prolapsed again. The last time, I was on the operating table for 2-1/2 hours and had a mind-numbingly slow recovery of 12 weeks. I'm too tired to go through that again. My uterus, though, was completely shot by the fourth child, and I had a hysterectomy while in my 20s. There are women, though, who end up with problems way worse than mine. As for the births, during only one did I have a problem - uncontrolled hemorrhaging that also required surgery. Let's be clear: I wanted to carry these children; it was my choice. But, I think that when one mandates that course for another, as this Court has done, they are signaling that they have absolutely ZERO respect for life. The Court seems to espouse the notion that all life is equal, yet they obviously don't give a damn about the life of the woman or girl who has to go through this.
Beyond all that, my personal feeling is that Clarence Thomas should be impeached. The Supreme Court is supposed to be apolitical, but he clearly is not. He has trampled and trashed the oaths of his office. And, now he's releasing statements that are obvious signals for his fellow right-wing fanatics to go out and find some cases to bring before the Court so it can overturn same-sex marriage, the right to contraception, and the right to have consensual sex with whomever we choose. He is literally advertising his personal opinion - telling us outright that he will overturn those rights based on his personal opinion!! Whatever happened to "without passion or prejudice?!" Clearly, the blindfold needs to come off Lady Justice.
As for Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett, they all lied - while under oath - to Congress during their confirmation hearings. That's a crime for you and me. They should be impeached. Kavanaugh needs to be thoroughly vetted because that was never done. And, I think a thorough vetting would prove that he's not fit to hold the position, anyway. Finally, Alito is an idiot, and Roberts is a woose. People have screamed for the last year and a half about Biden being an illegitimate President, but this is an illegitimate Supreme Court.
It is not just precedent this Court ignored, but consequences, as well. I expect that the economic fallout will be felt by all of us. The rise, once again, of back alley abortions and the complications that end in death. Negative effects on the climate. Overcrowding, underfunding, non-existent resources.
My sincere hope is that President Biden expands the Court. Like, now.
Thank you for sharing, Lori. I agree with your thoughts and comments. It’s so important to have people making important decisions from a place of personal experience and knowledge. I regress, as usual, to cultural differences. Lack of profound knowledge and experience by those making policy, about what they are making policy, is a weakness. And only serves to create chaos and failure. Perhaps we can view the male and female experience considering the I Ching—Book of Changes? Counter energies balance, but when too much of one is present, it can knock things out of balance. Testosterone and estrogen are perhaps the best way to view the two energies of masculine and feminine. There needs to be a good balance between the two when governing a country. Men should not be deciding about women’s bodies. With four female Justices on the court, all male justices should recuse in these decisions.
You misunderstand me. The Supreme Court is in place to ensure that all citizens are afforded equal justice under the law. They also make sure each branch of government recognizes, and plays within, its own limits. But, in its role as an interpreter of the Constitution, the Court is charged with making sure that our laws do not violate the Constitution.
The Court's decisions should NEVER be made based on their personal experiences and/or opinions. But, that's exactly what the Court did in reversing Roe. They threw out 50 years of precedent, made a decision based on their religious beliefs, and employed some really shaky logic in coming to their conclusion. The fact that they ignored the dangers for our country - not just for women and girls - and completely ignored the will of the people only makes their decision that much worse. But, no, the male justices should not have recused themselves just because they will never have children. They, and Amy Coney Barrett, should have recused themselves because they were unable to make a decision without bringing their religious beliefs into the mix. In reaching their decision, they shirked their duty and pissed on their oaths.
Ah, yes! A very intricate and fine lines of separation in ideology and allowing personal ideals to influence their decision making. Thank you for clarifying that for me. Sadly, it appears we're in uncharted territory.
Lori you have been through so much, God bless you for your strength. 🙏These justices will never know what a woman or a young child will have to endure during pregnancy. They had no right to tell us what to do with our bodies, but the Republicans gave them the power to do so. Some day this will affect them, and they will regret their choices. Take care!!!😳
Thanks, Ari. I want to know how this can be changed. Yes, voting, but are there other things we can do? I would love Joe Biden to expand the court (but I believe that would have to be voted on in Congress), I would like those who can to consider impeachment of particularly one member who is clearly compromised. He has even expressed that he is getting revenge, or so I read, to the liberals for making his life hell. All that is happening makes one feel helpless, as if there are no answers and the real answers seem to elude us. But I still have hope, because these things that are happening to the people now will get voters out, and we are much more motivated now than ever before. And I want to thank you for your always insightful and often brilliant show, I never miss it.
