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The Other Court Cases
Author: BobR    Date: 2014-07-09 10:59:04

Over the last few weeks, there has been a lot of news coverage and discussion about a couple key Supreme Court decisions. The biggest - Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. - is the one that allows "secular" businesses to opt out of laws that they feel violate the owners' religious beliefs (in this case - contraception). The other - McCullen v. Coakley - eliminated "buffer zones" at abortion clinics as a violation of the 1st Amendment. In other words - no contraception, and when you have to deal with the consequences, you aren't getting any protection from the insane anti-choice crowds.

Lost in all of the noise are the results of some of the other cases, which can also have a fairly significant effect on our lives. Here are a few of them...

HARRIS v. QUINN: This case revolved around home healthcare workers who were not in a union. They were required to pay union dues anyway, because they benefitted from the regulations that the union provided via its bargaining power. As one might expect, the judgment was split along ideological lines, with the conservative side winning the majority, and ruling against the unions and in favor of the freeloaders.

NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD v. NOEL CANNING: This was another case which actually started out as a labor dispute. A bottler for Pepsi wanted to weasel out of its agreement with the union, so it went to court. The court ruled that the NRLB ruling was invalid because there weren't enough acting members on the board. Why? Because the Senate was blocking the appointments. President Obama did a recess appointment, and the SCOTUS ruled that the Senate wasn't really in recess, so the appointment wasn't valid. This will give the Republicans in the Senate even more ammunition to stonewall all appointments to the various cabinets.

FIFTH THIRD BANCORP v. DUDENHOEFFER: For those of us who have worked for publicly-traded companies, they often offer Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) to encourage employees to invest in the company. As an employee, you assume that the company is going to pursue business practices that are good for the company and its stock. In this case, they didn't and the stock plummeted, and some employees lost a big chunk of their retirement and so they sued. The SCOTUS decided that since the stock is publicly traded, the employees should have seen it coming.... and done what, I wonder?

UTILITY AIR REGULATORY GROUP v. EPA: In the "mixed bag" category, this one essentially holds up that the EPA can regulate pollutants, which is good. However, for the plaintiff, it ruled mostly in favor, saying that the EPA can't regulate the emission of greenhouse gasses unless the company was also being regulated for pollution emissions. In other words - greenhouse gasses are only regulated pollutants under certain circumstances. That has all the scientific basis as some of their other rulings (e.g.: the aforementioned contraception ruling).

RILEY v. CALIFORNIA: The one bright spot in all of the rulings was this one. In it, the court ruled that a person cannot be compelled to divulge the contents of their cellphone without a search warrant, and that the cops are not allowed to go snooping on their own. This was a rare case where the decision was unanimous.

So all in all - not a very good session for those of us who value protections for women's rights and middle class workers. How much longer will it be before one of those conservative judges exits the bench? It can't happen soon enough.
 

49 comments (Latest Comment: 07/09/2014 21:46:05 by Mondobubba)
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Comment by wickedpam on 07/09/2014 13:13:32
Morning

Comment by Mondobubba on 07/09/2014 13:31:03
Worst Supreme Court since the Tawney court.

Comment by Scoopster on 07/09/2014 13:46:31
Mornin' all..

Comment by BobR on 07/09/2014 14:16:03
Raine and I went to an "80s" music concert. The headliners were the Go-Gos, who were pretty damn good.

The opening acts were somewhat disappointing. It was billed as Naked Eyes, the Motels, and Scandal, but for all three it was just the lead singers and a "house band". Naked Eyes only did 3 songs as the opener.

Anyway - if you're wondering where Raine is this morning, she's apparently still asleep.

Comment by Scoopster on 07/09/2014 14:21:59
Quote by BobR:
Raine and I went to an "80s" music concert. The headliners were the Go-Gos, who were pretty damn good.

The opening acts were somewhat disappointing. It was billed as Naked Eyes, the Motels, and Scandal, but for all three it was just the lead singers and a "house band". Naked Eyes only did 3 songs as the opener.

Anyway - if you're wondering where Raine is this morning, she's apparently still asleep.

Jane Wiedlin!

Comment by Mondobubba on 07/09/2014 14:25:37
Quote by BobR:
Raine and I went to an "80s" music concert. The headliners were the Go-Gos, who were pretty damn good.

The opening acts were somewhat disappointing. It was billed as Naked Eyes, the Motels, and Scandal, but for all three it was just the lead singers and a "house band". Naked Eyes only did 3 songs as the opener.

Anyway - if you're wondering where Raine is this morning, she's apparently still asleep.



