Saturday, June 30, 2018
Friday, June 29, 2018
Congrats to Alderman O'Shea on being named Chair of the Aviation Committee
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| Won't have to go through TSA any longer. |
SUPREME COURT JUSTICE AMY CONEY BARRETT?
NEWS: US NEWS
Faithful Catholic slammed by Dems as possible Kennedy replacement
WASHINGTON Among Justice Anthony Kennedy's possible successors, 7th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Amy Coney Barrett is at the top of Trump's list — literally.
Barrett's name appears first atop the president's alphabetical list of 25 Supreme Court contenders. But she stands out in more important ways.
Barrett is a faithful Catholic and mother of seven children, and she served as a clerk for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. She's a former student and instructor of law at the University of Notre Dame, twice honored as "Distinguished Professor of the Year."
She is also fresh from the congressional confirmation gauntlet, emerging victorious last fall from an anti-Catholic barrage led by California Sen. Dianne Feinstein and her Democrat allies. As that extraordinary clash revealed, Barrett sparks fear inside leftist circles.
In May 2017, President Donald Trump picked Barrett to fill a vacant seat on the 7th Circuit Court. Her nomination was supported by recommendations from hundreds of colleagues and students. One letter, signed by 49 Notre Dame faculty, read:
She is a brilliant teacher and scholar, and a warm and generous colleague. She possesses in abundance all of the other qualities that shape extraordinary jurists: discipline, intellect, wisdom, impeccable temperament, and above all, fundamental decency and humanity. Indeed, it is a testament to Amy's fitness for this office that every full-time member of our faculty has signed this letter. … Despite our differences, we unanimously agree that our constitutional system depends upon an independent judiciary staffed by talented people devoted to the fair and impartial administration of the rule of law. And we unanimously agree that Amy is such a person.
In September, Barrett was brought before a Senate panel to give a breakdown of her legal philosophy. But what unfolded was a grilling over her Catholic principles.
Faithful Catholic slammed by Dems as possible Kennedy replacement
WASHINGTON Among Justice Anthony Kennedy's possible successors, 7th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Amy Coney Barrett is at the top of Trump's list — literally.
Barrett's name appears first atop the president's alphabetical list of 25 Supreme Court contenders. But she stands out in more important ways.
Barrett is a faithful Catholic and mother of seven children, and she served as a clerk for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. She's a former student and instructor of law at the University of Notre Dame, twice honored as "Distinguished Professor of the Year."
She is also fresh from the congressional confirmation gauntlet, emerging victorious last fall from an anti-Catholic barrage led by California Sen. Dianne Feinstein and her Democrat allies. As that extraordinary clash revealed, Barrett sparks fear inside leftist circles.
In May 2017, President Donald Trump picked Barrett to fill a vacant seat on the 7th Circuit Court. Her nomination was supported by recommendations from hundreds of colleagues and students. One letter, signed by 49 Notre Dame faculty, read:
She is a brilliant teacher and scholar, and a warm and generous colleague. She possesses in abundance all of the other qualities that shape extraordinary jurists: discipline, intellect, wisdom, impeccable temperament, and above all, fundamental decency and humanity. Indeed, it is a testament to Amy's fitness for this office that every full-time member of our faculty has signed this letter. … Despite our differences, we unanimously agree that our constitutional system depends upon an independent judiciary staffed by talented people devoted to the fair and impartial administration of the rule of law. And we unanimously agree that Amy is such a person.
In September, Barrett was brought before a Senate panel to give a breakdown of her legal philosophy. But what unfolded was a grilling over her Catholic principles.
Professor Barrett at Notre Dame
Ahead of the hearings, Barrett had been vilified for previously written work examining tensions between Catholic principles and established case law. A coalition of left-wing activists voiced alarm at her nomination, asserting the Notre Dame professor "would put her personal beliefs ahead of the law" in cases where the two conflict.
"Stunningly, Barrett has asserted that judges should not follow the law or the Constitution when it conflicts with their personal religious beliefs," the group argued.
But supporters countered that, based on a reading of Barrett's own work, such allegations were legally unsound.
As they pointed out, Barrett has explicitly stated that "judges cannot — nor should they try to — align our legal system with the Church's moral teaching whenever the two diverge." She's also suggested that judges should recuse themselves in cases where their religious beliefs run counter to their judicial responsibility.
