HR 3920 – Good God, no!

This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on March 16, 2004). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.

This makes me sick to my stomach.

On March 9th, Representative Ron Lewis (KY) introduced bill HR 3920 to Congress (co-sponsored by Reps. Howard Coble [NC], Mac Collins [GA], Jim DeMint [SC], John Doolittle [CA], Terry Everett [AL], Trent Franks [AZ], Virgil Goode, Jr. [VA], Joel Hefley [CO], Jack Kingston [GA], Joseph Pitts [PA], and Richard Pombo [CA]), titled the “Congressional Accountability for Judicial Activism Act of 2004”.

The official title gives a better idea of the intent of the bill, though: “To allow Congress to reverse the judgments of the United States Supreme Court.”

Excuse me?

No.

No, no, no, a thousand times no.

Make all the laws you want, Congress, but it’s up to the Supreme Court to decide the constitutionality of those laws, and trying to make an end-run around that process…well, doesn’t that essentially render the checks-and-balances system rather impotent?

Ugh.

Though, as Prairie pointed out while we were talking about this…if Congress passes the bill, then the Supreme Court declares it unconstitutional…then Congress overturns their ruling? That’s where my brain starts to hurt.

This better go nowhere, and go nowhere fast.

(via Phil)

iTunes: “Negasonic Teenage Warhead” by Monster Magnet from the album S.F.W. (1994, 4:59).