I saw them many years ago in the original 930 Club. They were supporting their first record at the time. The club was packed if the fire marshal had shown up, the club would have been closed. The AC went out during the first or second song. It was a sweaty great time.

Comment by wickedpam on 07/09/2014 14:30:37
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by BobR:
Raine and I went to an "80s" music concert. The headliners were the Go-Gos, who were pretty damn good.

The opening acts were somewhat disappointing. It was billed as Naked Eyes, the Motels, and Scandal, but for all three it was just the lead singers and a "house band". Naked Eyes only did 3 songs as the opener.

Anyway - if you're wondering where Raine is this morning, she's apparently still asleep.



I saw them many years ago in the original 930 Club. They were supporting their first record at the time. The club was packed if the fire marshal had shown up, the club would have been closed. The AC went out during the first or second song. It was a sweaty great time.


Saw them at DAR for their first reunion tour - they totally rocked it!


Comment by Raine on 07/09/2014 14:42:20
Good morning!

Comment by BobR on 07/09/2014 14:56:39
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by BobR:
Raine and I went to an "80s" music concert. The headliners were the Go-Gos, who were pretty damn good.

The opening acts were somewhat disappointing. It was billed as Naked Eyes, the Motels, and Scandal, but for all three it was just the lead singers and a "house band". Naked Eyes only did 3 songs as the opener.

Anyway - if you're wondering where Raine is this morning, she's apparently still asleep.



I saw them many years ago in the original 930 Club. They were supporting their first record at the time. The club was packed if the fire marshal had shown up, the club would have been closed. The AC went out during the first or second song. It was a sweaty great time.

I saw them open for Bowie in LA in 82 at an outdoor concert at Altamont Racetrack. That was one hell of a show.

Comment by Raine on 07/09/2014 15:16:37
without comment.


http://i.imgur.com/dqD0XmS.jpg


Comment by Will in Chicago on 07/09/2014 15:18:36
Good morning!!

This Supreme Court is truly awful, and is turning the public against the court.

As for myself, I am home today. Busy with housework and compiling a list of schools applied to for a friend who is willing to make some calls.


Comment by wickedpam on 07/09/2014 15:32:53
Oh hey - that Holly Fisher girl (the Bible/Gun girl) on twitter is just a horrible person. The people backing her up have pointed out that the woman Ms. Fisher is compared to is a known terrorist and that its a stupid comparison cause Fisher isn't a terrorist and the wife of a serviceman.

And Fisher thinks shes oh so funny and clever taking pix in front to of Hobby Lobby with a Chick-fil-a cup.



Comment by Scoopster on 07/09/2014 15:42:32
Comment by Raine on 07/09/2014 15:54:51
Quote by wickedpam:
Oh hey - that Holly Fisher girl (the Bible/Gun girl) on twitter is just a horrible person. The people backing her up have pointed out that the woman Ms. Fisher is compared to is a known terrorist and that its a stupid comparison cause Fisher isn't a terrorist and the wife of a serviceman.

And Fisher thinks shes oh so funny and clever taking pix in front to of Hobby Lobby with a Chick-fil-a cup.

Irony is lost on some people.

Comment by wickedpam on 07/09/2014 16:02:08
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Oh hey - that Holly Fisher girl (the Bible/Gun girl) on twitter is just a horrible person. The people backing her up have pointed out that the woman Ms. Fisher is compared to is a known terrorist and that its a stupid comparison cause Fisher isn't a terrorist and the wife of a serviceman.

And Fisher thinks shes oh so funny and clever taking pix in front to of Hobby Lobby with a Chick-fil-a cup.

Irony is lost on some people.



It is.

Comment by BobR on 07/09/2014 16:14:48

Actually - the responses I've read so far are well thought out. Very good. If the Republicans don't change, they will become the party of Idiocracy - they are most of the way there already.


Comment by Will in Chicago on 07/09/2014 16:53:57
Quote by BobR:

Actually - the responses I've read so far are well thought out. Very good. If the Republicans don't change, they will become the party of Idiocracy - they are most of the way there already.


The GOP is losing voters, and one has to question how long they will have power to any degree with a declining voter base.

Comment by Scoopster on 07/09/2014 17:17:00
Comment by clintster on 07/09/2014 17:40:16
Meanwhile, in Lexington VA (where the Mrs and I used to live and Ian was born), Washington and Lee University has decided to remove the Confederate Battle Flag from the chapel housing the tomb of Robert E Lee, located on campus.

