Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Let's all hug now — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:06:13 GMT

So empathy is the most important quality in a Supreme Court justice? Heaven help us.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Eric, Salinas, CA — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:07:03 GMT

I am so glad we have a thoughtful president selecting the next Supremne Court Justice. We got two activist conservative freaks who have been legislating from the bench and it's time to get another excellent Liberal on this bench to keep Scalia, Thomas, Roberts and Alito in line.

Obama is so correct that his choice should have empathy as well as intellect as empathy has been missing from the SC since the bushwhacker put in his two miscreants of justice. Thankfully Obama won't be using that insipid abortion and gay marriage litmus test like clueless george did, but the immoral minority sure will try to.

Prosecute War Criminals Bush and Cheney!
In Obama We Trust!

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Chris - IL — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:08:29 GMT

Such a refreshing change! This is change we can believe in and one of the many great reasons why we voted for him.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Nicholas: Minnesota — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:09:19 GMT

1st) Gov. Pawlenty is by far a moderate. He won by a plurality, like everyone else (Dems, Reps and Jesse Ventura). He's a good guy and I certainly approve of him. As Governor, he doesn't have his hand in social issues as much, and he is the only thing that stands between Democrats and every tax increase in the world.

On point:
I like the thought of 'empathy'. The legislature makes the laws, the executive branch executes the laws, and I like the thought of the judicial branch having a conscience. You know, looking out for the little guy of whom the other two branches step on.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Ed, FW, TX — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:09:31 GMT

FR, Thanks for putting the President's comment in the proper context. The problem from the left side is that we feel that for the most part many on the right side lack EMPATHY. Cases in point are the recent posuturing by the GOPer governors who resisted the extended unemployment insurance in the stim package until their voters and legislators force fed them some empathy.

There are times when a broader more empathetic interpretation of the constitution is in the best interest of everyone, GOPers included!

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Sheila, Pikesville, MD — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:09:50 GMT

President Obama has the grace, humility and the intellect to select a Supreme Court nominee that embodies the empathy that he spoke so passionately about in 2007.

He only has to look back on his own life to draw from a reservoir of experiences that his own family lived. He will not be relying on text books or the words of others from their ivory towers. He simply needs to look in the mirror. An omnipotent power will direct his path and provide the wisdom necessary to make the right choice.

A new day is dawning!

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

leftist — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:13:39 GMT

Who's the decider now, baby?

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Richard, San Antonio, Texas — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:14:26 GMT

A justice is supposed to be impartial and not allow emotion to enter into a decision. A justice is supposed to interpret the law and not legislate from the bench. This is the wrong criteria for any President to ask a nominee. When you look at lady justice, is she looking around, or is her eyes covered? They are covered.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

P. Hickman, Ohio — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:17:10 GMT

SC Justices are supposed to decide cases based on the law. With an Obama appointment coming, that Justice will decide cases based on how to have an equal outcome, not an equal opportunity. That Justice will decide cases on what others countries laws are, not on what the United States laws are. That Justice will decide cases on what they feel, not what the facts of the case are.

As you can see, I have little to no confidence in Obama doing what is best for the country. He has demonstrated to us already he's not concerned how dictators and enemies of our country speak ill of the US, all the while Obama sits right next them while they give their hate speechs, and Obama does not say a word against them. This constant apologizing to the world by Obama is wearing thin too. We're not a perfect country, but we are far better then any other country in the world. Last, Obama has more hatred and distain for the previous administration then he does for terrorists. Terrorists are treated as victims by Obama. Sorry, that doesn't wash with me, and many others.

So good luck with your pick Obama. With 60 Democrats in the Senate, that person should slither in fairly easily into their Supreme Court seat without much vetting.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

JFarnsworth, Florida — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:20:21 GMT

Isn't it strange that the Obama administration press people need to keep telling us what Obama, and Biden for that matter, "mean" after they say something. We're all intelligent human beings, we can figure out what Obama and Biden mean. We don't need idiots like Robert Gibbs to tell us "What the (Vice-)President meant to say is . . . ".

The country is being run by complete fools.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Champ, Lumberton, TX — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:24:25 GMT

And this is yet one more reason why he is such an excellent president!

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Tony Stafford, GA — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:26:04 GMT

Obama was against Alito and Roberts because they were right of center moderates. Obama was against them because they based their rulings on US law. Obama was against them because he knew Alito and Roberts would not legislate from the bench to form rulings that matched up with the liberal agenda. It's plain and simple with Obama, he's not that complicated of a man. Obama is an ideological man, everything he does is based on his extreme liberal beliefs.

The vision of America comes from the People of American Mr. Obama, not from 9 people sitting around in robes, and certainly not from Obama.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Mission Accomplished — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:31:42 GMT

It's all coming out with these quotes from Obama. The govenment isn't there to set out laws and rules for people to follow. To Obama, the government is there for one reason, and one reason only - Take from the people that produce, and give to the people that don't produce. To Obama, that's the governments first, last, and only priority. Too bad we know the result of such thinking. Everyone ends up equal in that type of government. Equally poor that is.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Just Crazy, I Tell You — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:35:12 GMT

In other words, screw the constitution and do what Obama thinks SHOULD BE the law.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Judge Judy — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:37:03 GMT

The "empathy" remarks by Obama are context free. Just what does it mean, and how does one provide "empathy" in a ruling? So if one case comes before the court, and it's a person of color, or something else that qualifies that person to be a victim in the eyes of the government, the judgement should go one way. But in a similiar case, except with a white man, the judgement should be made differently? See what I mean? "Empathy" in a judge is a context free attribute. It means something different for everybody. That's not quite the way you want to run a country.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:37:47 GMT

Next time McCain will get ACORN to round up every illegal alien, ex-con, wino and junkie they can find sleeping on park benches and register them as Republicans. Then WE will win!
Tired Of Double Standard PC Democrats
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That’s what I love about you people… your tolerance & compassion! You Betcha!

Great comic relief though – have a nice day!

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

OT - Boston — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:39:21 GMT

I guess the un-born could qualify for some empathy. But liberals like Obama work around that little problem by saying they are not yet human. A dog has more rights then the unborn in Obamaland.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Ed Crane, Middlebury, IN — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:44:12 GMT

When writing about our recent NBC/WSJ poll, we emphasized the combined 81% who say they personally liked Obama, compared with a combined 54% who approve of his policies. Democratic pollster Thomas Riehle reminds us of an April 1998 NBC/WSJ poll -- at the height of the Lewinsky scandal -- that showed nearly the opposite result for Bill Clinton.

Too Freakin Friday Funny! This paragraph says volumes.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

eagle1776 — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:44:38 GMT

There needs to be a balance on the Supreme Court just like everything else. Replacing a liberal leaning justice with another liberal leaning justice keeps the court balanced. Interestingly Presidents are often surprised at how much they end up disagreeing with their own nominees when decisions come down from the high court. Because President Obama is a Constitution Lawyer and taught Constitution Law at Harvard he is uniquely qualified to select someone who will enterpret the Constitution based on its intentions and meanings rather than some modern ideaology or other. He may want a true liberal and be surprised and then again maybe not because of the nominee's Constitutional knowledge. Since SCOTUS deals strictly with the interpretation of the Constitution as supreme law of the land his selection should be someone who is fair and balanced even if they lean slightly left or slightly right. Just like the other justices lean one way or the other but are generally up the middle. I wish Justice Souter well and thank him for his service to our country.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Mike Barnes, KC Kansas — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:45:38 GMT

This is really twisted logic. Maybe some far left liberal can interpret this quote of Obama, because it makes no sense at all. The "broader vision of what the constitution is about"? The constitution is what the constitution is, it is an absolute. And "the Constitution can be interpreted in so many ways". What in the world does that mean? If you can interpret the Constitution in "so many ways", then it has no meaning what so ever, only the meaning someone gives it the time they interpret it.