Ari, you summarized it well, and yes, that “Neutral on Prenatal Life” is incongruent and HOGWASH! But how did we get here? Stolen elections, denied justice seats, gerrymandering, and a lot of other political foulness are notables. HOWEVER, all that “women’s equality” for which women fought so hard, was put on a fast track to descent, when RBG refused to retire; when WOMEN said they couldn’t trust Hillary; when we kept/keep splitting ourselves and handing over our power! Republicans made a CONSERTED EFFORT to take over school boards, city councils, water boards—to familiarize a name for mayorships, sheriffs, state and local governments and so on. Why can’t women devise a platform for three to five issues nationally, that women can support, no matter the state or party and go for it? The bottom line, women need to take some responsibility for ROE and galvanized around codifying it. And Democrats need to stop counting chickens before they hatch, with the public disapproval of the decision.
you are so on point Olddiva. and it's not just about Roe. it's all of what is happening now- Repubs were united and on the one-track, fast track to control the courts et al, while we, not just women, sat back gloating during Obama's 8 years thinking, we made it!, struggled with the messages, complained that Bernie got sidelined- so low voter turnout got 45 elected, and now we are shocked that this happened.
Trump married two Soviet-educated East-block women. They are at his side, counselling him on how to do what he’s doing. Now, others are learning and following suit, but with more caution. Moscow Mitch is married to a Chinese (Taiwan) woman. She is at his side, pulling from historical strategy writings, including the Art Of War, guiding him in how to deceive and gain; winning through sleight of hand. These two men are the key players that succeeded to get US where we are today. Sadly, those who can save us are in denial and don’t have the mental skills to outplay them.
The US military prides itself in studying the Art Of War. But, the problem is, they are learning it in English; and they don’t understand the worldview on which the ancients wrote it to understand the essence of meaning expressed—translations lack cultural implications. The core of the Art Of War is—how to win without a war—through sleight of hand and conniving trickery. Which is exactly what Mitch has done, with the world watching.
Sadly, the naïve puritan goody-two-shoes can’t-hurt-their-feelings Democrats that have allowed this to happen are resorting to invitations "to chat" and artistic expression as their means to an end.
Again you broaden my horizons--there are many many many ways that this has happened to us! Collectively all of us expressing our ideas opinions and information are getting us the answers to why this is all come about!! I am very thankful for this forum--thank you Ari for giving us this opportunity and outlet for our thoughts and ideas about what is happening to us--and thank you Todd for your insights
Hi Nancy, hope you are doing well. Yes I love reading all the comments and learning new information. I too am so grateful to Ari for giving us the opportunity to express our views and meet new friends 😊
Hi--I'm doing pretty good--I'm experiencing intermittent pain in the left side of my head for several days now--also a tightness around my heart region--I've been praying for healing-I'm sharing this with you in case I go on to Happy hunting ground 😏⁉️ it sure has been a blessing sharing with all of you and receiving messages, thoughts and ideas along my journey here on Earth--I am not particularly eager to go but when it's my time it's my time I guess! I'm hoping to have another 10 years here but it remains to be seen--blessings to all of you and to you V Garcia for careing enough to be in my life--also blessings to you Ari for all you do
Hi Nancy. How are you doing today? Hope you checked with your doctor this morning. I'm one that puts things off sometimes, but when it comes to our health we shouldn't take a wait and see. Take care my friend, God be with you!!!🙏
Todd you are right, the Democrats are too kind and always trying to do things with respect. But they just can't fight like the ruthless GOP.. They need a fire under their booties to get their messages to the American public.
OMG, Diane! It’s as if you went inside my head and snatched the words, verbatim. I’ve been racking my brain, pondering my starting point: My Democratic Club, Woman’s Club, or the candidate for mayor. I just know I need to act. Enjoy your weekend and keeping your eye on the mark.😄
Agreed! Your point about denied Justice seats is well taken. Thank you Mitch. He’s had the control all along and this rests squarely on his shoulders, along with the deterioration of the separation of church and state, indigenous rights, environmental protections…need I go on…?
I agree Maureen!!! Moscow Mitch indeed!!! He was the one in charge of the whole operation. As majority leader he made sure President Obama didn't get any legislation passed. But his cold hearted hold on Merrick Garland's nomination was the worse of his misdeeds. But when the former guy had his opportunity to add his justices, he moved heaven and earth to get them confirmed quickly.