Comment by wickedpam on 07/09/2014 17:42:46
Raine - so I think your mom missed the point of Bob's meme on FB and my response *sigh*

Comment by BobR on 07/09/2014 17:51:38
Quote by wickedpam:
Raine - so I think your mom missed the point of Bob's meme on FB and my response *sigh*



Comment by livingonli on 07/09/2014 17:53:45
Good day, folks. The GOP in it's current form will not move back to the center unless they get knocked out of almost every elected office and it becomes impossible for them to hold any power as their base dies off from old age.

Comment by Raine on 07/09/2014 18:07:13
Quote by BobR:
Quote by wickedpam:
Raine - so I think your mom missed the point of Bob's meme on FB and my response *sigh*

*sigh* I am so shocked. no, really.


Comment by Raine on 07/09/2014 18:10:04
Actually, this time, my mom did get it. if only she would understand that those social safety nets are saving her. This time she got it, but before you know it, Sharia law something thing.

You guys tried, and I appreciate that.

Comment by wickedpam on 07/09/2014 18:15:19
Quote by Raine:
Actually, this time, my mom did get it. if only she would understand that those social safety nets are saving her. This time she got it, but before you know it, Sharia law something thing.

You guys tried, and I appreciate that.


okay - then I miss understood her - my apologize. I couldn't tell if she was being sarcastic or not.


Comment by Raine on 07/09/2014 18:27:00
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Actually, this time, my mom did get it. if only she would understand that those social safety nets are saving her. This time she got it, but before you know it, Sharia law something thing.

You guys tried, and I appreciate that.


okay - then I miss understood her - my apologize. I couldn't tell if she was being sarcastic or not.
No need. There was serious sarcasm there. She believes that all government is to blame. She (to be honest) feels ashamed that she needs social help, she used to believe that only lazy people needed food stamps, and to a certain extent I think she still does and she sadly is embarrassed.

Comment by wickedpam on 07/09/2014 18:39:57
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Actually, this time, my mom did get it. if only she would understand that those social safety nets are saving her. This time she got it, but before you know it, Sharia law something thing.

You guys tried, and I appreciate that.


okay - then I miss understood her - my apologize. I couldn't tell if she was being sarcastic or not.
No need. There was serious sarcasm there. She believes that all government is to blame. She (to be honest) feels ashamed that she needs social help, she used to believe that only lazy people needed food stamps, and to a certain extent I think she still does and she sadly is embarrassed.


aaahhh - okay - I actually understand that. When I had to go on unemployment (twice) I felt like a huge failure and was total ashamed of having to do so. Its only now I realize those things are there to help catch us in those moments we fall.


Comment by Will in Chicago on 07/09/2014 18:54:19
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Actually, this time, my mom did get it. if only she would understand that those social safety nets are saving her. This time she got it, but before you know it, Sharia law something thing.

You guys tried, and I appreciate that.


okay - then I miss understood her - my apologize. I couldn't tell if she was being sarcastic or not.
No need. There was serious sarcasm there. She believes that all government is to blame. She (to be honest) feels ashamed that she needs social help, she used to believe that only lazy people needed food stamps, and to a certain extent I think she still does and she sadly is embarrassed.


aaahhh - okay - I actually understand that. When I had to go on unemployment (twice) I felt like a huge failure and was total ashamed of having to do so. Its only now I realize those things are there to help catch us in those moments we fall.



We now live in a society where most people, regardless of prior economic status, can fall into poverty.


Comment by Mondobubba on 07/09/2014 19:01:33
Quote by clintster:
Meanwhile, in Lexington VA (where the Mrs and I used to live and Ian was born), Washington and Lee University has decided to remove the Confederate Battle Flag from the chapel housing the tomb of Robert E Lee, located on campus.



That is a big damn deal. Good on ya W&L

Comment by clintster on 07/09/2014 19:47:45
Comment by Raine on 07/09/2014 20:15:44
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Actually, this time, my mom did get it. if only she would understand that those social safety nets are saving her. This time she got it, but before you know it, Sharia law something thing.

You guys tried, and I appreciate that.


okay - then I miss understood her - my apologize. I couldn't tell if she was being sarcastic or not.
No need. There was serious sarcasm there. She believes that all government is to blame. She (to be honest) feels ashamed that she needs social help, she used to believe that only lazy people needed food stamps, and to a certain extent I think she still does and she sadly is embarrassed.


aaahhh - okay - I actually understand that. When I had to go on unemployment (twice) I felt like a huge failure and was total ashamed of having to do so. Its only now I realize those things are there to help catch us in those moments we fall.
I wish she wouldn't be so hard on herself, but I think there is something to be said about words coming back to haunt a person.


Comment by BobR on 07/09/2014 20:15:52
Quote by clintster:
'Ere, Mr President!

holy crap!