Obama logic is twisted and tortured, and makes a mockery of the Constitution.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Julie, Palm Desert, CA — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:46:13 GMT

And let's not forget, strict constitutionalists do not believe that we have the right to privacy. And they are wrong about that. Even though the word is not in the constitution, it is clear that the intent is there.

The only amendment to the constitution I would vote for would be once and for all settling this disturbing issue and asknowledging that we do indeed have the right to privacy.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

A Voice from Michigan — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:47:22 GMT

If anyone wonders why this man was elected, they should get a clue from these remarks.

The religious, Christian Right should read again that story about Jesus and the woman caught in adultry. "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. And they left, the oldest to the youngest."

Mr. Obama is not a messiah, but he is doing the best he can in very difficult times. He deserves our support.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Philip Chabot, Nellysford, Virginia — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:53:10 GMT

Years ago I attended a dinner for members of the Bar at which Justice Powell spoke. I will never forget his observation that the greatest thing he had learned about being on the Supreme Court was the importance of approaching each of his decisions with an understanding of the impact it would have upon the least powerful among us. That is empathy. It explains many of Justice Powell's decisions after reaching the Court. And it is a quality that every judge should posess.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

mexed, san antonio, texas — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:54:24 GMT

What's to argue? Some only want someone who doesn't consider anything more than what the original writers of the constitution wrote. They would ignore all our history, all our cultural changes, and more. There are those who will only consider abortion. Forget the rest, this is their issue. Some only focus on women's issues. It seems to me that the "big picture" of the persons pattern of thinking is as valid as any of the above. Otherwise we need only to put into a computer a series of questions and answers and forget about even having a judge.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Anne R., Idaho — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:55:05 GMT

I wish Obama had some empathy for what it's like to be an American. Freedom, Equal Opportunity, One Nation. He doesn't seem to have a clue about any of those things.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Pete, Salinas, CA — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:55:44 GMT

Follow Up for Jawillie

Do Nothing Crowd
Dancin' Naughty Crew
Deliquent Name Callers
Derelict Nature Cynics
Decrying National Critics

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Rick Monday, Charlotte, NC — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:55:48 GMT

I say we cram a 40 year old ultra lib down the Republicans throats and let them choke on it for 30 years or so.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Ed Crane, Middlebury, IN — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:57:09 GMT

Dem's were successful in forcing him to delay retirement through Bush years so a conservative could not be appointed to the court.

Great manipulation of justice by the people friendly DNC.

Sounds like something the two party system brings our way all the time. We are the lucky ones.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Iowa Attorney — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:58:07 GMT

I think he should pick Anita Hill. Not only is she an intelligent African American women, it would drive that idiot Clarence Thomas nuts. Who knows maybe he'd resign early!

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Tim D., Harrisburg, PA — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:58:34 GMT

It's clear what Obama craves: result-oriented decisions.

A justice's job is to determine what a statute says, not what we wish it said, or how it could be better written. If the result is deemed to be "wrong", it is the legislature's job to fix it.

For all of the handwringing over the Bush administration's attempts to exert executive authority, it's always amusing that the liberals have never had an issue with the judicial branch overstepping its authority.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Steeler Fan Pittsburgh, PA — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:04:58 GMT

I think what President Obama was saying is that it would be easy to get caught up in the intellectual exercise of arguing nuances of constitutional law and forget that the cases involved are meaningful in real people's lives--and that he wants someone who will keep those real people in mind as he or she reaches a decision.

It will be interesting to see how the right pounces on that statement.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Pam, San Pedro, California — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:09:19 GMT

I'm just SURE Mitch McConnell insists on an "up or down" vote, NOT!! Sadly, it's not Scalia or Thomas retiring; Souter's retirememt won't change the make-up of SCOTUS. I'm sure the repubs behavior will be much more "entertaining" than the nominee, unlike Bush's nomination of his "Cleaning Lady"!!

