Be careful of precedents

[bluescribbler]

The recent passing of Arnold "Red" Auerbach brought to mind a story he told in one of his books.

Early in his career, when the NBA was new and many rules weren't yet in place, he was coaching in a game when an opposing player's pass hit the guy wires supporting the backboard. Red argued to the referee that, since the guy wires weren't part of the backboard, they were out of bounds. He said that possession of the ball should revert to the Celtics, and the referee bought it.

Some years later, the Celtics were locked in a tight playoff against the Philadelphia 76ers. It was game 7, seconds left in the game, Celtics ahead by 1, with the ball. Bill Russell went to inbound the ball to KC Jones, but his pass was errant and hit the guy wire. Out of bounds, 76ers ball, with a chance to win the game and the series.

Back on the sidelines, Russell said, "I blew it. Somebody bail me out."

Red said, "It's not your fault. I should have known when I made up that rule that it would come back to haunt me."

After the timeout, Wilt Chamberlain went to pass the ball inbounds to Hal Greer, when John Havelicek stole the pass and dribbled out the clock. The Celtics won, and went on to beat the Los Angeles Lakers for one more in their, (still unequaled), string of NBA championships.

I retell this story because of our recent victory in the polls, and Vice President Cheney's interview last Sunday on George Stephanopolis' program. The Vice President asserted that he and the pResident would not answer any subpoenas issued by the Congress because it would amount to a violation of separation of powers.

I beg to differ. When Bill Clinton was President, he was informed by the US Supreme Court that to refuse to appear in answer to a subpoena would place him in Contempt. He testified, and was subsequently impeached for perjury in his testimony.

Thus, as I see it, the precedent was established. Presidents must honor subpoenas. Doesn't matter which party. The moral of the story is, be careful which precedents you establish. They can come back to bite you on the ass.:evilgrin:

[twilight_sailing]

1. Well written. n/t

[bluescribbler]

2. Thanks

Glad you liked it. I'd like to be in the Courtroom when Pelosi v. Bush is argued.

[havocmom]

3. K&R

:kick: