I don't usually blog about political or moral topics, but recently I've run across a few things that are troubling me and which need a society wide discussion. But I haven't seen them anywhere else.
Kuro5hin as an article about the U.S. House of Representatives bill HR3820 The bill, titled the "Congressional Accountability for Judicial Activism Act of 2004," would grant Congress the right to overturn the decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court "to the extent that [they concern] the constitutionality of an Act of Congress." A two-thirds majority of both houses of Congress would be required to overturn such a decision; this is the same condition applied to overturning a Presidential veto of legislation. The bill is currently in committee.
The constitution already stipulates that the congress and the people can make anything constitutional by passing an amendment. In the past, the law makers can make anything legal by passing new laws. But this changes the rules and makes congress (and it's controlling party in the current congressional dynamics) the supreme power in the land without reqiring the people (us) to vote.
The New Orleans Channel 6 News reports that the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals as ruled that Louisiana cops don't need a search or arrest warrent to conduct a brief seach of your home or business if the officer "fears for his safety".
Now, most cops aren't bad guys, but it's a tough job out there and people are shooting at you. That doesn't make for the best of situations for making reasoned and balanced decisions. And any claim of checks and balances go out the window unless there is a video camera present.
Enough of my soap box. The real problem I see is that both of these are serious changes in the norm or the percieved norm of what we consider the balance of power and justice. Why aren't these being brought up for public discussion? How can we be an informed populous when things like this can be proposed and acted on while most people don't hear about it.
I am bothered by this. Earth to Media!! There's news happening!!