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Ask a Vet
Author: TriSec
Date: 06/25/2013 10:22:14
Good Morning.
Today is our 4,279th day in Afghanistan.
We'll start this morning as we always do; with the latest casualty figures from our ongoing war, courtesy of Antiwar.com:
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 2,239
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,099
We find this morning's cost of war passing through:
$ 1, 450, 586, 175, 000 .00
So this morning, we'll take a look at where military and sport might intersect. While all the service academies have teams in the major American sports, and some servicemen have even been good enough to play professionally after their military careers, this is not where we're going today. War may seem exciting and dangerous to those of us on the outside, but I've read many accounts that describe it as "minutes of abject terror surrounded by weeks of boredom". Those soldiers need something to do while they're waiting their turn to get shot at.
There have always been cards and gambling, but since the video game age began some 30 years ago, gaming systems have gone to war with our troops as an increasing diversion and tenuous connection to home. Perhaps you've heard some of the hype about Microsoft's new "Xbox One", and the mixed reaction it's getting from the gaming community. It seems that most of the new features aren't going to work outside the United States, and some in the military are not happy, because most of the new features don't work where there is limited internet connection. (Like in a warzone, or on a ship far from a transmission tower.)
But then a curious thing happened...Microsoft did the right thing.
For a previous generation, it was baseball and war that intersected. You can look it up; many of the greatest major-leaguers of the WWII era had shortened careers because they traded their uniforms in for another. Perhaps the most famous was the Splendid Splinter, who went on to fly P-51 Mustangs, but there are many hundreds more.
The Navy has decided to offer a new award, for Chiefs only, named after Hall-of-Fame pitcher Bob Feller, who was a gun captain aboard the USS Alabama during the war. Mr. Feller enlisted just two days after Pearl Harbor, and was the first major-leaguer to do so, thus leading the way for more to follow.
Again, I believe this throws the current disconnect between the military and the rest of society into clear focus, however briefly. During WWII, sports were utterly depleted as most of the best went to serve their country. Boxing, in particular, lost all their best to war, the saying at the time being "If you're strong enough to fight, shouldn't you be fighting for your country?" Despite his tragic and propagandic end, Pat Tillman is the only modern athlete who springs readily to mind that did the same when his country needed him.
Today is our 4,279th day in Afghanistan.
We'll start this morning as we always do; with the latest casualty figures from our ongoing war, courtesy of Antiwar.com:
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 2,239
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,099
We find this morning's cost of war passing through:
So this morning, we'll take a look at where military and sport might intersect. While all the service academies have teams in the major American sports, and some servicemen have even been good enough to play professionally after their military careers, this is not where we're going today. War may seem exciting and dangerous to those of us on the outside, but I've read many accounts that describe it as "minutes of abject terror surrounded by weeks of boredom". Those soldiers need something to do while they're waiting their turn to get shot at.
There have always been cards and gambling, but since the video game age began some 30 years ago, gaming systems have gone to war with our troops as an increasing diversion and tenuous connection to home. Perhaps you've heard some of the hype about Microsoft's new "Xbox One", and the mixed reaction it's getting from the gaming community. It seems that most of the new features aren't going to work outside the United States, and some in the military are not happy, because most of the new features don't work where there is limited internet connection. (Like in a warzone, or on a ship far from a transmission tower.)
But then a curious thing happened...Microsoft did the right thing.
In a sudden about-face after taking fire from a broad swath of the military gamer community, Microsoft has reversed a series of controversial restrictions for its next-gen Xbox One console.
Those rules, announced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo earlier this month, created a tsunami of discontent among off-duty gamers. The biggest issue was a requirement for the new console to phone home to the Microsoft mothership once a day via the Internet. If it did not do that, the $499 console, set for release in November, would have shut down until reconnected.
Of course, that would be a huge problem for most troops stationed downrange or aboard ships with limited Internet availability. But there were other complaints, too, including regional locks on games and playing that would have severely limited gaming action for those lucky to have an Internet connection overseas, as well as the ability to buy, lend and sell used games for everyone else.
But in an announcement posted on the Xbox website June 19, Microsoft executive Don Mattrick said the Xbox One will still work with no Internet connection.
