Harry Reid's Big Dairy Error

Wall Street Journal ^ | 3-Jan-04 | James Taranto

[RKV]

When Congress reconvenes tomorrow, Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada is set to become the leader of the Senate Democrats. Readers of this column will recall that last month we criticized Reid for calling Justice Clarence Thomas an "embarrassment" and saying Thomas's opinions are "poorly written," in contrast with those of the brilliant Antonin Scalia. We noted that Reid hadn't given an example of a poorly written Thomas opinion, and wondered if Reid's statement didn't amount to simple bigotry: stereotyping Thomas as unintelligent because he is black.

[RKV]

My copy of MS Word says the Justice Thomas's disent was written at a 12th grade level. Also Word Grammar Check says that it is not very readable (score of 15). Legal opinions generally are not readable unless you know the jargon(IMHO).

[AppyPappy]

My copy of MS Word says the Justice Thomas's disent

DisSent, my man

[RKV]

Also from the article...

What about that Scalia dissent Reid found so impressive that he thought it worthy of a recent Harvard undergrad (rather a backhanded compliment, since Scalia actually graduated from Harvard Law School 45 years ago)? Here it is, quoted also in its entirety: ""

That's right, there was no Scalia dissent. Scalia joined the court's majority opinion, written by Justice John Paul Stevens, as did every other justice except Thomas, and he dissented only from Part II.

[RKV]

Sue me for not using spell check, then maybe not;>)

[AppyPappy]

Just pointing out the irony. Plus I wasn't sure if that was your writing or an excerpt from the article.

[lady lawyer]

That's a hilarious headline.

[68skylark]

Taranto is great. I never miss his column. Here's another excerpt:

When Trent Lott crossed the line two years ago, Republicans, after some hesitation, did the right thing and ousted him as their leader. If the Democrats retain Reid, it will tell us something about the party's commitment to racial equality.

[RKV]

Reid is sawing off the limb he is sitting on with these comments. Hope he keeps it up.

[RKV]

Remember that the RATs are committed to the Plantation, not to equality.

[AppyPappy]

The MSM is saddened by the fact that he isn't a Republican.

[RKV]

Reid's minority leadership is a gift to us if we are willing to use it. We should be beating on him, high, low and frequently.

[rellimpank]

--I don't plan on staying up late expecting the Demotraitors to oust Reid (he is to my great regret, my senior senator) but if they do, I will personally finance quite a celebration on my block---

[RKV]

Sorry to hear that he is your Senator, then given that I live in the PRK I can't say I am doing better. I do wonder if it is better to keep a loser like him around, the better to use him like the tool he is. I hope is pi$$e$ off a lot of people.

[sgtbono2002]

I believe Reid is under the impression that since he has been made leader he is forced to say something even though its stupid. He might be better off by keeping his mouth shut until meeting with someone that knows what they are talking about.

[rellimpank]

--he could have been nipped in the bud six years ago. He won by a few less than 400 votes. Unfortunately there were slightly over 400 Libertarian votes, also a few over 400 American Constitutional (a Nevada local party largely consisting of one family and friends) and 400-odd votes d.q.'ed in the Reno area---

[RKV]

I am happy that he doesn't know when to shut up. Comedians would have to stay up late to dream this stuff up. We should use his ignorance against him. Make him sorry he ever took the job.

[Bahbah]

It seems Reid is as stupid as he sounds. This could be good.

[RKV]

IMHO, this already IS good. We now have proof positive that he is not anywhere near as smart as he thinks he is. If I made a mistake like this I would be embarrassed. Now that never stopped a RAT before, but it should be enlightening to the public.

[1smallVoice]

Reid can not be a racist, he is democrat and therefore he can never be labeled a racist. Even Robert Byrd has been forgiven for being in the KKK. There are no democrat racists and all republicans are racist. Black republicans are considered white or traitors and a 1/2 black liberal Senator from Illinois raised by whites in Hawaii and as a Muslim in Jakarta is considered black.

Please study this, US politics 101.

[NEPA]

LOL ... Thanks for the clarification.