Oh Diva, you are right on point. The GOP are devious, and have taken advantage of the Demoracts weaknesses. They have taken all the opportunities handed to them and now our democracy is on life support. You always have so much thought provoking insight.👍🙏😊
“…so much thought provoking insight,…” as do you, Ms V! And yes, Democrats have a lot of weaknesses, a side effect of our “progressive” (loaded, misused word) independence. If only we could acquire Liz Cheney’s ire, and propel it into a UNITED front…A great weekend for you, too!❤️
Like so many in our country, I have spent the last week trying to process every layer of this devastation, both emotionally and intellectually. Although I have no faith in our current SCOTUS, I find comfort in thinking about the “liberal” justices left and the swearing in of Ketanji Brown Jackson. I look forward to their dissenting opinions (and I’m sure there will be doozies) to help guide me, and hopefully guide the country in how to continue our fighting to protect our privacy rights.
Thank you for your continued thorough and thoughtful covering of all of this. Happy 4th?!
The justice should make intermarriage a crime, while he’s at it. Oh, he wouldn’t like that? He’s learned NOTHING over the course of his life, as a black man in America. He deserves an impeachment. That, he has earned.
I usually don't drop comments...re-wrote today's a few times, but this is all I'm left with: shoutout to precedent, we miss you.
🎯
Well you are correct, legally; the court is supposed to only address controversies that reach it, not “invite” specific types of cases so that it can proactively make policy .. or overturn precedent. In that sense Thomas was telling on himself.
Ari, I honestly think Clarence Thomas is speaking for all the conservative justices. They all feel they have the power to do anything they want now.😢
:(
Yep, it definitely feels like a. Invite and yes, he's telling on himself again.
Hi C.G. ✋ Hope you are having a good holiday!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 We are waiting on the A Capitol Fourth on PBS tonight, then fireworks down the street!!!💫 Be well, hope you have a blessed week, and we get some good news from the J6 Committee.🙏
Happy Fourth of July!!! My parents came in town to visit, so have had a good, hot weekend! Folks have been popping off firecrackers all day. I like the visuals, but I never understood those who do it for the loud sound. I'm hoping you have a great Fourth also! Btw, I think the J6 Committee has been doing a great job! Have a fabulous short week!! 😊🎆
Hi C.G. Our hometown neighbors a city that has fireworks displays every year. We can see it from down the street so we see it from there. No crowds, no traffic.😁
So glad for you that your parents are visiting. Enjoy your special time with them.😊
See ya next time!!!✋
Thanks Ari!
Maybe it’s time to regulate vasectomies?
Interesting how Vasectomies are increasing daily.
👍👍👍
Yes!!!!!😊
What the courts decided was to wash their hands of anything concerning our liberties and threw it back to the states in which we live.
It wouldn't be so bad if the politicians of these states had any basic biology and health knowledge, especially as it relates to the female body.
Other than limited knowledge of coitus and that coitus is what produces babies, men in particular are generally ignorant in this area.
These local and state POLS have been thrown into law and law enforcement, by people who themselves are seeming just as ignorant of the job, also.
But at the same time, WE FORGET WHO PUT THESE IGNORANT PEOPLE IN OFFICE in the first place.
It was/is we, the American people who with our own ignorance, apathy, hatred and jealousies that resulted in us hanging our selves.
We have voted in people who shouldn't be in charge of taking care of a goldfish, let along writing law for us, also but writing them in such a way as to protect themselves from liability.
.We voted these people in office complete with nice perks and benefits in the majority of cases and then when they abuse the powers they all but dare us to kick them out.
We can't do anything about the Justices on the Supreme Courts.
They are in for life.
But there is an election coming up.
These are state and local elections.
These are also elections in which we vote in all representatives of our states.
There are also some Senate races up.
It's about time WE THE PEOPLE do our share to weed out people who does not have our best interest at heart.
We pay these people nice salaries to do and handle our business.
These people are our employees.
They are not our friends although we can have a friendly working relationship with them.
The Supreme Court chose to just wash their hands of our problems, so be it.
We can find another way to get the job done.
President Biden has said he will sign into law any such bills that will protect our right after he has enough Senator and definitely reps to get a bill (s) passed and on his desk.
These bill will be codified.
They will be beyond the reach of the Courts.
It will be a bill that WE THE PEOPLE have voted on.
I can only hope that people will go to the POLLS in record number.
Even as the states have made it their business to try sabotage voters efforts in some corners, register now to vote, get your IDs ready if necessary.
Be prepared to stand in long line.
Get a copy of the ballots and have your 'cheat' sheet ready that way you won't have to think about which person you will vote for.
If you vote quickly other can come in and do the same.
Each year since 2016 we have increased voter turnout.
But even so there were still about 45 million people eligible who didn't vote in the 2020 election.
We need those people on the sidelines.
Our democracy is at stake.