“After a one-time system set-up with a new Xbox One, you can play any disc based game without ever connecting online again,” Mattrick wrote. “There is no 24-hour connection requirement and you can take your Xbox One anywhere you want and play your games, just like on Xbox 360.”
Microsoft also has relaxed its planned DRM policy for the new console and its games. “Trade-in, lend, resell, gift, and rent disc-based games just like you do today,” Mattrick wrote.
“There will be no limitations to using and sharing games. The ability to lend, share, and resell these games at your discretion is of incredible importance to you,” he wrote. “Also important to you is the freedom to play offline, for any length of time, anywhere in the world.”
But Microsoft’s reversal means some features planned for Xbox One will be shelved, including a family option that would have let users share a games library with as many as 10 other people.
Still unclear is whether Xbox One will be fully supported in countries outside of the 21 originally listed in the rollout for the console.
Under that arrangement, troops in Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom were good to go for gaming, for example, but those stationed in South Korea, Japan and Afghanistan were unsupported.
Microsoft’s PR team did not respond to repeated requests for clarification.
For a previous generation, it was baseball and war that intersected. You can look it up; many of the greatest major-leaguers of the WWII era had shortened careers because they traded their uniforms in for another. Perhaps the most famous was the Splendid Splinter, who went on to fly P-51 Mustangs, but there are many hundreds more.
The Navy has decided to offer a new award, for Chiefs only, named after Hall-of-Fame pitcher Bob Feller, who was a gun captain aboard the USS Alabama during the war. Mr. Feller enlisted just two days after Pearl Harbor, and was the first major-leaguer to do so, thus leading the way for more to follow.
A new award paying tribute to a Hall of Fame chief petty officer will be open to chiefs only, according to a Navy message — and nominations are due soon.
The Bob Feller Act of Valor Award is named for a pitcher who set his career aside for three-plus years to serve during World War II, seeking combat duty instead of public relations missions.
“It is important to recognize Bob Feller’s unselfish devotion to our nation and Navy,” said Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (AW/NAC) Mike Stevens. “He made the personal choice to give up money and fame for the service of others and placed himself in harm’s way with his shipmates during a time of war. The chief petty officer that is selected for the Bob Feller Act of Valor award will embody these same traits.”
Nominations for the award close June 17. Details on the process are available in a fleetwide message, NAVADMIN 138/13, released late last month.
Navy officials will forward three semifinalists to the award’s civilian board of directors, which will select a winner. That winner will be honored on Veterans Day at the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., alongside an active major leaguer and a living Hall of Famer, selected for their support of the military and commitment to Feller’s patriotic ideals.
Again, I believe this throws the current disconnect between the military and the rest of society into clear focus, however briefly. During WWII, sports were utterly depleted as most of the best went to serve their country. Boxing, in particular, lost all their best to war, the saying at the time being "If you're strong enough to fight, shouldn't you be fighting for your country?" Despite his tragic and propagandic end, Pat Tillman is the only modern athlete who springs readily to mind that did the same when his country needed him.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 06/25/2013 13:06:33
Mondobubba on 06/25/2013 13:06:33
Speaking of sports, Obama is going to destroy the NFL! By advertising OBAMACARE DURING NFL GAMES! Is there no end to that man's perfidy?
And not everywhere in the country is like Massachusetts, where Red Sox players can order any person in the state to do anything – fix up a pre-game cheese plate for them, enroll in subsidized health insurance plans, whatever – at any time.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 06/25/2013 13:07:05
wickedpam on 06/25/2013 13:07:05
Morning 
Back from a busy and emotional weekend. Went to PA to visit my Aunt and take her out for the day for a little shopping and dinner. It seemed to perk he up a bit. Then to her old house to get a lot of the family heirlooms and back Sunday. Then running yesterday. I'm tired!
On the theme of military and sports - I thought this was really nice. Philly Soul host vetrans job fair on Military Appreciation night
Back from a busy and emotional weekend. Went to PA to visit my Aunt and take her out for the day for a little shopping and dinner. It seemed to perk he up a bit. Then to her old house to get a lot of the family heirlooms and back Sunday. Then running yesterday. I'm tired!
