Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Red lights blinking on democracy’s dashboard

Nancy smash is sick of your bullshit.

You cannot shame the shameless.

New McCarthy, same old McCarthyism.

The worst democrat is better than the best republican.

Is it irresponsible to speculate? It is irresponsible not to.

Balloon Juice has never been a refuge for the linguistically delicate.

Impressively dumb. Congratulations.

Black Jesus loves a paper trail.

Insiders who complain to politico: please report to the white house office of shut the fuck up.

A Senator Walker would be an insult to the state and the nation.

The words do not have to be perfect.

It’s always darkest before the other shoe drops.

The willow is too close to the house.

“Jesus paying for the sins of everyone is an insult to those who paid for their own sins.”

When your entire life is steeped in white supremacy, equality feels like discrimination.

Some judge needs to shut this circus down soon.

“Squeaker” McCarthy

A sufficient plurality of insane, greedy people can tank any democratic system ever devised, apparently.

Schmidt just says fuck it, opens a tea shop.

Let there be snark.

Make the republican party small enough to drown in a bathtub.

And we’re all out of bubblegum.

It’s the corruption, stupid.

You are here: Home / Civil Rights / LGBTQ Rights / Gay Rights are Human Rights / Justice Scalia’s decision “logically extended” to Wisconsin

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64Comments

  1. 1.

    the Conster

    I hope that his law clerks make sure he understands that his logic has made this possible. Hopefully the knowledge will kill him before Obama’s term is up.

    ETA: It’s been 10 years in Massachusetts. It’s so much fun to watch each state roll over one by one to the realization that NOTHING HAPPENS to anyone not getting gay married!

  2. 2.

    Ruckus

    @the Conster:

    NOTHING HAPPENS to anyone not getting gay married!

    But, But, But, someone got married and it’s none of my business! How can that not affect me?

  5. 5.

    the Conster

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    Her post was the first place I’ve seen it, and have seen it in multiple comment threads in other sites since. She should take credit or give credit, because it hit the bullseye.

    Plus, Bill Maher’s point is right on – the private market is taking care of regulating them, one gun nut at a time. No laws necessary.

  6. 6.

    Old Dan and Little Ann

    @Anoniminous: Heh-heh. I watched that with my wife last night and told her, “That’s the new name for gun nuts I mentioned to you last week from Balloon Juice!”

  7. 7.

    Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name)

    Trolling Scalia is the best part – except for the equal rights part, which is really the best part. But trolling Scalia is pretty good.

  10. 10.

    Anoniminous

    @the Conster:

    It’s been 10 years in Massachusetts. It’s so much fun to watch each state roll over one by one to the realization that NOTHING HAPPENS to anyone not getting gay married!

    I beg to differ.

    In support I offer: Evidence One.

    And: Evidence Two.

    Thus, I conclude some marriages in Massachusetts happened because Same Sex marriages were legalized that would not have happened had it not been legalized.

    (I rest my case.)

  15. 15.

    Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name)

    @me: Yeah, Randa is pretty much a GOP hack. Of course, he is in Milwaukee and this case was in Madison, so there wasn’t of a chance of it happening.

  16. 16.

    Amir Khalid

    The Urban Dictionary entry is dated March 16; it predates Betty Cracker’s post, which as noted above was only last week. Whereas Bill Maher’s use of the term is from two days ago.

  17. 17.

    me

    @Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name): I’m a bit extra bitter toward him because I worked on a case that was tried in his courtroom and the defendant (who’s lawyer I was working for) was acquitted on the main charges but was given way to much prison time for bullshit reasons and I have a friend who was found guilty in front of him who had the conviction overturned because of a decision he made.

  18. 18.

    c u n d gulag

    EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!
    GAY’S KISSING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Get used to it, Reich-Wingers! :-)
    Love is conquering hate.
    Though you’re free to hold on to your ignorant and stupid hatred.
    It’s a free country!
    As, was just proven! ;-)

  19. 19.

    VidaLoca

    Some of you may be aware that Milwaukee runs a different music festival each weekend throughout the summer. We have a very large festival venue located on the edge of Lake Michigan dedicated to these events. “Summerfest” is the big one; many of the others are ethnically-themed: German Fest, Polish Fest, Festa Italiana, Irish Fest. And more.

    “Pride Fest” is the usual season kickoff, and it opened last night, just as Judge Crabb’s ruling was handed down.

    Coincidence? I think not!

  20. 20.

    Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name)

    @me: Like I said, Randa is a GOP hack. Because of this and because of his IMO obvious bias against the John Doe investigation, I have reasonable hopes of his decision in that case being reversed. Of course, I’ve been wrong before.

    @VidaLoca: Pride Fest is at the Summer Fest site? I thought it was one of the Cathedral Square events.*

    *And here is an example of me being wrong.

  21. 21.

    Ken

    @the Conster:

    Hopefully the knowledge will kill him before Obama’s term is up.

    No, no, just after Obama’s term is up, so that President Hilary Clinton can name Obama to the Supreme Court.

  22. 22.

    J R in WV

    Perhaps President Obama should appoint his wife, Mrs. Obama to the Supreme Court? She is a lawyer, after all.

    But I like President Clinton appointing ex-:President Obama a whole lot, also too.

  23. 23.

    Frankensteinbeck

    @Ken:
    Sweet sparfdoodles. That would be a Perfect Thing. I wonder if he would accept? He’s been through Hell for us and gotten jack recognition for it, and he is probably tired. On the other hand, a sense of responsibility might make him take it.

  24. 24.

    VidaLoca

    @Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name):

    Naw, you’re thinking “Storm the Bastille”. The Cathedral Square events are free admission, can’t have that!

    To be fair, the Summer Fest site is set up purposely as a multi-stage outdoor music venue; if that’s what you want your festival to feature, that’s where you have to go.

  26. 26.

    Marcelo

    @Ken: As much as I would LOVE Obama to be on the Court, can you imagine the backlash from the crazyheads? To have this guy be in their faces for decades? Nominated by Hillary Clinton? They’d have all sorts of conniptions we’ve not yet seen.

    On second thought… I’m not a huge fan of bringing in another Clinton, but the trolling potential is just wonderful.

  27. 27.

    Amir Khalid

    Sports news: an electrical storm has caused a 30-minute suspension of play in the 23rd minute of the England-Honduras pre-World Cup friendly, with the score at nil-nil.

  28. 28.

    Baud

    @Frankensteinbeck:

    It really would be a waste. A Supreme Court justice is only as valuable as the opinions they write or influence. There is no shortage of liberal lawyers who can do that job. Obama can do so much more remaining in the public sphere than cloistered behind law books nine months of the year.

  34. 34.

    Higgs Boson's Mate

    @Baud:
    I respectfully disagree, Justice Obama, as a former president, would have considerable influence on the court. Moreover, having been the president at a time when the wingers unleashed their full gerrymandering, vote suppressing fury he would be particularly good on cases where that might be reversed or mitigated. Leave the public sphere to the Clintons.

  35. 35.

    Roger Moore

    @Ken:

    No, no, just after Obama’s term is up, so that President Hilary Clinton can name Obama to the Supreme Court.

    Tomorrow, so we can get a good judge on the Court ASAP. President Hillary will have a chance to appoint him either way.

  36. 36.

    Amir Khalid

    @Higgs Boson’s Mate:
    The referee in Miami, Mr Ricardo Salazar, called the initial suspension of play for at least 30 minutes. Per his announcement, when play actually resumes will depend on whether the lightning has stopped within eight miles of the stadium for at least that long. (Mr Salazar has access to weather radar, we are told.) Right now it’s bucketing down in Miami.

  38. 38.

    Baud

    @Higgs Boson’s Mate:

    He’d have influence, but I’m don’t think he’d have so much more influence that it’d worthwhile to take him out of the public eye. For example, if Obama were a justice, he couldn’t speak at any future Democratic convention. That would be a loss.

  39. 39.

    Anya

    According to a diary at GOS “Soldier Trashing Bergdahl Received “Other Than Honorable” Discharge.”

    Can one of you army folks explain what are some of the reasons that might make someome receive an “Other Than Honorable” discharge?

    Funny, I never saw Jake Tapper bring that up once. I wonder why?

