Antonin Scalia Has Died

[Kind of Blue]

Associate Justice Antonin Scalia was found dead of apparent natural causes Saturday on a luxury resort in West Texas, federal officials said.

Scalia, 79, was a guest at the Cibolo Creek Ranch, a resort in the Big Bend region south of Marfa.

According to a report, Scalia arrived at the ranch on Friday and attended a private party with about 40 people. When he did not appear for breakfast, a person associated with the ranch went to his room and found a body.

Chief U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia, of the Western Judicial District of Texas, was notified about the death from the U.S. Marshals Service.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/us-world/article/Senior-Associate-Justice-Antonin-Scalia-found-6828930.php

[brer cat]

1. And Obama is President!!!!

Wonder if he will get another appointee through?

I'm going to try not to grave dance, but my toes are tapping.

[Kind of Blue]

2. Too late for toe tapping

My sisters and I are hanging out this weekend and we erupted into a spontaneous wild dance. One of them chimed in on, "Michelle Obama's Birthday" and we went crazy again.

I know it's offensive but this is a ding-dong the witch is dead moment for me.

I'm excited that Obama is still President, too. What happens now???

[brer cat]

3. Someone on another thread

pointed out that PBO could do a recess appointment. How joyous...a final FU!!!

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

4. Yeah, because you know there's no way in hell the Senate Rethugs will

allow any Obama nominee in the court.

One last fuck you to the Republicans? Appoint Camala Harris! Shake this muthafucka up!!!

[brer cat]

5. I do like the way you think.

She would be perfect and young enough to serve a loooong time.

[Kind of Blue]

6. Oh, Ms. Harris would be perfect!!!

Yes, Indeed! Shake this muthafucka up!!!

[Number23]

8. Kamala is running for the Senate soon!

We need some sistas in the Senate.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

9. Oh yeah. I had forgotten about the fact that she's running. Things have changed now...

Maybe a Lani Guinier nomination would be that FUCK YOU that we need.

[JRLeft]

54. She will win and become my Senator.

[BlueMTexpat]

60. I have given to her campaign!

I would really like to see her WIN!

[Number23]

68. Oh, me too!

That would make me so incredibly happy.

[randys1]

17. YEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[Digital Puppy]

29. One can hope and pray!!! n/t

[Tarheel_Dem]

53. But that would mean the Senate would actually have to go into recess. To block an appointment by....

PBO, I think there are Senate procedures (tricks) that would allow them to keep the lights on, and if I'm not mistaken that can be done as long as one member shows up to call the Senate to order.

[brush]

55. Yeah, they did that recently. But someone on another thread . . .

made good suggestion that would force the repugs hand.

I know we would prefer another AA to be nominated cancel out the disgrace that is Clarence Thomas but if the president nominated a Latino or Latina the repugs would have to confirm him/her or risk losing the presidential election because Latino American voters would flood the polls to vote Democratic in protest of the repugs blocking the nomination of a Latino/Latina to SCOTUS.

Btw, wonder what Thomas will do now that he doesn't have anyone to tell him how to vote anymore?

[Tarheel_Dem]

75. Quite frankly, for me it doesn't have to be an AA jurist, but someone in the mold of the president's

first two appointments. This is an opportunity to change the course of justice in this country for the future. Of course there's always the threat of any of the older members of the court suddenly passing away. I just hope the WH finds a way around the obstructionists.

[brush]

76. It doesn't have to be an AA for me either but Thomas, especially following the great . . .

Thurgood Marshall as a black justice, leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

I do like the idea of the President making an appointment that will force the repugs hand to either not move on his nominee or lose the election because they didn't move.

This SCOTUS opening changes the hold ballgame for the President's last year. He and the Democratic party will have much more leverage to apply against the repugs

[Tarheel_Dem]

79. I hope the leverage you speak of is real. The last 7 years have taught me that we get worked up....

about a situation, and as soon as it fades from the headlines, not so much. I'm certainly hoping the POTUS nominates someone in the progressive mold, but my sense tells me that he may go for someone who is much more moderate, and that's fine by me.