On the theme of military and sports - I thought this was really nice. Philly Soul host vetrans job fair on Military Appreciation night
Comment by 
TriSec on 06/25/2013 13:15:36
TriSec on 06/25/2013 13:15:36
Morning, comrades.
All Voted - #7 in the precinct at 7:08 am. (Ward 6-2, Waltham)
All Voted - #7 in the precinct at 7:08 am. (Ward 6-2, Waltham)
Comment by Mondobubba on 06/25/2013 13:17:05
Did you get a participation ribbon? :ducks:
Mondobubba on 06/25/2013 13:17:05
Quote by TriSec:
Morning, comrades.
All Voted - #7 in the precinct at 7:08 am. (Ward 6-2, Waltham)
Did you get a participation ribbon? :ducks:
Comment by Mondobubba on 06/25/2013 13:18:07
That sounds like it was both good and bad, Mala.
Mondobubba on 06/25/2013 13:18:07
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
Back from a busy and emotional weekend. Went to PA to visit my Aunt and take her out for the day for a little shopping and dinner. It seemed to perk he up a bit. Then to her old house to get a lot of the family heirlooms and back Sunday. Then running yesterday. I'm tired!
On the theme of military and sports - I thought this was really nice. Philly Soul host vetrans job fair on Military Appreciation night
That sounds like it was both good and bad, Mala.
Comment by 
Raine on 06/25/2013 13:24:08
good morning!
Raine on 06/25/2013 13:24:08
good morning!
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2013 13:25:09
Raine on 06/25/2013 13:25:09
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
Back from a busy and emotional weekend. Went to PA to visit my Aunt and take her out for the day for a little shopping and dinner. It seemed to perk he up a bit. Then to her old house to get a lot of the family heirlooms and back Sunday. Then running yesterday. I'm tired!
On the theme of military and sports - I thought this was really nice. Philly Soul host vetrans job fair on Military Appreciation night
Comment by wickedpam on 06/25/2013 13:26:05
not so much bad as bittersweet - felt rather ghoulish going through her stuff but if we didn't get it now it was going to be sold in an invitation only house hold sale and we didn't want a lot of that stuff out of the family. I now have an alabaster/marble stand that I've loved since i was a kid sitting in my stair landing, the two hand mirrors that I think are either ivory or Bakelite that I played with as a kid, a lot of other family glass pieces and a few other things just waiting to be put away. I also have the Vietnam war bracelet and I think some kind of dog tags for the solider's name my Aunt carried around - anyone know if someone collects those?
wickedpam on 06/25/2013 13:26:05
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
Back from a busy and emotional weekend. Went to PA to visit my Aunt and take her out for the day for a little shopping and dinner. It seemed to perk he up a bit. Then to her old house to get a lot of the family heirlooms and back Sunday. Then running yesterday. I'm tired!
On the theme of military and sports - I thought this was really nice. Philly Soul host vetrans job fair on Military Appreciation night
That sounds like it was both good and bad, Mala.
not so much bad as bittersweet - felt rather ghoulish going through her stuff but if we didn't get it now it was going to be sold in an invitation only house hold sale and we didn't want a lot of that stuff out of the family. I now have an alabaster/marble stand that I've loved since i was a kid sitting in my stair landing, the two hand mirrors that I think are either ivory or Bakelite that I played with as a kid, a lot of other family glass pieces and a few other things just waiting to be put away. I also have the Vietnam war bracelet and I think some kind of dog tags for the solider's name my Aunt carried around - anyone know if someone collects those?
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2013 13:27:24
Raine on 06/25/2013 13:27:24
The fuh? THAT was the defense' opening statement? He opened with a knock knock joke? 
Comment by wickedpam on 06/25/2013 13:29:09
thanks
wickedpam on 06/25/2013 13:29:09
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
Back from a busy and emotional weekend. Went to PA to visit my Aunt and take her out for the day for a little shopping and dinner. It seemed to perk he up a bit. Then to her old house to get a lot of the family heirlooms and back Sunday. Then running yesterday. I'm tired!
On the theme of military and sports - I thought this was really nice. Philly Soul host vetrans job fair on Military Appreciation night
thanks
Comment by wickedpam on 06/25/2013 13:30:07
maybe he's setting up for an appeal on the grounds that his lawyer nuts
wickedpam on 06/25/2013 13:30:07
Quote by Raine:
The fuh? THAT was the defense' opening statement? He opened with a knock knock joke?
maybe he's setting up for an appeal on the grounds that his lawyer nuts
Comment by Mondobubba on 06/25/2013 13:35:42
Yes he did. He later apologized.It didn't go over well.
Mondobubba on 06/25/2013 13:35:42
Quote by Raine:
The fuh? THAT was the defense' opening statement? He opened with a knock knock joke?
Yes he did. He later apologized.It didn't go over well.
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2013 13:39:22
Raine on 06/25/2013 13:39:22
What an arrogant little beastly boy creature. Great column from Dana Millbank: read the entire piece -- it is really quite good.
Ginsburg, the second woman to serve on the high court, was making her argument about how the majority opinion made it easier for sexual harassment to occur in the workplace when Alito, seated immediately to Ginsburg’s left, shook his head from side to side in disagreement, rolled his eyes and looked at the ceiling.
Comment by wickedpam on 06/25/2013 13:42:53
wickedpam on 06/25/2013 13:42:53
you go Jackie 
Comment by Mondobubba on 06/25/2013 13:48:29
What a condescending turd.
Mondobubba on 06/25/2013 13:48:29
Quote by Raine:
What an arrogant little beastly boy creature. Great column from Dana Millbank:read the entire piece -- it is really quite good.Ginsburg, the second woman to serve on the high court, was making her argument about how the majority opinion made it easier for sexual harassment to occur in the workplace when Alito, seated immediately to Ginsburg’s left, shook his head from side to side in disagreement, rolled his eyes and looked at the ceiling.
What a condescending turd.
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2013 13:55:21
Raine on 06/25/2013 13:55:21
Wow -- a lot of Zimmerman apologists this morning.
and I am saying that as nicely as I can...
and I am saying that as nicely as I can...
Comment by Mondobubba on 06/25/2013 13:56:11
Mondobubba on 06/25/2013 13:56:11
Comment by Mondobubba on 06/25/2013 13:59:26
When you are doing your neighborhood watch patrols I think; 1. When you call the cops and they tell you not to follow someone, you don't follow them and 2 you don't carry a gun.
Mondobubba on 06/25/2013 13:59:26
Quote by Raine:
Wow -- a lot of Zimmerman apologists this morning.
and I am saying that as nicely as I can...
When you are doing your neighborhood watch patrols I think; 1. When you call the cops and they tell you not to follow someone, you don't follow them and 2 you don't carry a gun.
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2013 13:59:50
Raine on 06/25/2013 13:59:50
Oh jeebus. Caller, seriously?!?! Now you say you haven't made up your mind?
I call bullshit!
I call bullshit!
Comment by wickedpam on 06/25/2013 14:03:34
That's exactly what they tell you in the training. Don't engage. Observe. Report.
wickedpam on 06/25/2013 14:03:34
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Wow -- a lot of Zimmerman apologists this morning.
and I am saying that as nicely as I can...
When you are doing your neighborhood watch patrols I think; 1. When you call the cops and they tell you not to follow someone, you don't follow them and 2 you don't carry a gun.
That's exactly what they tell you in the training. Don't engage. Observe. Report.
Comment by 
Scoopster on 06/25/2013 14:08:06
Scoopster on 06/25/2013 14:08:06
Mornin' all.. 
SCOTUS is releasing today's decisions right now.
SCOTUS is releasing today's decisions right now.
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2013 14:10:51
Looking for what happened with the Adoption/reservation rights case.
Raine on 06/25/2013 14:10:51
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..
SCOTUS is releasing today's decisions right now.
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2013 14:13:33
Raine on 06/25/2013 14:13:33
Fu*k -- they threw out section 4 of the voting rights act.
Comment by Scoopster on 06/25/2013 14:15:54
And Thomas thinks S5 should be killed too.. idiot.