When you read your speeches, the conclusion one draws is that the dogma lives loudly within you. And that's of concern when you come to big issues that large numbers of people have fought for, for years, in this country.Tweet
The detractors' position was soundly refuted by legal analysts. Still, certain members of the Senate Judiciary Committee echoed the activists' claims.
Referencing Barrett's 1998 law review article, "Catholic Judges in Capital Cases," Sen. Feinstein pressed the professor on the depth of her faith, insinuating that her Catholic principles would compromise her ability to rule fairly.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein during Barrett's confirmation hearing
"When you read your speeches, the conclusion one draws is that the dogma lives loudly within you," Feinstein quipped. "And that's of concern when you come to big issues that large numbers of people have fought for, for years, in this country."
"It is never appropriate for a judge to apply their personal convictions, whether it derives from faith or personal conviction," Barrett answered.
But doubting Democrats were not satisfied. Other senators — including a self-identified Catholic — also voiced concern over Barrett's faith.
Senate Minority Whip Dick Durban, a one-time pro-life advocate excommunicated for his later abortion advocacy, singled out Barrett's use of the term "orthodox Catholics" as unfair to those who support abortion.
Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono echoed Feinstein's concerns: "Ms. Barrett, I think your article is very plain in your perspective about the role of religion for judges and particularly with regard to Catholic judges."
Sen. Dick Durbin, excommunicated for abortion activism
Minnesota Sen. Al Franken suggested Barrett was unfit to serve as a federal judge because she appeared at an event sponsored by religious liberty nonprofit Alliance Defending Freedom — a Christian legal organization smeared falsely as a "hate group" by activists at the discredited Southern Poverty Law Center. Four months later, Franken resigned in disgrace over sexual misconduct charges.
So egregious was the line of questioning directed at Barrett that Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse reminded his Democrat colleagues of the Constitution's religious test clause, which "prohibits the imposition of religious scrutiny against public officials."
"I think some of the questioning that you have been subjected to today seems to miss some of these fundamental constitutional protections we all have," Sasse told Barrett.
In the end, the Left's attempt to derail Barrett's nomination ran out of steam. She was confirmed by the Senate, 55-43, in a vote that broke largely along party lines.
Sen. Al Franken before resigning over sexual misconduct
The same ideals that worried Feinstein and her activist allies elated pro-life advocates.
The Susan B. Anthony List applauded Barrett's confirmation, calling it "a victory for the pro-life movement as well as for the fundamental freedom of all Americans to live out their faith in the public square."
Likewise, Americans United for Life said in a statement it was "especially encouraged" that she was heading to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, adding her scholarship has "demonstrated her dedication to preserving the originalist legacy of her former boss, the late Justice Antonin Scalia."
Now, less than eight months on the 7th Circuit, Judge Barrett is being studied as a possible replacement for Justice Kennedy. First on an alphabetical list of candidates, many faithful Catholics are waiting to see if she emerges on top.
Ahead of the hearings, Barrett had been vilified for previously written work examining tensions between Catholic principles and established case law. A coalition of left-wing activists voiced alarm at her nomination, asserting the Notre Dame professor "would put her personal beliefs ahead of the law" in cases where the two conflict.
"Stunningly, Barrett has asserted that judges should not follow the law or the Constitution when it conflicts with their personal religious beliefs," the group argued.
But supporters countered that, based on a reading of Barrett's own work, such allegations were legally unsound.
As they pointed out, Barrett has explicitly stated that "judges cannot — nor should they try to — align our legal system with the Church's moral teaching whenever the two diverge." She's also suggested that judges should recuse themselves in cases where their religious beliefs run counter to their judicial responsibility.
When you read your speeches, the conclusion one draws is that the dogma lives loudly within you. And that's of concern when you come to big issues that large numbers of people have fought for, for years, in this country.Tweet
The detractors' position was soundly refuted by legal analysts. Still, certain members of the Senate Judiciary Committee echoed the activists' claims.
Referencing Barrett's 1998 law review article, "Catholic Judges in Capital Cases," Sen. Feinstein pressed the professor on the depth of her faith, insinuating that her Catholic principles would compromise her ability to rule fairly.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein during Barrett's confirmation hearing"When you read your speeches, the conclusion one draws is that the dogma lives loudly within you," Feinstein quipped. "And that's of concern when you come to big issues that large numbers of people have fought for, for years, in this country."
"It is never appropriate for a judge to apply their personal convictions, whether it derives from faith or personal conviction," Barrett answered.
But doubting Democrats were not satisfied. Other senators — including a self-identified Catholic — also voiced concern over Barrett's faith.