Please Vote and please VOTE BLUE.
they hear arguments pro or con regarding which cases to take and then make their decision; i.e. the supreme court decided in Dec 2021 after hearing arguments to take Dobbs case - which led to the downfall of Roe.
exactly! because last December was when Sonya Sotomayor at the Dobbs hearings that the Supreme Court is in danger of having a certain political stench; Amy Come Barret asked if it is still permissible to take an unwanted infant to a police/fire station - Barrett's remark made me think we were doomed; they are taking up Affirmative Action next year - watch out
Hi Joyce!!! I wondered if any new laws affecting men will be enacted as well. Hmmmm?????
I am a Jungian Psychologist. People in my profession have been treating the terrible psychological and physical consequences of societal oppression like this forever! We will, of course, continue to treat the terrible wounds perpetrated on citizens by right wing, ignoramuses. I appreciate your continual reporting on this GQP evil. Please mention how much help exists out there for those suffering from this oppression and encourage them to seek it! Thanks. Dr. Barbara Kobrin.
Thanks for your comment - and your work
I am a Jungian psychoanalyst. Small world. I certainly agree with your points
Thank you too!!!😊
Thank you!!!🙏
When I was in college I got pregnant and decided to get an abortion. I lived in Utah and there was only one Doctor that performed abortions and it took several hours to get there. While I was in college I did work for my physiology instructor. I confided with him my situation. I’d gone to 12 years of Catholic Girls School, so it was not an easy decision. He told me never regret the decision you make; only regret you had to make a decision.
Those words once I understood helped me make the decision.
Years later I (still in Utah) I worked for a full service women’s clinic that performed abortions. I saw first hand the anguish the women experienced. It was not a decision that was easy. It was heartbreaking. The clinic was picketed all the time. On the anniversary of the passing of Roe there was always the fear the law would be overturned. The clinic opened a clinic in Colorado in anticipation of the laws changing in Utah. They were prepared to transport the women round trip so they could have the procedure.
My research paper in college was on the history of abortion. One thing I learned personally and in research-a woman will try to do anything to end an unwanted pregnancy regardless of the consequences.
On June 24th life as a woman knew changed and rights we fought for are in danger of being overturned.
Dear Lucy,
Thank you for sharing this deeply personal tale. The intrusion into what could only be one of the most difficult times in a woman's life is beyond the pale. One Repug politician recently said HE believed life began at conception (nonsense), so a raped 12 year old girl SHOULD carry the fetus of the rapist to term. Sickening!
The SC will not stop there. Thomas made it clear. We must join hands and keep fighting together. I admire your strength.
Yes. I wrote him a letter and told him the SC never considered what the fallout would be from striking down Roe. I told him he should be careful if he wants to revisit Obergefell decision. Next on the list of things to dissolve could be INTERRACIAL marriage !! I told him he should consider that outcome !!!!!!
Thank you
Lucy
Lucy, you are so brave to share your story with us. These men and this one misguided woman, have no idea what they have done to our country. I remember hearing about back alley self abortions, and how so many women died. Unfortunately these justices will never have any empathy for the lives lost because of their decisions. God bless you!!!🙏
You might be interested in this woman: Margaret Sanger
She was responsible for helping women not to get pregnant. One could say she was the first one that helped women use methods to not get pregnant. Regardless of what the law did she continued her work. She is a true hero
Yes ! I wrote a paper on her when in college in mid-70’s. She really took groundbreaking action !!
Hi Lucy!!! Thank you, I will read up on her. We definitely need more heroic Americans today. So many cowards roaming the halls of Congress. Take care and be safe.
The ramifications of this ruling doesn’t just affect grown women but it filters down to American girls. In 1973 the world was so different. Now girls are reaching puberty at a younger age than 1973 which means 10 year old girls can be forced to give birth from a rape and/ or incest event. In what universe is this moral? The potential criminalization of naturally occurring miscarriages is inconceivable in its cruelty. Most American women have experience dealing with being marginalized economically and diminished professionally and harassed sexually but this feels like a direct assault and violation of our personhood. I feel truly stripped of my freedom and I love the support of likeminded women and men.
"None of us is free until all of us are free."
😢
Truda, I echo your sentiments too. I just don’t understand how this is happening in this country. What happened to separation of church and state? This reversal of Roe v Wade is definitely based on religious beliefs of the conservative right. What’s next? If Clarence Thomas has his way..contraceptives, IVF, etc will be banned. We are no longer living in a free country.
You are right. Time warp 1950
Yes, but I wrote him a letter, telling him that if he wants to re-examine Obergefell decision, he should realize that INTERRACIAL marriage could be the next issue on the list !! Told him to seriously consider that possibility !!