Scoopster on 06/25/2013 14:15:54
Quote by Raine:
Fu*k -- they threw out section 4 of the voting rights act.
The Court makes clear that: "Our decision in no way affects the permanent, nationwide ban on racial discrimination in voting found in [Section] 2. We issue no holding on [Section] 5 itself, only on the coverage formula. Congress may draft another formula based on current conditions"
And Thomas thinks S5 should be killed too.. idiot.
Comment by Scoopster on 06/25/2013 14:17:15
Scoopster on 06/25/2013 14:17:15
Oh btw.. I dunno what's up with the bloggie lately but every day it seems the refresh comments link stops working almost immediately.
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2013 14:22:05
here.
Raine on 06/25/2013 14:22:05
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:
Fu*k -- they threw out section 4 of the voting rights act.The Court makes clear that: "Our decision in no way affects the permanent, nationwide ban on racial discrimination in voting found in [Section] 2. We issue no holding on [Section] 5 itself, only on the coverage formula. Congress may draft another formula based on current conditions"
And Thomas thinks S5 should be killed too.. idiot.
10:10 Amy Howe: Shelby County. The Chief writes.
10:11 Amy Howe: Holding: Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act is unconstitutional. Its formula can no longer be used as a basis for subjecting jurisdictions to preclearance.
10:11 Amy Howe: Thomas concurs. Ginsburg dissents, joined by Breyer Sotomayor, and Kagan.
10:12 Amy Howe: Section 4 is unconstitutional in light of current conditions. In 1966, the formula was rational in both practice and theory.
10:13 Amy Howe: The Court makes clear that: “Our decision in no way affects the permanent, nationwide ban on racial discrimination in voting found in [Section] 2. We issue no holding on [Section] 5 itself, only on the coverage formula. Congress may draft another formula based on current conditionsâ€
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2013 14:22:46
I'll tell the blog monkey.
Raine on 06/25/2013 14:22:46
Quote by Scoopster:
Oh btw.. I dunno what's up with the bloggie lately but every day it seems the refresh comments link stops working almost immediately.
I'll tell the blog monkey.
Comment by 
velveeta jones on 06/25/2013 14:23:26
velveeta jones on 06/25/2013 14:23:26
GOOD MORNING BLOGGIE!!
Oh, and suck it Supreme Court.
Oh, and suck it Supreme Court.
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2013 14:24:59
Raine on 06/25/2013 14:24:59
@espinsegall: The law the Court struck down today was approved by the Senate 98-0. Yes, 98-0.
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2013 14:29:04
Raine on 06/25/2013 14:29:04
SCOTUS told congress: come up with a better formula:
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court says a key provision of the landmark Voting Rights Act cannot be enforced until Congress comes up with a new way of determining which states and localities require close federal monitoring of elections.
Comment by wickedpam on 06/25/2013 14:33:24
very plain speak please, I haven't paid attention and still kinda sleepy.
So does this mean were headed for guessing how many blue jelly beans in the jar before we get to vote?
wickedpam on 06/25/2013 14:33:24
Quote by Raine:
SCOTUS told congress: come up with a better formula:WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court says a key provision of the landmark Voting Rights Act cannot be enforced until Congress comes up with a new way of determining which states and localities require close federal monitoring of elections.
very plain speak please, I haven't paid attention and still kinda sleepy.
So does this mean were headed for guessing how many blue jelly beans in the jar before we get to vote?
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2013 14:37:39
here, this might help.
Raine on 06/25/2013 14:37:39
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
SCOTUS told congress: come up with a better formula:WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court says a key provision of the landmark Voting Rights Act cannot be enforced until Congress comes up with a new way of determining which states and localities require close federal monitoring of elections.
very plain speak please, I haven't paid attention and still kinda sleepy.
So does this mean were headed for guessing how many blue jelly beans in the jar before we get to vote?
Sections 5 and 4B of the Voting Rights Act require a number of states including Alabama and certain counties scattered around the country to get pre-clearance from the Department of Justice before making any changes that could impact voters. All changes, from redrawing district lines to moving a polling place, require permission.