Comment by wickedpam on 07/09/2014 20:17:11
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Actually, this time, my mom did get it. if only she would understand that those social safety nets are saving her. This time she got it, but before you know it, Sharia law something thing.

You guys tried, and I appreciate that.


okay - then I miss understood her - my apologize. I couldn't tell if she was being sarcastic or not.
No need. There was serious sarcasm there. She believes that all government is to blame. She (to be honest) feels ashamed that she needs social help, she used to believe that only lazy people needed food stamps, and to a certain extent I think she still does and she sadly is embarrassed.


aaahhh - okay - I actually understand that. When I had to go on unemployment (twice) I felt like a huge failure and was total ashamed of having to do so. Its only now I realize those things are there to help catch us in those moments we fall.
I wish she wouldn't be so hard on herself, but I think there is something to be said about words coming back to haunt a person.


Karma and all


Comment by TriSec on 07/09/2014 20:22:13
Cut me.

Comment by Raine on 07/09/2014 20:26:45
Quote by BobR:
Quote by clintster:
'Ere, Mr President!

holy crap!
That's friggin awesome! Obama has officially become the Honey badger!


Comment by Raine on 07/09/2014 20:28:29
MAla you make sure you check out the weather before you head home tonite, you have a some crap weather heading towards the homestead.

Comment by wickedpam on 07/09/2014 20:30:17
Quote by Raine:
MAla you make sure you check out the weather before you head home tonite, you have a some crap weather heading towards the homestead.


Ya, I've been watching it - I follow Topper on twitter he's pretty good a posting the warnings and maps

Comment by BobR on 07/09/2014 20:30:20
Comment by Raine on 07/09/2014 20:30:28
OK, I am thinking that the MAnassess PD is really misinterpreting the SCOTUS ruling about cell phones and search warrants. This is just kinda disgusting.

Comment by wickedpam on 07/09/2014 20:39:29
Quote by Raine:
OK, I am thinking that the MAnassess PD is really misinterpreting the SCOTUS ruling about cell phones and search warrants. This is just kinda disgusting.


psst - they aren't the brightest bulbs sometimes


Comment by Raine on 07/09/2014 20:42:01
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
OK, I am thinking that the MAnassess PD is really misinterpreting the SCOTUS ruling about cell phones and search warrants. This is just kinda disgusting.


psst - they aren't the brightest bulbs sometimes
Creating Child porn to prove underage secreting SEXTING seems counter to EVERYTHING. (edited for really REALLY bad auto correct)

Comment by wickedpam on 07/09/2014 20:44:22
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
OK, I am thinking that the MAnassess PD is really misinterpreting the SCOTUS ruling about cell phones and search warrants. This is just kinda disgusting.


psst - they aren't the brightest bulbs sometimes
Creating Child porn to prove underage secreting seems counter to EVERYTHING.



Its is, I doubt they actually thought this through. I've met Adrianne, she's very nice and we've hired a lot of new officers recently. It could be part overzealous cop and part stupid PW prosecutor

Comment by Raine on 07/09/2014 20:46:56
Quote by wickedpam:
Its is, I doubt they actually thought this through. I've met Adrianne, she's very nice and we've hired a lot of new officers recently. It could be part overzealous cop and part stupid PW prosecutor
I hope so, and I hope this does not go forward.


Comment by wickedpam on 07/09/2014 20:49:08
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Its is, I doubt they actually thought this through. I've met Adrianne, she's very nice and we've hired a lot of new officers recently. It could be part overzealous cop and part stupid PW prosecutor
I hope so, and I hope this does not go forward.



hard to tell - we are the town that tried to deal with overcrowding by trying to figure out who was related to who instead of by fire and safety standards.

Comment by Raine on 07/09/2014 21:16:18
So if enough people play a part in this survey, maybe we could have a super mind puck with the GOP. Please feel free to share under the radar.

Comment by wickedpam on 07/09/2014 21:24:37
Quote by Raine:
So if enough people play a part in this survey, maybe we could have a super mind puck with the GOP. Please feel free to share under the radar.

you have to give you email at the end

Comment by Raine on 07/09/2014 21:27:59
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
So if enough people play a part in this survey, maybe we could have a super mind puck with the GOP. Please feel free to share under the radar.

you have to give you email at the end
I gave an email i use for spam. I am also Karen Wassernahm…

Comment by Mondobubba on 07/09/2014 21:46:05
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
So if enough people play a part in this survey, maybe we could have a super mind puck with the GOP. Please feel free to share under the radar.

you have to give you email at the end



who says it has to be a real address. I made one up. as long as it correctly formatted they won't know until the email bounces back.