I am truly disgusted by this horrible decision of overturning Roe vs. Wade.
I agree. I knew it was coming but I still feel gutted
Ditto! Not much freedom left to celebrate this July 4th.
Oh, yes! We are not equal anymore!!
So true
😢
Thx. When I talk with friends who are directors of rape/crisis centers they all say the majority of victims are little girls
I know. It’s awful
Hi Ari and Happy Fri-YAY😃
Thanks for your newsletter and analysis on the Supreme Court’s decision - Roe versus Wade.
Thank God that I live in the state of New Jersey where women’s rights to make their decisions are still respected. Governor Phil Murphy just signed women’s abortion rights into law.
I will never ever understand the following:
- Why guns have more rights than women in this country
- Why men (or women) will make decisions on women’s bodies and the women have no say (or choice) to what they want to do with their bodies
- Why evangelicals and religious fanatics will impose their own religious beliefs on others - just because they carry/ study the Bible/ Quran go to church/ synagogue/ mosque: all these doesn’t define one as a good person…these type of people tend to be hypocrites, wolves in sheep’s clothing and downright wicked
I have concluded that Clarence Thomas’ judgement is seriously skewed…he is a very disgusting and disturbed person. Why will he go as far as overturning laws because of who someone chooses to sleep with? Wow, this branch of government is so messed up…talk about going back to medieval times. The conservative justices really wanted to know who people have sex with? That’s so messed up and so perverted
When was this constitution written? We have done amendments…why can’t we amend laws to the 21st century?
I want to live in a society with a government that respects everybody’s civil and health rights especially women’s rights. One more thing, no man should never ever make decisions about women’s bodies…the last time I checked men don’t have uterus and have zero idea what women go through with their bodies.
Have a nice 4th of July weekend, Ari😊
Keep quoting rap lyrics, I truly enjoy it😁
Cheers🍾🥂
You said what all of us are thinking Sandra!!!!👏👏👏
Have a safe holiday weekend!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Hi V Garcia😁😁😁 Thanks😃 You too!😃
😁
My first inner-response to his comments was--what about inter-racial marriage? It's getting real close to home for him, but I suppose he feels safe. Talk about above the law!!!
Today, I saw coverage of a conversation he had with someone years ago, expressing the desire to make the Left suffer because they made him suffer. Now, I guess we know his goal. Make America Suffer Again！
Thanks for your comments, Sandra. 🙏
Thank you for bringing up interracial marriage. Clarence and Ginni are silent. Maybe she's busy texting stuff on attempted coups 2.0.
Would like to see the media cover this angle more extensively and repeatedly as a glaring example of how obscenely hypocritical Mr."so what that my wife wants King Trump as president " Thomas is and why it matters.
Loving v. Virginia, 388 U.S. 1, was a landmark civil rights decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in which the Court ruled that laws banning interracial marriage violate the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.ò
Thought Congress has the power to control the Sup Court's unilateral, unchecked decisions?
Hi Karyn, the SC will be deciding cases on their own personal beliefs. Not sure if Congress will actually do anything without the full support of both branches.
Yes times have changed. There's no shaming or trying to humiliate them and many GOP because they wear these labels as badges of honor.
Thank goodness for Ari, his amazing reporting and legal insights and for creating this forum. Love learning.
Yes Karyn, times have changed so much, I don't recognize our country anymore. The GOP definitely wear their hatefulness as a badge of honor. We just need to continue the fight to elect people that truly care about us.
Ari has been a big part of expanding my political knowledge. I'm not on any social media, so this forum has been an awesome way to interact with intelligent people who share my views. We have also found alot of new friends.😁 Have a safe holiday weekend!!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏
I love to read your posts!! They are always right on!!!
I was happy to see you make reference on your show last night to the fact that this ruling also impacts men. You were interviewing Cecil Richards who is in my opinion is a brilliant woman and she also made that same statement. I would love to see her follow in her mom’s footsteps and run for a political office. Men need to step up to the plate when they go to vote in November. It’s not just on women to fight this ruling tooth and nail. I too fear other rulings impacting our civil rights are coming down the pike. I’m guessing one that has only been legal nationwide since 1967 won’t be looked at or considered at all. It’s called Interracial Marriage! Gee, I wonder why?
Hi and greetings from Northern Ireland! I agree with every single word you wrote, summarizes the situation perfectly. To say the Supreme Court is disingenuous is an understatement. It used to be said that the Catholic Church needed to stay out of people’s bedrooms. The States and Court should be doing the same. Instead the opposite is happening. Morality and conscience should be private matters not government dictated. Thank you for the way you are covering this.