The DOJ would not allow election results to be certified in the City of Calera because of new voting districts that were not pre-cleared before a 2008 election.
Alabama came under sections 4B and 5 of the Voting Right Act in 1965 after the attorney general found that the state was using a prohibited voting test and that less than 50% of people old enough to vote in Alabama actually voted in the 1964 presidential election.
Comment by Scoopster on 06/25/2013 14:38:45
Okay.. they struck down Section 4 - the part of the act that sets the formula for determining how the VRA is applied to each state/county/district, claiming it was a 50-year old outmoded formula. Because Section 5 relies on the S4 formula to perform its function, Section 5 is essentially inoperative until Congress can a new formula.
That's the key part here. It's up to Congress to act on this now. And the chances of this bunch of racist/bigoted fuckwads in the House majority acting to empower civil rights is about as slim as my hair turning back to its natural non-gray color on its own.
Scoopster on 06/25/2013 14:38:45
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
SCOTUS told congress: come up with a better formula:WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court says a key provision of the landmark Voting Rights Act cannot be enforced until Congress comes up with a new way of determining which states and localities require close federal monitoring of elections.
very plain speak please, I haven't paid attention and still kinda sleepy.
So does this mean were headed for guessing how many blue jelly beans in the jar before we get to vote?
Okay.. they struck down Section 4 - the part of the act that sets the formula for determining how the VRA is applied to each state/county/district, claiming it was a 50-year old outmoded formula. Because Section 5 relies on the S4 formula to perform its function, Section 5 is essentially inoperative until Congress can a new formula.
That's the key part here. It's up to Congress to act on this now. And the chances of this bunch of racist/bigoted fuckwads in the House majority acting to empower civil rights is about as slim as my hair turning back to its natural non-gray color on its own.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 06/25/2013 14:39:22
Will in Chicago on 06/25/2013 14:39:22
Good morning, bloggers!! TriSec, thanks for a great blog. It is good to see that corporations can respond to public pressure. I am glad that the service men and women have access to games that can help them relax.
Am I alone in wondering if Thom Hartmann's rant on Marbury v. Madison being an overreach is perhaps as not far off as some might think? This Supreme Court seems to be about limiting rights, not expanding them. We have a lot of work ahead of us to secure rights that we thought were secure.
Am I alone in wondering if Thom Hartmann's rant on Marbury v. Madison being an overreach is perhaps as not far off as some might think? This Supreme Court seems to be about limiting rights, not expanding them. We have a lot of work ahead of us to secure rights that we thought were secure.
Comment by TriSec on 06/25/2013 14:39:52
I would closely monitor white, Republican districts.
TriSec on 06/25/2013 14:39:52
Quote by Raine:
SCOTUS told congress: come up with a better formula:
I would closely monitor white, Republican districts.
Comment by Mondobubba on 06/25/2013 14:42:18
Mondobubba on 06/25/2013 14:42:18
Sorry for the interuption, I am on Gohmert jag today. I found the Rational Wiki.
Louie Gohmert is a Republican Representative from Texas (first elected in 2004) and an accomplished idiot. He continues Texas' long, well-deserved reputation of electing eminently stupid people to federal office. He survives by hewing as far right as he can go in a very far-right state, jumping on the "elect another true son of Texas" train in the 2004 election, the birther train in 2009,[1] and the Tea Party movement in 2010.[2] While a reasonably competent campaigner, as a politician, nothing he says accomplishes anything beyond wasting time, his proposed bills go nowhere, and his role on every House committee is to be a big dumb waste of space.
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2013 14:43:15
What Scoop said.
Raine on 06/25/2013 14:43:15
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
SCOTUS told congress: come up with a better formula:WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court says a key provision of the landmark Voting Rights Act cannot be enforced until Congress comes up with a new way of determining which states and localities require close federal monitoring of elections.
very plain speak please, I haven't paid attention and still kinda sleepy.
So does this mean were headed for guessing how many blue jelly beans in the jar before we get to vote?
Okay.. they struck down Section 4 - the part of the act that sets the formula for determining how the VRA is applied to each state/county/district, claiming it was a 50-year old outmoded formula. Because Section 5 relies on the S4 formula to perform its function, Section 5 is essentially inoperative until Congress can a new formula.