  41. 41.

    WaterGirl

    @Baud: @Frankensteinbeck: I can completely see President Obama on the supreme court during his later years. He would make a great chief justice.

    In the meantime, though, I think there’s still a lot he will want to accomplish. I’m willing to bet that the Prez knows exactly what he wants to do next.

  43. 43.

    Helen

    @Baud: And would he have to recuse himself for all laws he signed? Kegan recuses herself for laws she worked on a solicitor general.

  45. 45.

    J.D. Rhoades

    @Marcelo:

    As much as I would LOVE Obama to be on the Court, can you imagine the backlash from the crazyheads? To have this guy be in their faces for decades? Nominated by Hillary Clinton? They’d have all sorts of conniptions we’ve not yet seen.

    I’m not seeing a downside here.

  48. 48.

    ? Martin

    @Litlebritdifrnt: You mean you can’t afford to bathe in Kona Nigari? Maybe if you weren’t so lazy, mooching off of government water you could afford to not die of dehydration.

    Its your own fault, really.

  50. 50.

    raven

    @Anya:

    Types of dishcharge
    Administrative
    Entry level separation (ELS): uncharacterized
    Entry level separations, or uncharacterized discharge, are given to individuals who separate prior to completing 180 days of military service, or when discharge action was initiated prior to 180 days of service. This type of discharge does not attempt to characterize service as good or bad.

    Honorable
    To receive an honorable discharge, a service member must have received a rating from good to excellent for his or her service. Service members who meet or exceed the required standards of duty performance and personal conduct, and who complete their tours of duty, normally receive honorable discharges. However, one need not complete a term of service to receive an honorable discharge, provided the reason for involuntary discharge is not due to misconduct. For instance, service members rendered physically or psychologically incapable of performing assigned duties normally have their service characterized as honorable, regardless of whether they incurred the condition or disability in the line of duty, provided they otherwise met or exceeded standards. Similarly, service members selected for involuntary discharge due to a Reduction in Force (RIF) typically receive an honorable discharge, assuming their conduct while on active duty met or exceeded standards.

    United States Marines must have a proficiency and conduct rating of 3.0/4.0 or higher to receive an honorable discharge.[9]

    General
    General discharges are given to service members whose performance is satisfactory but is marked by a considerable departure in duty performance and conduct expected of military members. Reasons for such a characterization of service vary, from medical discharges to misconduct, and are utilized by the unit commander as a means to correct unacceptable behavior prior to initiating discharge action (unless the reason is drug abuse, in which case discharge is mandatory). A commander must disclose the reasons for the discharge action in writing to the service member, and must explain reasons for recommending the service be characterized as General (Under Honorable Conditions). The service member is normally required to sign a statement acknowledging receipt and understanding of the notification of pending discharge memorandum. The person is also advised of the right to seek counsel and present supporting statements.

    In addition, service members are required to sign documents acknowledging that “substantial prejudice in civilian life” may be encountered under a general discharge.[10] A general discharge may preclude a veteran’s participation in the GI Bill, service on veterans’ commissions, and other programs for which an honorable discharge is required, but is eligible for VA disability and most other benefits.[11] Illinois prohibits discrimination against a veteran from housing or employment on the basis of unfavorable discharge from military service per the Human Rights Act of 1970;[12] this protection does not apply to dishonorably discharged veterans, as shown below.

    Other Than Honorable (OTH)
    An OTH is a form of administrative discharge. This type of discharge represents a departure from the conduct and performance expected of all military members. It can also be given as the result of certain civil hearings.

    Recipients of OTH discharges are barred from reenlisting into any component of the Armed Forces (including the reserves), and are normally barred from joining the Army National Guard or Air National Guard. If the veteran receives at least one Honorable discharge prior to reenlisting he will be able to enroll in VA Healthcare using that period of enlistment, and the current OTH discharge will not bar him from health care services. The VA will submit Form 7131 (Information Exchange Between VA Regional Offices and Medical Facilities) if the veteran has less than one honorable discharge to decide if the service was honorable or dishonorable for VA purposes.

