CBS News Analyst Dreams of Liberal Legal Nirvana

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In his recent blog ("Making Headlines: The Law, Summer 2007"), CBS News legal analyst Andrew Cohen describes his midsummer night's dream of legal headlines he would "like to see, but probably won't." In the tradition of another more-famous CBS employee, Cohen lists his "top ten" legal headlines - a wish list with an obvious liberal slant.

Here are some of Cohen's headlines, along with the necessary translation.

Cohen: "Attorney General Alberto Gonzales resigns, James Comey named successor; Pledges 'return of professionalism and independence' to Justice Department;"; and "In unusual deal with lawmakers, Gonzales says he’ll leave 'public service'; Vows return to Texas in exchange for immunity from perjury prosecution." Translation: Cohen here continues the MSM onslaught directed at the attorney general. But Cohen remains confounded by the President's loyalty toward Gonzales. In Cohen's dream world, a humiliated Gonzales would resign in shame and retreat to Texas (apparently the de facto exile for conservatives).

Cohen: "Executive privilege fight avoided by compromise in U.S. Attorney probe; White House officials to testify under oath in private about prosecutor purge." Translation: Cohen here dreams of a situation where more Bush administration officials testify under oath, whereupon there can be yet-more allegations of perjury (see Scooter Libby, Alberto Gonzales), more investigations, more hearings, and more calls for special prosecutors. But Cohen's dream will not come true as there is no reason or need for the Bush Administration to make a "compromise."

Cohen: "Congress passes new federal 'shield law' protecting reporter’s privilege; President vows to sign legislation; Justice Department pledges cooperation." Translation: Cohen and his friends in the MSM used to be able to cite anonymous sources with impugnity for the sake of dropping political bombs. However, several recent cases (Libby again, the BALCO case) have seen journalists in jeopardy of jail time for protecting sources. Cohen here dreams of a perfect media universe where his journalist friends can freely communicate their liberal message without fear of incarceration.

Cohen: "Presidential candidates pledge to focus on makeup of High Court; GOP and Dems will debate role of Justices in run-up to 2008 vote." Translation: Now that the Supreme Court arguably has a conservative majority, it is imperative to have a serious discussion about the makeup of the Court.

Cohen: "U.S. closes controversial, expensive Guantanamo Bay detention facility; Feds establish new 'terrorism' court system to handle remaining suspects"; and "Supreme Court blocks campaign advertisements in judicial races nationwide; Justices say free speech concerns trumped by need for decorum, independence." Translation: While Cohen is concerned about preserving the civil liberties of the Guantanamo terrorists, he is also more than willing to heave a constitutional protection overboard in order to level the playing field for liberal state judicial candidates.

Cohen: "Cable networks vow to end all coverage of 'celebrity' legal gossip; Lohan, Hilton depart California for exile on island near Arctic Circle." Translation: Here Cohen devaites from his usual legal commentary to slam cable news. Cohen and the other professionals at CBS are apparently "above it all" when it comes to the tabloid-style cable news coverage of pop tarts Lohan and Hilton. Cohen, however, conveniently overlooks the nine cbsnews.com stories about Lindsay Lohan, just since July 24. Oops.

Keep dreaming Andrew Cohen.

 

 

 

 

  

—Jason Aslinger is a private practice attorney in Greenville, Ohio.


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When reality isn't good enough

Here's a man desperate to create his own world, and he wants us to admire him for it.

  • My favorite myth is the shield law. I maintain that a journalist has every right to investigate, report, and opine ... but that's the same right as any other citizen. The freedom of speech and freedom of the press is the same right, and there can be no distinction between them. And since no citizen is allowed to shield their sources, then neither should the press.
  • Justices say free speech concerns trumped by need for decorum." Yeah, right. "In related news, Hollywood agrees that decorum trumps free speech, and will no longer distribute any material that violates decorum." Three weeks later ... Hollywood closes permanently, having nothing decent and civil to show.

Free Press

You're right.  A free press doesn't mean a cheap sleazy press, but I guess we not only deserve the most corrupt government we will tolerate, but also a press willing to bed down alongside our oppressors.