That's the key part here. It's up to Congress to act on this now. And the chances of this bunch of racist/bigoted fuckwads in the House majority acting to empower civil rights is about as slim as my hair turning back to its natural non-gray color on its own.
Comment by wickedpam on 06/25/2013 14:45:58
Thanks - so its just another swipe at fair elections, were voters voices get lost in the static and corporations and Party politics are the only ones heard.
wickedpam on 06/25/2013 14:45:58
Quote by Raine:What Scoop said.Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
SCOTUS told congress: come up with a better formula:WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court says a key provision of the landmark Voting Rights Act cannot be enforced until Congress comes up with a new way of determining which states and localities require close federal monitoring of elections.
very plain speak please, I haven't paid attention and still kinda sleepy.
So does this mean were headed for guessing how many blue jelly beans in the jar before we get to vote?
Okay.. they struck down Section 4 - the part of the act that sets the formula for determining how the VRA is applied to each state/county/district, claiming it was a 50-year old outmoded formula. Because Section 5 relies on the S4 formula to perform its function, Section 5 is essentially inoperative until Congress can a new formula.
That's the key part here. It's up to Congress to act on this now. And the chances of this bunch of racist/bigoted fuckwads in the House majority acting to empower civil rights is about as slim as my hair turning back to its natural non-gray color on its own.
Thanks - so its just another swipe at fair elections, were voters voices get lost in the static and corporations and Party politics are the only ones heard.
Comment by Mondobubba on 06/25/2013 14:48:52
I dunno, this might be one of those things they are shamed into to doing.
Mondobubba on 06/25/2013 14:48:52
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
SCOTUS told congress: come up with a better formula:WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court says a key provision of the landmark Voting Rights Act cannot be enforced until Congress comes up with a new way of determining which states and localities require close federal monitoring of elections.
very plain speak please, I haven't paid attention and still kinda sleepy.
So does this mean were headed for guessing how many blue jelly beans in the jar before we get to vote?
Okay.. they struck down Section 4 - the part of the act that sets the formula for determining how the VRA is applied to each state/county/district, claiming it was a 50-year old outmoded formula. Because Section 5 relies on the S4 formula to perform its function, Section 5 is essentially inoperative until Congress can a new formula.
That's the key part here. It's up to Congress to act on this now. And the chances of this bunch of racist/bigoted fuckwads in the House majority acting to empower civil rights is about as slim as my hair turning back to its natural non-gray color on its own.
I dunno, this might be one of those things they are shamed into to doing.
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2013 14:50:43
Raine on 06/25/2013 14:50:43
----------->
@LambdaLegal 10m
It's official! #SCOTUS rulings on #DOMA & Prop8 tomorrow @ 10am ET(10th anniv. of our victory in Lawrence case!) http://bit.ly/14aY4ou
Comment by Scoopster on 06/25/2013 14:58:35
You know, with the shitty decisions that this court has handed down in this session, I am dreading what they will do tomorrow with Prop 8 and DOMA.
Scoopster on 06/25/2013 14:58:35
Quote by Raine:
----------->@LambdaLegal 10m
It's official! #SCOTUS rulings on #DOMA & Prop8 tomorrow @ 10am ET(10th anniv. of our victory in Lawrence case!) http://bit.ly/14aY4ou
You know, with the shitty decisions that this court has handed down in this session, I am dreading what they will do tomorrow with Prop 8 and DOMA.
Comment by wickedpam on 06/25/2013 14:59:07
really, do you see Cantor being shamed into anything?
wickedpam on 06/25/2013 14:59:07
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
SCOTUS told congress: come up with a better formula:WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court says a key provision of the landmark Voting Rights Act cannot be enforced until Congress comes up with a new way of determining which states and localities require close federal monitoring of elections.
very plain speak please, I haven't paid attention and still kinda sleepy.
So does this mean were headed for guessing how many blue jelly beans in the jar before we get to vote?