    Veterans with an OTH discharge who qualify for VA Healthcare are eligible to submit claims for disability compensation pay, participation in educational, volunteer, and vocational rehabilitation programs. Other Than Honorable recipients are eligible for Montgomery GI Bill benefits if they have completed at least one honorable discharge, but are excluded from all Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits.

    Clemency Discharge

    Clemency Discharge established by Presidential Proclamation 4313
    By Presidential Proclamation 4313,[13] President Ford created a procedure for those military personnel who resisted against the Vietnam War to receive a Presidential Pardon and have their punitive discharges changed to a Clemency Discharge. It also provided a path for those who left the country to return. If the military personnel fulfilled certain requirements of alternative service, they would also receive a Certificate of Completion from the Selective Service System.

    Punitive[edit]
    Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD)
    A Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) can only be given by a court-martial (either Special or General) as punishment to an enlisted service-member. Bad conduct discharges are often preceded by a period of confinement in a military prison. The discharge itself is not executed until completion of both confinement and the appellate review process.

    Virtually all veterans’ benefits are forfeited by a Bad Conduct Discharge; BCD recipients are not eligible for VA disability compensation in accordance with 38 CFR 3.12.

    Dishonorable
    A dishonorable discharge (DD) can only be handed down to an enlisted member by a general court-martial. Dishonorable discharges are handed down for what the military considers the most reprehensible conduct. This type of discharge may be rendered only by conviction at a general court-martial for serious offenses (e.g., desertion, sexual assault, murder, etc.) that call for dishonorable discharge as part of the sentence.

    With this characterization of service, all veterans’ benefits are lost, regardless of any past honorable service, and this type of discharge is regarded as shameful in the military. In many states a dishonorable discharge is deemed the equivalent of a felony conviction, with attendant loss of civil rights.[14] Additionally, US federal law prohibits ownership of firearms by those who have been dishonorably discharged[15] per the Gun Control Act of 1968.

  54. 54.

    the Conster

    @Higgs Boson’s Mate:

    I like Ken’s suggestion better – put Clinton on the Court where the media can’t panty sniff anymore. When he leaves office I’d like to see Obama use his organizing skills to build the Democratic bench like a good general manager of a baseball team. That’s what the Bergdahl for POW trade was – get something before the Guantonomo prisoners are all due to be released – like trading at the deadline. He has been and will continue to be an amazing force – a black swan, so to speak.

  56. 56.

    the Conster

    @raven:

    Exciting!!! This is could be a historic day, and here in the northeast it’s a perfect perfect summer day.

  58. 58.

    Anya

    @raven: I don’t understand why the media is not mentioning this guy’s less than stellar record? It makes him less credible. Instead he’s everywhere smearing a POW who cannot defend himself.

  60. 60.

    J.D. Rhoades

    @Anya:

    I don’t understand why the media is not mentioning this guy’s less than stellar record? It makes him less credible.

    HOW DARE YOU ATTACK ONE OF OUR TROOPS ARGH ARGH ARGH

  62. 62.

    GregB

    I give myself credit for the terms poutrage and lamestream media. Sadly lamestream was poached by Maleficent of the North.

  63. 63.

    MazeDancer

    @Litlebritdifrnt:

    Handsome cops in uniform bringing cake to Happy Gay Nuptials – what’s not to like.

    Twitter has been ablaze with those pics for a while. Replaced all the “Oh, Wisconsin” tweets from about 5 seconds after the decision.

    Living in uber liberal bastions, I’ve never been in a place where marriage equality was suddenly opened by Constitution. Always thought it would be wonderful to go down to the courthouse and help people celebrate. Applaud. Pass out flowers. Help them take pictures. Really, anything.

    It’s always wonderful to be around love. And people who race to get married at the first possible moment they can say “I do” in the eyes of the Nation and everyone have to be really in love.

  64. 64.

    kideni

    I spent Friday night and Saturday afternoon at the city-county building watching dozens of weddings. I even got to be an official witness for one. It was so beautiful to see all the love and joy, families becoming one in the eyes of the law. A neighbor of mine is a judge, and she was glowing while she officiated at the marriages of friends she’d known for decades who were finally able to take that step. What a wonderful time!

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