Posted on 03/09/2010 3:06:36 PM PST by reaganaut1
U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts said Tuesday the scene at President Obama's State of the Union address was "very troubling" and the annual speech has "degenerated to a political pep rally."
Obama chided the court, with the justices seated before him in their black robes, for its decision on a campaign finance case.
Responding to a University of Alabama law student's question, Roberts said anyone was free to criticize the court, and some have an obligation to do so because of their positions.
"So I have no problems with that," he said. "On the other hand, there is the issue of the setting, the circumstances and the decorum.
"The image of having the members of one branch of government standing up, literally surrounding the Supreme Court, cheering and hollering while the court — according the requirements of protocol — has to sit there expressionless, I think is very troubling."
Breaking from tradition, Obama criticized the court's decision that allows corporations and unions to freely spend money to run political ads for or against specific candidates.
"With all due deference to the separation of powers the Supreme Court reversed a century of law to open the floodgates for special interests — including foreign corporations — to spend without limit in our elections," Obama said in January.
Justice Samuel Alito was the only justice to respond at the time, shaking his head and mouthing the words "not true" as Obama continued.
Roberts told the students he wonders whether justices should attend the speeches.
"I'm not sure why we're there," said Roberts, a Republican nominee who joined the court in 2005.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
They should just have a “more pressing engagement” next time.
And make it known they had a “more pressing engagement.”
We need to neuter the pos in November.
I like John Roberts. He did a great job of putting the little pissant in his place without appearing disrespectful. That scene at the SOTU was like watching wolves surround a group of lambs.
No brownie points for Obama in the Roberts court.
Roberts seems like a decent man. I wish SCOTUS would take one of the BC cases.
But but but... he is our 1st hithtoric clean articulate Fro Mericun that rarely speaks with a negro dialect. We need to give him more time.
Lesson for the day....... Did you lightly coat your barrels with oil?
“And make it known they had a “more pressing engagement.””
My good robes are at the cleaners...
Law Books need dusting...especially those pesky top shelves...
My powdered wigs are not ready yet...
The annual Judges Ball is the same night...
Roberts and Alito should have led them all out the door right in the middle of the address...
We were “troubled” that the SCOTUS wasn’t interested in settling the questions regarding Obama’s constitutional eligibility, but you told us to shove it basically. Not feeling much sympathy for ya there Justice.
I think it’d be great of the justices declined the invitation next year. Why sit thru that classless clown’s pathetic sales pitch? He’s little more than a carny at the circus.
In person Roberts is also a crack up. I ain’t sayin’ how I know this though.
Persecution is more like it.
Led by the President himself. Disgusting.
“the decorum”
The current occupant of the White House has none.
Responding to a University of Alabama law student's question, Roberts said anyone was free to criticize the court, and some have an obligation to do so because of their positions... "The image of having the members of one branch of government standing up, literally surrounding the Supreme Court, cheering and hollering while the court -- according the requirements of protocol -- has to sit there expressionless, I think is very troubling."Plenty of spin in that excerpt, check it out. The Demwit cheerleaders of that suppression of the First Amendment are no different than the enemies of the US who cheered 9/11. Thanks reaganaut1.
The liberal establishment - headed by Obama - are bullies.
"I'm not sure why he's there," said Roberts, a Republican nominee who joined the court in 2005.
Separation of Powers does not mean that any branch may separate itself from the Constitution, Judge Roberts.
Obama, or WHATEVER his real name is, does not meet the 'natural born citizen' requirement and, Judge, you are obligated to act upon that -- given where you are.
Agree. He is trying to intimidate the judicial and legislative branches of government with his arrogant lectures.
They seemed more like sheep-dogs standing guard against a pack of coyotes to me.
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