Senate Minority Whip Dick Durban, a one-time pro-life advocate excommunicated for his later abortion advocacy, singled out Barrett's use of the term "orthodox Catholics" as unfair to those who support abortion.
Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono echoed Feinstein's concerns: "Ms. Barrett, I think your article is very plain in your perspective about the role of religion for judges and particularly with regard to Catholic judges."
Sen. Dick Durbin, excommunicated for abortion activismMinnesota Sen. Al Franken suggested Barrett was unfit to serve as a federal judge because she appeared at an event sponsored by religious liberty nonprofit Alliance Defending Freedom — a Christian legal organization smeared falsely as a "hate group" by activists at the discredited Southern Poverty Law Center. Four months later, Franken resigned in disgrace over sexual misconduct charges.
So egregious was the line of questioning directed at Barrett that Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse reminded his Democrat colleagues of the Constitution's religious test clause, which "prohibits the imposition of religious scrutiny against public officials."
"I think some of the questioning that you have been subjected to today seems to miss some of these fundamental constitutional protections we all have," Sasse told Barrett.
In the end, the Left's attempt to derail Barrett's nomination ran out of steam. She was confirmed by the Senate, 55-43, in a vote that broke largely along party lines.
Sen. Al Franken before resigning over sexual misconductThe same ideals that worried Feinstein and her activist allies elated pro-life advocates.
The Susan B. Anthony List applauded Barrett's confirmation, calling it "a victory for the pro-life movement as well as for the fundamental freedom of all Americans to live out their faith in the public square."
Likewise, Americans United for Life said in a statement it was "especially encouraged" that she was heading to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, adding her scholarship has "demonstrated her dedication to preserving the originalist legacy of her former boss, the late Justice Antonin Scalia."
Now, less than eight months on the 7th Circuit, Judge Barrett is being studied as a possible replacement for Justice Kennedy. First on an alphabetical list of candidates, many faithful Catholics are waiting to see if she emerges on top.
Pfleger rejects police plea to move July 7 peace march off Dan Ryan
The Rev. Michael Pfleger is refusing to call off a planned anti-violence protest to close down the Dan Ryan Expressway on July 7. | Sun-Times files
The Chicago Police Department on Thursday pleaded with Rev. Michael Pfleger to abandon plans to shut down the Dan Ryan on July 7 to avoid pulling 200 officers out of violence-plagued neighborhoods, but the activist priest said the expressway march will go
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Which of Trump's contenders will he nominate for the US Supreme Court?
Justice Kennedy retires, giving Trump 2nd pick for top US court
With Justice Anthony Kennedy announcing his retirement at the end of July from the highest court in the United States, US President Donald Trump says he will nominate a replacement from a list of 25 for the lifetime appointment.
The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in the Unites States of America. (AP)Justice Anthony Kennedy’s announcement on Wednesday that he will retire at the end of July gives US President Donald Trump his second opportunity to deepen his imprint on the nation’s highest court after restoring its 5-4 conservative majority last year with the selection of Neil Gorsuch.
Here are five of the top contenders as seen by Reuters, and the others on Trump’s list of nominees for
Impending South African Genocide
A Great Nation Ruined by Karl Marx and Nelson Mandela. Could it happen in the USA?
This is a 1.25 hour documentary by Lauren Southern. Don’t bother watching unless you have time to spare.
What can be done? One thing is to share this around online, and get the word out. Another, and more powerful, solution is prayer. It was prayer that brought down the Soviet Union, and prayer can change things also in South Africa.
South Africa has had a difficult and checkered history in the relations between “blacks” and “whites.” Apartheid government always seemed flawed, and in need of replacement. But the problem is made much worse by marxist provocateurs who raise the temperature of race hatred against the (too easily maligned) white minority.
If the nation continues in the direction it is going, we will see something possibly worse than what is happening in Venezuela. At least in Latin America, race hatred plays no role.
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Jury awards zero to LeGrier family in wrongful death lawsuit against Rialmo
Earlier media reports of a million $ award were erroneous. Justice has been done.