[wildeyed]

24. My husband told me

and I kind of saw the web page across the room, "SCALIA DEAD" in huge type. I started to jump up and down because I have dreamed about this day for so long, and then burst into tears because I felt like such a bad person for being so happy. And then I got cranky because I thought maybe I was being pranked. And then the real dancing began.

Dunno what happens next. But at least he is done ruining the country from the bench.

[Kind of Blue]

27. We are a mix of conflicting emotions.

So far, now I can send condolences (mentally) to those who love him.

And yeah, here we go!

[Cha]

47. Aloha Kind of Blue.. Michelle Obama's Birthday is January 17th.. but it is the day before

Valentine's Day!

scalia is the one who..

In Voting Rights, Scalia Sees a “Racial Entitlement”

By Amy Davidson

http://www.newyorker.com/news/amy-davidson/in-voting-rights-scalia-sees-a-racial-entitlement

He was awful!

[Kind of Blue]

70. Aloha, Cha and Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Thanks for the correction! My sisters and I were a little crazy yesterday

He was awful and a master at it. I'm really looking forward to the day when we'll stop celebrating historical terrorists, like Columbus, and really stop mourning people who cause so much undo suffering.

Thanks for the link!

[Number23]

7. You are such a GHOUL!!

The man ain't been dead for ten minutes and you're already replacing him.

But that's exactly how you do it. I love where your head's at.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

10. Everyone is suggesting that Obama put up a nominee very soon. Maybe not Tuesday...

...however, before Super Tuesday. Galvanize the Democrats. Come on, President Obama! Galvanize the Democrats! (Because we sure as hell know that Republican voters will be hyped up more than ever!)

[Number23]

11. Absolutely! I hope he puts up someone that all of us can support

[wildeyed]

25. The breath barely left his body

before both McConnell and Reid were out with their talking points. Lining up the surrogates for sure already. Tomorrow should be interesting.

[ismnotwasm]

21. I obviously never knew the man and depised what he stood for as a public person

So it's not exactly grace dancing --and not exactly not-- that I am very happy President Obama has this chance to seat a member of the Supreme Court I trust him implicitly.
Republicans will do everything in their power to stop him though

[brer cat]

37. He will make a very well thought-out choice,

and I would love for him to leave office with 3 good SC justices on the bench. The gop Senators certainly know their approval rating is in the toilet and they have to know why Trump is leading the pack, but we will just have to wait and see whether that is enough to keep them from stalling. Those who believe men in politics should control women's reproduction choices will be very loud and that is their base.

[Cha]

48. Those two thoughts just go together, don't they, brer!

Thank you!

I just made this post on Elections Matter.. that shows how important this is..

http://www.democraticunderground.com/110747119

Thank you! I'm subdued but I think the Planet will be better off nonetheless.

[Starry Messenger]

12. My entire FB timeline right now

[Kind of Blue]

15. Oh, Man! But I am not surprised!

[Cha]

49. Hey Aloha, Starry!

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

14. O.K., I'm putting this forward: Loretta Lynch. Here me out before you object...

She just went through a Senate confirmation. Exceedingly qualified. Her undersecretary can take over the DOJ.

Thoughts?

[Kind of Blue]

16. She's not on the list yet of 7 or 8

fine women Pres. Obama should consider though the Senate has just announced they'll block every last one of Obama's nominees.

Supreme Court: Time for a Black Woman?


During his first term, President Obama appointed two women, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor, who became the court's first Latina justice. Now in part because of the Shelby ruling, the president will likely face great pressure to nominate an African American next to the nation's highest court. Since there have already been two African-American male Supreme Court justices, many are hopeful that he will nominate an African-American woman. In this list of possible contenders, some are better-known than others; some are long shots. But any of them would bring something unique and extraordinary to the Supreme Court. http://www.theroot.com/photos/2013/07/diversity_on_supreme_court_who_could_be_the_first_black_female_justice.html

But I'm certainly pleased and impressed with how Ms. Lynch has gone about investigating and suing police departments nationwide. She said her study before taking action would take a year, though it seemed like forever, but she meant it. I really appreciate her and think she'd make a fine contender.