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Barbara C. - Fort Lauderdale, FL — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:14:08 GMT

So should the healthcare industry have "empathy", Congress have "empathy" in these struggling times we are in, mothers should have "empathy" with their children going through a difficult time, and....having followed the Supreme Court, maybe a Supreme Court Justice should have "empathy", which I know a lot of people are going to say the word is Liberal, but I disagree, as I know many, many "Empathetic" Republicans as well.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Izzy Buffalo, NY — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:14:10 GMT

President Obama will consider this very carefully, as he does all big decisions. He will make an excellent choice, I'm sure. I'm sure we will see all the "empathy = soft on crime, wimpy, etc." responses here but I don't think having empathy can be a negative thing. It doesn't mean you ignore the law, but it's important to see beyond all the paperwork and realize these are human beings you are talking about and your decision will have huge implications.

Proud member RepublicansforObama.org

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

A Voice — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:15:00 GMT

Wait a second. Does he mean that the Supreme Court should be ruled by their emotional response? Or that the "poor or African-American or gay or disabled or old" should have special laws?

The Supreme Court Justices should be like umpires--with no favoritism (for or against) anyone. The facts should rule the outcome. Even when intrepetation of laws may be swayed by political leanings, it does not mean that empathy should step over the law. Left and Right might disagree with what laws to pass, they might disagree with the extent of the governments powers, but they should not disagree on the application of the law.

A slick lawyer may sway a jury with emotional reactions, but the Justices of the Supreme Court should be able to look at the Law dispassionately. Their job is to read the law, as written. That is it. That works for when you agree with it or when you don't. But you do not allow emotions (even justified ones) to blind you to what is actually the law.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

MSierra, SF — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:15:04 GMT

Hopefully, Obama's Supreme Court nominee will have 'empathy' for gay marriage

Hopefully, Obama's nominee will be a Progressive
This court is stacked with Conservatives and Moderates
Where are the Liberals

DON'T BE INTIMIDATED by the Far Right
They're Paper Tigers

I STILL think Ralph Nader would be an EXCELLENT choice
Yes, BL, Cincinnati OH he is old and we need a young appointee
But it would be a Crowning Achievement of an Honorable career

Please note that Ralph Nader was one of the FEW prominent commentators to OPPOSE NAFTA
(along with Ross Perot)

He's been Completely VINDICATED, while Slick Willie and Lying Al have been exposed as corporate flunkies and liars

What HAPPENED to all those 'High Paying New Jobs' that NAFTA was supposed to bring us

Just curious, is there any Gay or Lesbian candidate for the Supreme Court position ?

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

President John Adams — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:16:29 GMT

President John Adams said "Our Constitution was made ONLY for a MORAL and RELIGIOUS people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."....Clearly President Obama puts major emphasis on "empathy" while great presidents before him appealed to what was right and true--which ultimately does lead to a better and more compassionate society. But mere empathy alone, without virture, will take us all over the map and into more problems because everyone has empathy for different things. President Adam's words above make great sense....a godly people, who live by God's truth which doesn't change, won't have the confusion that we're having today because the Contstitution wasn't written for an immoral or twisted values society like we're turning into today.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Pam, San Pedro, California — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:28:21 GMT

Mission Accomplished (Sent Friday, May 01, 2009 2:31 PM)

One question, what planet are you from? No, two questions, are you on the GOP's "rebranding" committee? LOL!! You know things are really humming along when your “rebranding” effort is led by your recently crushed presidential nominee and your discredited party leader's brother, Jeb Bush!! And oh joy, also involved is Haley Barbour, Bobby Jindal and Mitt Romney. What a group!!

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

MSierra, SF — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:28:54 GMT

The Senate needs some 'Shakin' Up' and some 'Fixin' Up' !!!