Pretty Liberal Congressman defeated yesterday.........not radical enough
Joseph Crowley
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This article is about a person involved in a current event. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses, and initial news reports may be unreliable. The last updates to this article may not reflect the most current information. (June 2018) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)
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| Joseph Crowley | |
|---|---|
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| Chair of the House Democratic Caucus | |
| Assumed office January 3, 2017 | |
| Leader | Nancy Pelosi |
| Preceded by | Xavier Becerra |
| Vice Chair of the House Democratic Conference | |
| In office January 3, 2013 – January 3, 2017 | |
| Leader | Nancy Pelosi |
| Preceded by | Xavier Becerra |
| Succeeded by | Linda Sánchez |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York | |
| Assumed office January 3, 1999 | |
| Preceded by | Thomas J. Manton |
| Constituency | 7th district (1999–2013) 14th district (2013–present) |
| Member of the New York State Assembly from the 30th district | |
| In office January 1, 1987 – December 31, 1998 | |
| Preceded by | Ralph Goldstein |
| Succeeded by | Margaret Markey |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 16, 1962 New York City, New York, U.S |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Kasey Nilson |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Queens College, City University of New York (BA) |
Joseph Crowley (/ˈkraʊli/; born March 16, 1962) is an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for New York's 14th congressional district from 2013, previously representing the 7th district from 1999 to 2013. He is a member of the Democratic Party and has been Chair of the House Democratic Caucus since 2017. He also has been Chair of the Queens County Democratic Party since 2006, succeeding Thomas J. Manton.[1][2] He previously served in the New York State Assembly from 1987 to 1998.
He was defeated by Democratic Socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on June 26, 2018, in the Democratic primary.[3][4]
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Crowley was born in New York City, the son of an Irish-American father and an immigrant mother from County Armagh, Northern Ireland. A paternal uncle was also a politician. Crowley attended private New York City Roman Catholic schools, including Power Memorial Academy, and graduated from Queens College with a degree in political science.[5]
He was a member of the New York State Assembly from 1987 to 1998, sitting in the 187th, 188th, 189th, 190th, 191st and 192nd New York State Legislatures. Because of his Irish roots, he quickly became involved in Irish politics throughout New York.[6][7]
Democratic Congressman Thomas J. Manton retired from the Congress in 1999, having already filed for and circulated petitions for reelection. He withdrew on the last day it was legally possible to do so and arranged for Crowley, his chosen successor, to replace him on the ballot. Crowley wasn't aware of this until Manton phoned him to tell him his name would be on the general election ballot.[8]
Since 2013, Crowley has represented New York's 14th congressional district. The district includes the eastern Bronxand part of north-central Queens. The Queens portion includes the neighborhoods of Sunnyside, Astoria, College Point, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona and Woodside. The Bronx portion of the district includes the neighborhoods of Morris Park, Parkchester, Pelham Bay, and Throgs Neck as well as City Island.
Prior to redistricting for the 2012 election, Crowley represented the 7th District, which encompassed portions of Queens and the Bronx. It included neighborhoods such as Woodside, Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst, and College Point, in Queens as well as the neighborhoods of Castle Hill, Co-op City, Parkchester, Throgs Neck, Morris Park, Pelham Parkway, Pelham Bay, Country Club, and City Island in the eastern Bronx.
On June 26, 2018, Crowley was unexpectedly[9] defeated in the Democratic primary race by democratic socialistAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez.[10]
- Ad Hoc Committee on Irish Affairs, Co-Chair[11]
- Rare Disease Congressional Caucus, Co-Chair
- Congressional Musicians Caucus, Founder and Chair
- Bangladesh Caucus, Founder and Chair
- Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, former co-chair
- Animal Protection Caucus
- Congressional Arts Caucus
- Congressional Historic Preservation Caucus
- Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus
- Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus
- National Service Caucus
- Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus[12]
Crowley serves as Democratic Caucus Vice-Chairman of the United States House of Representatives, the fourth highest leadership position in the House Democratic Caucus.
Crowley's cousin, New York City firefighter John Moran, was killed as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Crowley authored a bill that provided the 9/11 Heroes Medal of Valor to all emergency workers who died as a result of the terrorist acts. He also created the Urban Area Security Initiative, which directs money to prevent terrorism toward regions that are seen as the most threatened.
