Scalia angry at questions following AEI speech

[Marie26]

Scalia recently gave a speech about international law at the American Enterprise Institute. Then he allowed what they probably assumed would be a safe Q&A session. However, a number of people rose to ask challenging questions; causing Scalia to become angry, belligerent, and ultimately order one man removed. The AP reported on the incident:

"Hecklers Disrupt Scalia at D.C. Appearance"

WASHINGTON (AP) - Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia grew tired of a persistent heckler Tuesday and asked organizers of a legal seminar to do something about the outbursts - gently.

``Don't use force,'' Scalia told American Enterprise Institute workers as they grabbed the young man's arm and nudged him toward the door. The workers then let go and the man walked out.

It was unclear what Aaron Yule, 23, of Boston, was asking when Scalia turned to organizers and said, ``Can you, somebody ...''

Earlier, a microphone had been snatched from the man's hand when he tried to engage the justice in debate. Scalia had asked him whether he had a question, ``apart from insults.''

After the man left, Scalia answered questions for about 15 minutes but repeatedly declined to engage anyone who asked questions, even of an apparently friendly nature, that he felt were not related to his topic - the use of foreign law by U.S. courts.
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http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,,-5637471,00...

The AP report is biased, IMO. It seems to try to paint him as a good guy because Scalia wanted to make sure the police were "gentle" with the person he was ordering kicked out. The article calls the man a "heckler" - but the man didn't do anything offend Scalia, besides starting to ask a negative question. (horrors) Scalia then heckled HIM - and his mike was taken away before he could actually ask a question. From then on, anyone who asked a hard question had their mike quickly snatched away. If people kept talking, Scalia would flatly & rudely refuse to answer. Scalia then tells the AEI to force out one man, who is quickly hustled out. Suddenly, no one is asking difficult questions anymore. It's like a microcosm of facism in action. Once the audience has been purged of dissent, Scalia proceeds to talk about the importance of free speech! AAAHHHGG! :argh: Please, watch the C-Span video; Scalia was an incredibly belligerant, patronizing asshole to everyone. It's really worse than I'd ever have thought; and very enlightening as to this man's character.

C-Span link: http://www.c-span.org/VideoArchives.asp?z1=&PopupMenu_N... ; (things get good once Scalia starts answering questions at about 28:30 minutes.)

[FreedomAngel82]

1. And he's ajudge on the highest court in our land?

Whatever! Doesn't he know about the first amendment? Geez! What an ass.

[AndyA]

2. I saw it - the man's contempt for others is very apparent!

What an embarrassment to have this man on the nation's highest court.

He reminded me of the way Saddam Hussein acts these days in court - it's his way or the highway.

[Marie26]

3. Very much so

He acted so imperious & arrogant - like he thought no one has the right to ever criticize or question him. And maybe no one has. The young people asked good questions; but the AEI & other prominent lawyers just fell all over him. His ego is so big at this point that he probably expects everyone to just fawn over him & gets mad if you do not. I was very embarrased as well to watch this; as a law student, I learned respect for the Constitution & Supreme Court. It was so sad to see a Justice exposed as simply a petty, egotistical bully. It also doesn't bode well for our country. Scalia has the same "imperial" manner that Bush does - he will never do anything to restrain executive power.