Couldn’t agree more. I’m having a hard time processing why my decisions about my body, how I prevent pregnancy, who I have sex with or marry should be the business of anyone who has never met me, knows nothing about me or my life circumstances. 🤔
I agree with you whole hesrtly on everything you said!! Looks like churches are getting into politics in courts are getting into churches---what a mess
If churches are getting into politics, Time for them to pay taxes.
If contraception became illegal, would it encompass both genders? Deprivation of reproductive rights and punitive mechanisms are thus far directed at females. Varied and cumulative consequences of the Roe ruling defy reason and quantitative scope. Words are inadequate for this regressive madness, this legal horror, this grave injustice.
I cannot get beyond the rage and indignation of the Roe ruling, beyond consideration for the wide swath of lives it now suddenly, savagely, willfully impacts. While abortion is believed most commonly sought by younger women of prime child-bearing age, it's also of vital necessity to many others; e.g. the still-fertile 45-year-old woman whose birth control failed, a pregnant menopausal woman thought to be safely off birth control, even medically so-advised, and an ectopically pregnant woman whose physician fears legal entrapment, perhaps endangering the life of that woman while applying for potentially legally-required surgical approval. This dystopian world defies belief, will become a continual living nightmare if contraception is made illegal. This authoritarian assault on American life demands immediate, powerful collective action at every effective level. It must be answered in radical terms equivalent to its damage and harm.
Very well put--you put into words what I was thinking and feeling!
I couldn't agree with you more very well put
Thank you.
I do not understand how the five justices can so radically change the laws that were made over the last 50-75 years to suit their personal opinions. They are out of sync with the people’s and the constitution’s intentions. And, they are quickly moving on to other areas that they should not be involved in like climate control and the authority of the EPA. President Biden needs to quickly move forward with codifying Roe and expanding the number of judges on the Supreme Court. This is a terrible situation and is going to get worse. Wake up everyone, write your representative and senators.
We can't give up, but it's hard when everywhere we turn there are more and more GOP obstructionists.
Why not term limits for ALL federal judges?
A black, male friend of mine told me the other day that Clarence Thomas is "acting like a White man." Mostly I've been trying to decide whether someone would label me a racist for saying the very same thing, but I absolutely see his point. Thomas is trying to "play God," be the divine one, and be the oppressor.
All but one of those who overturned Roe are men who have never carried a pregnancy, and never will. The other has a prehistoric view of the world - and apparently of life. I'm Catholic, too, but Catholicism never taught me to endanger myself so another could live. Pregnancy is NOT easy. I'm sure every one of us has noticed how a woman's body changes during pregnancy, but what we can't see is what's going on INSIDE the body. I have personally had surgery twice to tack back up my bladder, and it is currently held in place by a mesh sling that will stay inside of me forever. I've had a portion of my intestines hoisted back into place, as well. But, I have had my rectum repaired and relocated FOUR times; and, as I type, it has prolapsed again. The last time, I was on the operating table for 2-1/2 hours and had a mind-numbingly slow recovery of 12 weeks. I'm too tired to go through that again. My uterus, though, was completely shot by the fourth child, and I had a hysterectomy while in my 20s. There are women, though, who end up with problems way worse than mine. As for the births, during only one did I have a problem - uncontrolled hemorrhaging that also required surgery. Let's be clear: I wanted to carry these children; it was my choice. But, I think that when one mandates that course for another, as this Court has done, they are signaling that they have absolutely ZERO respect for life. The Court seems to espouse the notion that all life is equal, yet they obviously don't give a damn about the life of the woman or girl who has to go through this.
Beyond all that, my personal feeling is that Clarence Thomas should be impeached. The Supreme Court is supposed to be apolitical, but he clearly is not. He has trampled and trashed the oaths of his office. And, now he's releasing statements that are obvious signals for his fellow right-wing fanatics to go out and find some cases to bring before the Court so it can overturn same-sex marriage, the right to contraception, and the right to have consensual sex with whomever we choose. He is literally advertising his personal opinion - telling us outright that he will overturn those rights based on his personal opinion!! Whatever happened to "without passion or prejudice?!" Clearly, the blindfold needs to come off Lady Justice.
As for Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett, they all lied - while under oath - to Congress during their confirmation hearings. That's a crime for you and me. They should be impeached. Kavanaugh needs to be thoroughly vetted because that was never done. And, I think a thorough vetting would prove that he's not fit to hold the position, anyway. Finally, Alito is an idiot, and Roberts is a woose. People have screamed for the last year and a half about Biden being an illegitimate President, but this is an illegitimate Supreme Court.
