TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts said Tuesday the scene at President Obama’s State of the Union address was “very troubling” and the annual speech has “degenerated to a political pep rally.”
Responding to a University of Alabama law student’s question, Roberts said anyone was free to criticize the court, and some have an obligation to do so because of their positions. ”So I have no problems with that,” he said. “On the other hand, there is the issue of the setting, the circumstances and the decorum.
“The image of having the members of one branch of government standing up, literally surrounding the Supreme Court, cheering and hollering while the court — according the requirements of protocol — has to sit there expressionless, I think is very troubling.”
Roberts told the students he wonders whether justices should attend the speeches.
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Obama and the liberal mob really blew it big time, and I am glad that Roberts found an appropriate forum to address it. Roberts is right about SOTU degenerating into a pep rally. I only hope SCOTUS sits out the next speech.
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The OttO Show Reply:
March 10th, 2010 at 12:00 AM
My question is can Roberts prohibit the other justices from attending? I would think so but I’m not sure.
If so, well…then if Roberts – and others – feel that the event is undignified to the court then by all means, stop or take a breather. It’s interesting to see the court there because it’s not often that you get to see (live) all nine justices in their robes all the while sitting stoic. But it’s not necessary and I think it was childish for Obama to call them out for something that he is in fact wrong, foolish or dishonest about. And that’s the real problem here that hasn’t gotten as much attention: the President of the United States supports the suppression of speech and will scold and deceive in order to promote that point of view.
Then again, what does it say when the atmosphere in Washington is so toxic and embarrassing that it can actually drive the Supreme Court to consider changing it’s traditions in efforts to avoid it…
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Max Venom Reply:
March 10th, 2010 at 1:47 AM
Good question. I don’t think Roberts would prohibit it though, rather leaving it optional.
Personally, I think SOTU is a terrorist strike waiting to happen. Its dumb to gather all three branches under one roof for any circumstances. I see it as a tradition that serves no modern day purpose.
“Live from the Oval Office” would have the same effect, and would be much safer in a crazy world where cheaper technology can deliver a pin point strike.
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