From Huff Post:

'...Stormy Daniels, Porn Star And Potential Sen. Vitter Opponent, To Launch Listening Tour

The porn-star flirting with a run against Sen. David Vitter in the Louisiana 2010 Republican primary is launching the next stage of her prospective campaign.

Stormy Daniels is not formally a candidate for office, though her name has been floated as a possible candidate to take on the ethically troubled Vitter. On Friday, however, the DraftStormy Campaign announced that she would be kicking off a listening tour of the state, ostensibly, to decide whether the climate is right for a Senate run.

The DraftStormy press release describes the tour in some colorful terms that seem somewhat out of place for a state still coping with the destruction of Hurricane Katrina. But the likelihood is that the authors were just playing off Stormy's first name.

Here's the release:

What seemed like temporary clouds only months ago has transformed into a tropical storm approaching category one hurricane status. When DraftStormy launched its efforts to draft Baton Rouge native Stormy Daniels to run for United States Senate late last January, we were labeled a "cheap political stunt." The old Louisiana status quo that has been in power for decades could not comprehend the tsunami of grassroots support Stormy Daniels generated among the working men and women of Louisiana.

Today, the DraftStormy Campaign entered the next phase when it announced the event schedule for the initial listening tour of prospective candidate for Senate, Stormy Daniels.

Stormy will kick off her listening tour of Louisiana with a stop for lunch at The Roux House in Baton Rouge, Tuesday, May 5th at noon. She will meet with Louisiana men and women and listen to the issues and concerns they struggle with everyday.

Following her Baton Rouge event on Tuesday, Stormy will head to New Orleans, with a lunch at Serio's Po' Boys & Deli, Wednesday, May 6th. She will continue her conversation with the citizens of Louisiana and listen to the ongoing struggles they face in these troubled economic times.

DraftStormy is excited about the listening tour and is confident that it will help persuade Stormy Daniels to accept their challenge and run for Senate. We believe that the voters of Louisiana are ready for change and look forward to bringing honesty, integrity, and strength of character back to the United States Senate...'

Listen here Stormy !!
Can you put some daipers on Sen. Vitter ??
He needs a GOOD SPANKING !!
He's been a BAD BOY !!

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Chris - IL — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:31:35 GMT

In other words, screw the constitution and do what Obama thinks SHOULD BE the law.

Just Crazy, I Tell You
________________________________________________________

Did you even read what he said? He said that in 95% of situations, the law is clear. But in the 5% of cases where it isn't clear (i.e., there is no simple strict interpretation of the constitution), he would like to have someone with empathy. That would be opposed to someone that was far right ideologically and rather than using empathy, used their views of the way things are or should be.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

JJ Young, Cary, NC — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:31:35 GMT

I trust his decisionmaking capabilities. I love his humanity! He will make a wise choice to benefit those he is intent on serving: All The American People! Not conservative/liberal/black/Chinese/white/polka dot/lame or not....All The American People! He is just that kinda guy! What a President! Love to you all!

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

brian St. Louis MO — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:32:46 GMT

The conservative justices ascribe to an originalist interpration of the constitution, and completely ignore the fact that it was purposely left open to be able to stretch and contract it to accomodate new times. That's why its a brilliant document, not b/c its a rigid dinosaur that conservatives can twist around to screw gays, non chrisitans, and the poor.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

The uneducated, unwashed masses are the bane of society — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:34:24 GMT

LOL, its apparent that a lot of people leaving comments do not understand the role of the Supreme Court, or judges in general. Go take a civics class, then come back and comment.

In the meantime, let this thought get your conservative panties in a twist: Obama and the Democrats could always increase the size of the court and add a couple more liberals! FDR wasn't able to get it done, but maybe Obama could!