It is not just precedent this Court ignored, but consequences, as well. I expect that the economic fallout will be felt by all of us. The rise, once again, of back alley abortions and the complications that end in death. Negative effects on the climate. Overcrowding, underfunding, non-existent resources.
My sincere hope is that President Biden expands the Court. Like, now.
Thank you for sharing, Lori. I agree with your thoughts and comments. It’s so important to have people making important decisions from a place of personal experience and knowledge. I regress, as usual, to cultural differences. Lack of profound knowledge and experience by those making policy, about what they are making policy, is a weakness. And only serves to create chaos and failure. Perhaps we can view the male and female experience considering the I Ching—Book of Changes? Counter energies balance, but when too much of one is present, it can knock things out of balance. Testosterone and estrogen are perhaps the best way to view the two energies of masculine and feminine. There needs to be a good balance between the two when governing a country. Men should not be deciding about women’s bodies. With four female Justices on the court, all male justices should recuse in these decisions.
You misunderstand me. The Supreme Court is in place to ensure that all citizens are afforded equal justice under the law. They also make sure each branch of government recognizes, and plays within, its own limits. But, in its role as an interpreter of the Constitution, the Court is charged with making sure that our laws do not violate the Constitution.
The Court's decisions should NEVER be made based on their personal experiences and/or opinions. But, that's exactly what the Court did in reversing Roe. They threw out 50 years of precedent, made a decision based on their religious beliefs, and employed some really shaky logic in coming to their conclusion. The fact that they ignored the dangers for our country - not just for women and girls - and completely ignored the will of the people only makes their decision that much worse. But, no, the male justices should not have recused themselves just because they will never have children. They, and Amy Coney Barrett, should have recused themselves because they were unable to make a decision without bringing their religious beliefs into the mix. In reaching their decision, they shirked their duty and pissed on their oaths.
We no longer have a supreme court that plays by the rules!! The sooner we realize that the sooner we can come to solutions as to how to remedy this
Ah, yes! A very intricate and fine lines of separation in ideology and allowing personal ideals to influence their decision making. Thank you for clarifying that for me. Sadly, it appears we're in uncharted territory.
Thank you for your viewpoint as usual you broadened my perspective--
Hello Lori,
Man have no idea - NONE - what pregnancy does to women's minds and bodies. But, some think they can dictate our response. Oh the arrogance!😡
The things that we had to go through even when it was legal to have an abortion is a testament to women's strength in adverse conditions
Lori you have been through so much, God bless you for your strength. 🙏These justices will never know what a woman or a young child will have to endure during pregnancy. They had no right to tell us what to do with our bodies, but the Republicans gave them the power to do so. Some day this will affect them, and they will regret their choices. Take care!!!😳
Thanks, Ari. I want to know how this can be changed. Yes, voting, but are there other things we can do? I would love Joe Biden to expand the court (but I believe that would have to be voted on in Congress), I would like those who can to consider impeachment of particularly one member who is clearly compromised. He has even expressed that he is getting revenge, or so I read, to the liberals for making his life hell. All that is happening makes one feel helpless, as if there are no answers and the real answers seem to elude us. But I still have hope, because these things that are happening to the people now will get voters out, and we are much more motivated now than ever before. And I want to thank you for your always insightful and often brilliant show, I never miss it.
Ari, you summarized it well, and yes, that “Neutral on Prenatal Life” is incongruent and HOGWASH! But how did we get here? Stolen elections, denied justice seats, gerrymandering, and a lot of other political foulness are notables. HOWEVER, all that “women’s equality” for which women fought so hard, was put on a fast track to descent, when RBG refused to retire; when WOMEN said they couldn’t trust Hillary; when we kept/keep splitting ourselves and handing over our power! Republicans made a CONSERTED EFFORT to take over school boards, city councils, water boards—to familiarize a name for mayorships, sheriffs, state and local governments and so on. Why can’t women devise a platform for three to five issues nationally, that women can support, no matter the state or party and go for it? The bottom line, women need to take some responsibility for ROE and galvanized around codifying it. And Democrats need to stop counting chickens before they hatch, with the public disapproval of the decision.
you are so on point Olddiva. and it's not just about Roe. it's all of what is happening now- Repubs were united and on the one-track, fast track to control the courts et al, while we, not just women, sat back gloating during Obama's 8 years thinking, we made it!, struggled with the messages, complained that Bernie got sidelined- so low voter turnout got 45 elected, and now we are shocked that this happened.