[randys1]

18. No brainer

[Digital Puppy]

30. And *this* would see a total melt down on the right....love the idea!! :)

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

44. Yes I'm shallow, but he's SSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO FINE!!!

[JI7]

19. republican assholes saying next president should be the one to replace scalia

fuck that.

[randys1]

20. Of course. The Black prez still gets zero respect. They wont approve anybody anyway, they

really hate that the people elected Obama, if they had ANY respect for Democracy they would approve anybody he sends up there.

[Kind of Blue]

26. They've vowed to even block Recess appointment.

I think we better hold 'cause it's going to be a bumpy ride.

[Cha]

50. They don't like to acknowledge the Black President gets a full second term.

[lovemydog]

22. Huge news.

This will dominate the news for a good long while. As it should. Think of all the major victories and losses we've had with a 5-4 vote. Republicans will probably do everything in their power to block President Obama's appointment.

It should galvanize democrats. But if there's anything I've learned outside of this group, it's not easy for democrats to reach a galvanizing consensus, even when we have the best President in modern times (best ever imho).

[Kind of Blue]

23. He's "required to fill all Vacancies

that may happen during the Recess of the Senate." Oh, make it so!

But in the meantime

[Lisa D]

32. Love it!

[Kind of Blue]

34. Such interesting times.

This is too rich. I'm looking forward to the battle and any how to support the president.

[Lisa D]

40. Obama has got this.

He'll outwit the republicans--again.

[Kind of Blue]

41. Indeed!

I caught some of their faces and Scalia's passing has seriously disrupted them. And OBAMA IS ABOUT TO STRIKE! Watching MSNBC that announced that and promptly went to air Lockup:Raw. Unbelievable!

[lovemydog]

43. Oh yes!

[Kalidurga]

28. Obama might as well go for broke

And nominate the most Liberal person he can find. Because it's not like that will make Republicans fight harder they are going to fight tooth and nail no matter who Obama nominates.

[Kind of Blue]

31. For a while there, there was a lot of talk

of Justice Ginsburg stepping down, even being urged to do it. So I'm wondering if the president has a contingency plan already in the works, and somewhat had prepared for her passing away or stepping down that he might modify for the oncoming battle.

[Kalidurga]

35. I think there is always a contingency plan

I am sure a replacement will be soon very soon.

[Kind of Blue]

38. Keeping my fingers, eyes and boobs crossed.

[Kalidurga]

39. Yeah me too

[FrenchieCat]

57. I think he'll nominate one the judges...

That may already have been nominated and approved for a lower court By this Senate. That would save a lot of time and aggravation, rather than picking someone that has to be newly vetted...

Then he can showcase the Senate Republicans' hypocrisy of all of the sudden not wanting to confirm someone they had just confirmed for a slightly lower position. That should be the strategy, IMO...

[Kind of Blue]

71. I like your opinion, FrenchieCat!

No wonder there was the stated announcement I thought was coming yesterday. But he's got too much class to do so soon.

Always looking forward to have their hypocrisy on full display for everyone to see. Here we go.

[Digital Puppy]

33. I heard the news and just wanted to peek at DU to see what you all were saying...

I'm really glad that I wasn't the only one doing a little dance in my head. I KNOW it's not respectful and loosing someone very close to me not so long ago, I really do feel guilty thinking this world is better without this judge in it.

He has done so much damage - particularly to African Americans - that I really don't know how to act or what to say.

To top that, the the African-American President, whom I really didn't think I'd see in my lifetime, holds the cards to 'swinging' the court with a possible appointment! The Lord really does work in strange ways!

It's really just a bit too much for me to take in, AA-Forum...I'm really just stunned, shocked, happy, anxious, worried, relieved.....

(I'll stop now since I'm out of breath and am afraid someone will wake me from this dream....)

[Kind of Blue]

36. "I'll stop now since I'm out of breath

and am afraid someone will wake me from this dream....

So well said!

I hadn't related politics, the Supreme Court, and my life on such a visceral level until Scalia was appointed. I mean I'm really glad he's gone too, Digital Puppy. I'd feel the same if he'd simply stepped down. I can't deny that feeling. But it's like there's a crack in reality that may well let more lasting change in given the magnitude of how he's ruled.