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

gingerbread mamma, Jupiter, Fl — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:35:18 GMT

This is why I support President Obama so strongly, he too, knows what it is like to face life's difficulties, and to come out on the other side of those experiences with your self worth intact and a better perspective on how life is sometimes so incredibly hard for some people.

A lot of our powerfully connected have benefited from being wealthy or well known through their families and have no idea what it is like to grow up poor, or have little or no help to make life's path a little smoother. President Obama knows what it is like and that is what makes him so likable and empathetic to our ordinary citizens.

He will make a good choice that will hopefully bring less of a strident partisan attack which we don't need in these difficult times.

One of out posters recently has be asking for more civilty in our discourse here, less name calling and more respect for those that differ in ideas on how to better our country. I agree, our President tries very hard to set the example, he is polite and exceedingly well mannered, show your support for him by following his example and treating others with respect without resorting to name calling, shouting down those who don't agree with your opinions. Less cynicism would be helpful along with a sense of wanting to help the country get to a better place.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Heartlight3, Maui Hawaii — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:37:08 GMT

What a bunch of opinionated bulls**t these comments are. How can you all presume you have a clue about what Obama is thinking? You are taking your personal bias and assuming that Obama's motivation and rationale is in alignment with your bias (either for or against). My guess is that you all are wrong.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Pam, San Pedro, California — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:38:48 GMT

Mission Accomplished (Sent Friday, May 01, 2009 2:31 PM)

You're a bit confused. "Mission Accomplished" should be used when speaking of the former president stepping off an aircraft carrier clad in a space suit speaking to the nation in front of a "Mission Accomplished" banner - oh wait, we're still in Iraq - never mind!!

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Pam, San Pedro, California — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:40:17 GMT

MSierra, SF (Sent Friday, May 01, 2009 3:15 PM)

You had me up until "Ralph Nader" - still blame him for giving us George W.!!

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Kate, Saratoga Springs, New York — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:46:27 GMT

Reading some of these comments makes me wonder if these people can read and understand anything. President Obama believes that a Supreme Court Justice should be intellectual and understand the law, but he also believes that he should try and look at what someone is going through in their life and have some empathy for them and their situation. We don't need Justices who don't give a damn about the people. What is the matter with some of these bloggers!

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Center Left — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:47:36 GMT

Who's the decider now, baby?

leftist (Sent Friday, May 01, 2009 2:13 PM)

Um, God?

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Sheila, Pikesville, MD — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:48:34 GMT

"? The constitution is what the constitution is, it is an absolute. And "the Constitution can be interpreted in so many ways". FROM Mike Barnes In KC
**********************************************
Based on that rationale, Barack Obama could not have been elected president because the "unamended" Constitution did not recognize Black people as human beings.

Sometimes things have to change for the good of the country and using one's heart to affect those changes has stood this country in good stead all these many years.

We can use our brain and our heart to form a more perfect union.

Context of Obama's 'empathy' remark

Chandler W. — Mon, 04 May 2009 13:23:29 GMT

As I stated on a previous blog: I teach a course in the Constitution. There are two ways in which the Constitution can be interpreted.

One - that it be interpreted literally; that is exactly what the Framers wrote.

Another - that the Framers wrote a great deal of the Constitution in vague language because they knew that someday in the future life would change and the Constitution would need to be interpreted for the times.

Jefferson said the Constitution was a live document.

Case in point: If you read the 2nd Amendment literally, as the Framers wrote it, one would have to conclude that "bearing arms" was for states to stay within their boundaries.

This past summer the Court interpreted the 2nd Amendment in current society's context. Therefore, they saw fit that if the Framers were here today, they would allow all who wanted a weapon for protection, to have one.

So Mike Barnes and others of that ilk - The Framers knew that in time slavery would be abolished and Blacks would have the same rights as all. And if you take your line of thinking further - The Framers did NOT give women the right to vote.....Should that still hold true?

I'd advise people to read up on the Founding Fathers and the Framers of the Constitution before they shoot their mouths off.