Trump married two Soviet-educated East-block women. They are at his side, counselling him on how to do what he’s doing. Now, others are learning and following suit, but with more caution. Moscow Mitch is married to a Chinese (Taiwan) woman. She is at his side, pulling from historical strategy writings, including the Art Of War, guiding him in how to deceive and gain; winning through sleight of hand. These two men are the key players that succeeded to get US where we are today. Sadly, those who can save us are in denial and don’t have the mental skills to outplay them.
The US military prides itself in studying the Art Of War. But, the problem is, they are learning it in English; and they don’t understand the worldview on which the ancients wrote it to understand the essence of meaning expressed—translations lack cultural implications. The core of the Art Of War is—how to win without a war—through sleight of hand and conniving trickery. Which is exactly what Mitch has done, with the world watching.
Sadly, the naïve puritan goody-two-shoes can’t-hurt-their-feelings Democrats that have allowed this to happen are resorting to invitations "to chat" and artistic expression as their means to an end.
That’s my valueless two-cents.
Again you broaden my horizons--there are many many many ways that this has happened to us! Collectively all of us expressing our ideas opinions and information are getting us the answers to why this is all come about!! I am very thankful for this forum--thank you Ari for giving us this opportunity and outlet for our thoughts and ideas about what is happening to us--and thank you Todd for your insights
Hi Nancy, hope you are doing well. Yes I love reading all the comments and learning new information. I too am so grateful to Ari for giving us the opportunity to express our views and meet new friends 😊
Hi--I'm doing pretty good--I'm experiencing intermittent pain in the left side of my head for several days now--also a tightness around my heart region--I've been praying for healing-I'm sharing this with you in case I go on to Happy hunting ground 😏⁉️ it sure has been a blessing sharing with all of you and receiving messages, thoughts and ideas along my journey here on Earth--I am not particularly eager to go but when it's my time it's my time I guess! I'm hoping to have another 10 years here but it remains to be seen--blessings to all of you and to you V Garcia for careing enough to be in my life--also blessings to you Ari for all you do
Hi Nancy. How are you doing today? Hope you checked with your doctor this morning. I'm one that puts things off sometimes, but when it comes to our health we shouldn't take a wait and see. Take care my friend, God be with you!!!🙏
Todd you are right, the Democrats are too kind and always trying to do things with respect. But they just can't fight like the ruthless GOP.. They need a fire under their booties to get their messages to the American public.
OMG, Diane! It’s as if you went inside my head and snatched the words, verbatim. I’ve been racking my brain, pondering my starting point: My Democratic Club, Woman’s Club, or the candidate for mayor. I just know I need to act. Enjoy your weekend and keeping your eye on the mark.😄
Agreed! Your point about denied Justice seats is well taken. Thank you Mitch. He’s had the control all along and this rests squarely on his shoulders, along with the deterioration of the separation of church and state, indigenous rights, environmental protections…need I go on…?
I agree Maureen!!! Moscow Mitch indeed!!! He was the one in charge of the whole operation. As majority leader he made sure President Obama didn't get any legislation passed. But his cold hearted hold on Merrick Garland's nomination was the worse of his misdeeds. But when the former guy had his opportunity to add his justices, he moved heaven and earth to get them confirmed quickly.
"..when we kept/keep splitting ourselves and handing over our power!" Agreed. United we stand, divided we fall.
Hi SandraR, enjoy your weekend!
You too!!
Oh Diva, you are right on point. The GOP are devious, and have taken advantage of the Demoracts weaknesses. They have taken all the opportunities handed to them and now our democracy is on life support. You always have so much thought provoking insight.👍🙏😊
Have a safe holiday weekend!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
“…so much thought provoking insight,…” as do you, Ms V! And yes, Democrats have a lot of weaknesses, a side effect of our “progressive” (loaded, misused word) independence. If only we could acquire Liz Cheney’s ire, and propel it into a UNITED front…A great weekend for you, too!❤️
💗
Like so many in our country, I have spent the last week trying to process every layer of this devastation, both emotionally and intellectually. Although I have no faith in our current SCOTUS, I find comfort in thinking about the “liberal” justices left and the swearing in of Ketanji Brown Jackson. I look forward to their dissenting opinions (and I’m sure there will be doozies) to help guide me, and hopefully guide the country in how to continue our fighting to protect our privacy rights.
Thank you for your continued thorough and thoughtful covering of all of this. Happy 4th?!
The justice should make intermarriage a crime, while he’s at it. Oh, he wouldn’t like that? He’s learned NOTHING over the course of his life, as a black man in America. He deserves an impeachment. That, he has earned.
Glaring omission of intermarriage, right? Silence on that is deafening.