Free Republic

Judge blocks Medi-Cal cutbacksBy Denny Walsh and Mareva Brown -- Bee Staff Writers - (Published December 24, 2003) A Sacramento federal judge on Tuesday barred implementation next week of cuts in state payments to physicians and others providing health care to poor people that were designed to save hundreds of millions of dollars. In doing so, U.S. District Judge David F. Levi wiped out part of a strategy to help the state find its way out of its budget mess and cast doubt on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's plans to shrink future outlays by cutting more money from the federally subsidized...

12:59PM Court blocks Bush changes to Clean Air Act by Tim Rostan CHICAGO (CBS.MW) -- A federal appeals court has temporarily blocked the Bush administration's planned revisions to the Clean Air Act. Critics have argued that revisions to the legislation, which was passed in 1963 and revised several times since, would undercut air-quality protections by allowing increased pollution. The challenge to the administration's revisions was initiated by state attorneys general.

The Supreme Court announced today that it will attempt to settle the legal battle over the Pledge of Allegiance -- but without the participation of one of its most conservative justices...But, in a surprise move, Justice Antonin Scalia recused himself from the case, leaving only eight justices to hear arguments and reach a judgment. In the event of a 4-4 tie vote, the ruling of the San Francisco-based federal appeals court that struck down the pledge in schools would stand.

I think there are many Freepers who are tired of this constant bashing of the Supreme Court for Lawrence v. Texas. I think they did a great job and stuck a knife in the heart of big government. Individual liberty is at the heart of what conservatism is all about - the individual having primacy over the state. It disturbs me that there are so many who wanted to see the state prevail in its desire to regulate private, individual freedoms. I say, good job, to a consistent, conservative SC! You did exactly what you're supposed to be doing.

Heads Up! Sean Hannity just announced that Jim McGreasy called and asked to be on his radio show this afternoon. Sean said they are trying to arrange the call-in, so be listening; Sean predicted fireworks. Tony