Okay.. they struck down Section 4 - the part of the act that sets the formula for determining how the VRA is applied to each state/county/district, claiming it was a 50-year old outmoded formula. Because Section 5 relies on the S4 formula to perform its function, Section 5 is essentially inoperative until Congress can a new formula.
That's the key part here. It's up to Congress to act on this now. And the chances of this bunch of racist/bigoted fuckwads in the House majority acting to empower civil rights is about as slim as my hair turning back to its natural non-gray color on its own.
I dunno, this might be one of those things they are shamed into to doing.
really, do you see Cantor being shamed into anything?
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2013 14:59:16
Raine on 06/25/2013 14:59:16
Comment by TriSec on 06/25/2013 15:00:58
Hmm, I wonder if because it's a Native American child, if the adoption by US Citizens would fall under International Adoption law?
Ours did - and when Javi's birth mother gave up all rights, she had no further legal recourse forever and ever, amen. Further, most International adoptions are "closed", meaning the file is sealed and if either Javi or Jocelyn (birth mother) has regrets at some point and they decide to track each other down.....legally, those files can't be opened to either party.
Seems to me when the birth father gave up his rights, that should have sealed the deal, but of course I don't know what the specific laws are in this instance.
TriSec on 06/25/2013 15:00:58
Quote by Raine:
Court rules for adoptive parents in Indian adoption case.
Hmm, I wonder if because it's a Native American child, if the adoption by US Citizens would fall under International Adoption law?
Ours did - and when Javi's birth mother gave up all rights, she had no further legal recourse forever and ever, amen. Further, most International adoptions are "closed", meaning the file is sealed and if either Javi or Jocelyn (birth mother) has regrets at some point and they decide to track each other down.....legally, those files can't be opened to either party.
Seems to me when the birth father gave up his rights, that should have sealed the deal, but of course I don't know what the specific laws are in this instance.
Comment by Mondobubba on 06/25/2013 15:01:00
Mondobubba on 06/25/2013 15:01:00
Quote by Raine:
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2013 15:01:52
Excellent point, I would counter however that by 2043 they are going to be a minority... I'd wager they are gonna want in on some of that minority preference ... 
Raine on 06/25/2013 15:01:52
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
I dunno, this might be one of those things they are shamed into to doing.
really, do you see Cantor being shamed into anything?
Comment by Scoopster on 06/25/2013 15:04:46
Are they? These states & counties are now free & clear to make up whatever kind of gerrymandered district or ridiculous rule they want. The only thing that can stop them is a new Section 4 formula, and you can bet the GOP will be hellbent on stopping that at all costs.
Scoopster on 06/25/2013 15:04:46
Quote by Raine:Excellent point, I would counter however that by 2043 they are going to be a minority... I'd wager they are gonna want in on some of that minority preference ...Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
I dunno, this might be one of those things they are shamed into to doing.
really, do you see Cantor being shamed into anything?
Are they? These states & counties are now free & clear to make up whatever kind of gerrymandered district or ridiculous rule they want. The only thing that can stop them is a new Section 4 formula, and you can bet the GOP will be hellbent on stopping that at all costs.
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2013 15:05:20
The case was brought forth under the Indian Child welfare act.
The biological father never met the baby.
Raine on 06/25/2013 15:05:20
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Raine:
Court rules for adoptive parents in Indian adoption case.
Hmm, I wonder if because it's a Native American child, if the adoption by US Citizens would fall under International Adoption law?
Ours did - and when Javi's birth mother gave up all rights, she had no further legal recourse forever and ever, amen. Further, most International adoptions are "closed", meaning the file is sealed and if either Javi or Jocelyn (birth mother) has regrets at some point and they decide to track each other down.....legally, those files can't be opened to either party.
Seems to me when the birth father gave up his rights, that should have sealed the deal, but of course I don't know what the specific laws are in this instance.
"Finally, we clarify that §1915(a), which provides placement preferences for the adoption of Indian children, does not bar a non-Indian family like Adoptive Couple from adopting an Indian child when no other eligible candidates have sought to adopt the child," Alito penned. (snip)
"It is undisputed that, had Baby Girl not been 3/256ths Cherokee, Biological Father would have had no right to object to her adoption under South Carolina law."