It's just bittersweet.

[Chitown Kev]

42. My condolences to Justice Scalia's family

and that is all I will say for now...I do have some home training, after all!...but y'all know...y'all KNOW!

[Kind of Blue]

72. Sometimes I think we get too much home training

that we cannot feel for a moment a little bit of the natural lift that came from the passing of this injudiciousness prejudiced man who made law? My heart goes out first to people and families he and his ilk have deliberately broken.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

45. Leah Ward Sears is also a fantastic choice!!!

[JustAnotherGen]

46. On my birthday

I'm up because of creme brulee and a glass of red wine - never mix those two.

It was a great day.

And then I heard "whoops" and shouts at other tables. And we asked and were told.

And The Gio looks at me and says "Don't you dare!"

Lets us pray for Scalia - let us then pray for a recess appointee.

[JI7]

51. HAPPY BIRTHDAY

birthday and valentines day together .

[JustAnotherGen]

58. Ahhh The 13th!

I always send my mom flowers on my birthday! The text from her 10 pm?

It's my daughter day. Bye Scalia!

[Cha]

52. Happy Birthday, Gen! What a birthday Present for the Planet!

:

[FrenchieCat]

56. Happy birthday to you!

Hope it was great!

[greatauntoftriplets]

59. Belated happy birthday wishes, JAG!

[steve2470]

61. Happy Birthday JAG! :) nt

[BlueMTexpat]

62. What a wonderful birthday present for you!

For us all!

[wildeyed]

65. Happy birthday to you!

And many happy returns

[Number23]

69. "Lets us pray for Scalia - let us then pray for a recess appointee." Girl, YES!

Absofreakinglutely.

And happy birthday, my darling!!

[Kind of Blue]

73. Happy Birthday, JAG!

What a day it must have been for you.
Good for The Gio, yeah, it would have been bad form in public

[Cali_Democrat]

78. Happy Birthday

[BlueMTexpat]

63. When I first heard the news,

my first reaction (I am more agnostic than anything) was "There IS a God." Old habits die hard.

Then, like some other responders who are better human beings than I, I felt some remorse for feeling such absolute delight. The remorse was short-lived. I went to bed happy last night.

If there is anyone on earth who truly loved Scalia, they have my condolences. It is always very sad to lose a loved one.

But I am dancing with the rest of us because today the United States is a better place.

May Scalia get his just desserts!

[Kind of Blue]

74. Yeah, it's hard breaking free of old habits.

I'm not one of those people who push forgiveness, to be at the point of naturally feeling mournful of Scalia's passing or thinking first of those who love him. I think that it comes in time. My first instinct is that maybe there's a chance for healing old wounds that he constantly ripped wide open again and again.

[wildeyed]

64. Obama is ready to do this.

He is battle hardened, focused and ready to extend his legacy. And also ready to even some scores, I would wager.

I woke up today feeling GREAT! It is wrong to feel so good about someone's passing, but the Supremes are infuriating because it is lifetime appointment. And that man went out of his way to antagonize liberals from the bench because he knew there was nothing we could do about it. He might have also possessed a brilliant legal mind, but he was mean and partisan too.

Payback time.....

[randys1]

66. I think so, time to appoint a non apologist liberal who will DO THE RIGHT THING

And I know why I worked for Obama to be president, this is why.

I know he wont let me down.

[wildeyed]

67. I think he will dangle a solid

moderate and slightly older pick in front of their faces with the understanding that if GOP blocks it and Dems win the Senate, they will exercise the nuclear option, take the filibuster away and then jam a really unpalatable choice down their throats. Or better yet, if we take the filibuster, the next POTUS could actually nominate Obama and they would have to deal with his opinions for DECADES

GOP is damned it they do and damned if they don't. If they take the moderate, the base will eat them alive because they are required to block everything Obama does, even the least worst choice. And they will be completely f'ed if take the fillifbuster too. More of a risk for us if that is the route, but huge upsides too.

[JustAnotherGen]

77. Spot on analysis

And nothing I have seen in GDP.