Crowley, who has spent much time in India, created a Bangladesh caucus and was formerly the chair of the India Caucus.[13]
On October 10, 2002, Crowley was among the 81 House Democrats who voted in favor of authorizing the invasion of Iraq.[14]
Crowley joined Bronx Representative José E. Serrano in 2008 in proposing legislation to help clean up PCB-contaminated schools.[15]
In April 2011, Crowley received media attention for an angry "speech" he gave without actually speaking. Crowley ripped pieces of paper with words to deliver his message.[16][17]
Since 2005, he has consistently received ratings of 100% from NARAL,[18] and 0% from the National Right to Life Committee.[19] In 2011, he opposed a bill that would have banned taxpayer funding for abortions, and in the 2010 election he was endorsed by Planned Parenthood. In 2018, Crowley received a voting record of 100% from Planned Parenthood.[20]
Since 2007, he has received a rating of 100% from the American Public Health Association, American Nurses Association, and the National Breast Cancer Coalition.[21]
Crowley has fought against the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) both abroad and in the United States. In 2010, he introduced the Girls Protection Act of 2010, which would criminalize the transport of a female under the age of 18 years old to undergo FGM.[22]
Crowley has been a consistent supporter of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (known as "Obamacare" or "ACA"). On March 22, 2010, he said, "I... support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, a historic measure that will put families first when it comes to accessing health care coverage."[23] He opposed repealing the act and voted against a repeal on January 19, 2011.[24] Also in 2011, he held an event to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the bill's passage.[25]
In 2015, he proposed a bill with Representative Sheila Jackson Lee encouraging the collection of data on the prevalence of FGM and create a plan to better prevent the practice, which is illegal in the United States.[26]
In 2017, Crowley signed on to H.R. 676, The Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act in the House of Representatives. This bill was introduced by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders in September 2017.[27]
Crowley is a harsh critic of President Trump's plan to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border and his decision to end DACA and Temporary Protected Status protection for qualifying immigrants in 2017. In 2017, Crowley introduced a bill that would grant green cards to undocumented workers who helped to recover and clean up New York City after the terrorist attacks on September 11.[28]
Crowley holds the view "that reducing barriers to investment, creating opportunities for small businesses, and providing equitable working conditions for all Americans can and should be part of our national economic policy" [29] He has supported federal spending as a way to increase economic growth. In 2008, he endorsed the Financial Asset Purchase Authority and Tax Law Amendments which established the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) and allowed the Secretary of the Treasury to buy assets from troubled financial institutions.[30]
Crowley has advocated tax increases on the highest tax brackets, tax cuts for the middle class, and reduced defense spending. When serving on the Ways and Means Committee he stated, "I really don't see how it's justifiable or sensible to give a tax cut to the wealthiest among us, but at the same time increase taxes on U.S. soldiers."[31] He also applauded the 2009 Budget for ending the Alternative Minimum Tax, and ensuring tax cuts for 23 million middle class Americans.[32] In 2011, he opposed a bill that appropriated funds to the defense budget.[33]
In 2017, Crowley opposed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, saying its only goal was to give more tax cuts to America's top 1% than the working class. In December 2017, Crowley said in a floor speech, "It's a scam and the American people know it. Is this a bill that helps people who are living paycheck to paycheck? Hell no."[34]
Crowley has proposed legislation to improve conditions for renters in his district. In September 2017, he introduced the Rent Relief Act, which would give a refundable tax credits to renters.[35]
Crowley has a 2016 score of 95% from the League of Conservation Voters.[36]
Crowley's Irish roots have influenced his policy decisions in Congress as a member of the Friends of Ireland Caucus. He has worked on peace efforts for those involved in the conflict in Northern Ireland and securing refuge for those affected by the conflict.[37] Crowley spoke out against President Trump's effort to eliminate the position of United States Special Envoy for Northern Ireland.[38] Eventually, Trump reversed this decision.[39] Crowley was named Irish-American of the year by the Irish Echo in 2018.[40]
Crowley was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1998. The seat was considered open after incumbent Thomas J. Manton retired, but not without controversy: Manton announced his retirement from Congress shortly after the deadline passed for filing for the Democratic primary. As head of the Queens Democratic Party apparatus, Manton was able to handpick his successor: Crowley, a former Manton staffer.
He was challenged by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the 2018 Democratic primary for New York's 14th Congressional district. Ocasio-Cortez won with 57% of the vote, removing Crowley from his position of leadership in the Democratic Party from 2019.[41][42] [43]
Crowley has been married to his wife, Kasey, for over a decade and they have three children: Cullen, Kenzie, and Liam.[44]
Crowley would easily fit into the 19th ward and like most of our local politicians, was as far to the left as the median line down Western Ave. But he put on a good show as most people thought he was a liberal extremist. It just doesn't matter, these people want radicalism, bomb throwing and posturing via threats of violence. Nothing short of that will suffice. The only long-term solution is to embrace the conservative values of Trumpism and work toward realistic goals.
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