CBS analysts have no idea the headlines Americans would like to see.

Justices say free speech

Justices say free speech concerns trumped by need for decorum.

Some time ago there was a poll where almost 2/3 of the respondents said that there should be restrictions on "speech that might offend someone."  Did you get that? The operative word is might.

Liberal professors and administrators in our colleges and universities have done their work well. 

}}}----> Gitmo

The Gitmo headline is somewhat appealing if we include awarding each of them publicly $10,000 and a hearty pat on the back as they are released at their home border.

Maybe they should be released to Egypt as they were in the Clinton Administration.  My guess is they could just talk a little more freely with the Egyptian interrogators than with Americans.

Released

Maybe they should be released outside Andrew Cohen house, after returning all property they were in posession of when detained.

"Presidential candidates


"Presidential candidates pledge to focus on makeup of High Court; GOP
and Dems will debate role of Justices in run-up to 2008 vote."

Right. Liberals never worried about the "makeup of the High Court" until they lost what they saw as their advantage. Now a "balance" is important. Heaven help President Bush if he gets to nominate another conservative....the guy (or woman) won't have a snowball's chance in Hawaii of getting out of committee.

Their idea of "balance" is 4 conservatives and liberals and a "swing vote" who usually votes with the libs. Of course, if a Democrat is elected in 2008, that all goes out the window, when every flaming liberal will be characterized as a "centrist."

Trouble for Dems

I agree that the Dems would fight a conservative nominee to the SCOTUS tooth and nail. In a way, this might be advantageous to conservatives. They looked like fools as they fought Roberts, and even more so when they fought Alito. They had no legitimate arguments and were called on the carpet several times for grandstanding instead of doing their job - vetting the nominee. They came off as childish whiners and everyone saw it. If they follow their trend, along with all the crybaby stances they have taken since "losing" the SCOTUS majority, I think it could push many undecided voters over the conservative edge. Besides, they would almost have to admit to wanting to stack the SCOTUS with liberal justices, something I don't think many Americans will support. 

The Closed Mind Erects Strong Barriers

}}}----> All time fool fest

But for sheer Democrat racial hatred, you can't top the Thomas hearings.

Remember thinking to yourself "Who the hell hasn't discussed a dirty movie with a member of the opposite sex?"

And Teddy Kennedy pretty much keeping his mouth shut for the whole proceeding was priceless.

Remember any Dems saying "It's just about sex"  Of course not.

What's permanently seared

What's permanently seared into my mind is the blurred-almost-down-to-his-knees still photo shown on Leno and other late night programs of the star of the dirty movie -- who, surprisingly enough, wasn't called to testify!
JMR

Rally online with fans of Dr. Ron Paul.

}}}----> Yeah, LD Silver

Prosecutor decided the evidence wouldn't stand up in court.

You made me say it, sarc.  It's all your fault.  You knew I couldn't resist, didn't you?

Crazy Cohen " Cohen:

Crazy Cohen

"

Cohen: "Attorney General Alberto Gonzales resigns, James Comey named successor; Pledges 'return of professionalism and independence' to Justice Department;"; and "In unusual deal with lawmakers, Gonzales says he’ll leave 'public service'; Vows return to Texas in exchange for immunity from perjury prosecution."

Neither the President nor the Attorney General have to present squat to Congress, and Congress knows it.  No law was broken.  The priviledge to hire/fire whoever they want is protected under the Constitution.  But who said the libs pay attention to THAT rag?

Cohen: "Executive privilege fight avoided by compromise in U.S. Attorney probe; White House officials to testify under oath in private about prosecutor purge."

See above

Cohen: "Congress passes new federal 'shield law' protecting reporter’s privilege; President vows to sign legislation; Justice Department pledges cooperation."

As if you 'jounalists' haven't damaged this country enough.  Why does it not surprise me that libs want more goverment protection?  They should be thankful we don't have a true Conservative in office.  That minimal amount of jail time would be the least of their worries.  Hiding behind the first ammendment while stabbing us in the back over and over.

Cohen: "Presidential candidates pledge to focus on makeup of High Court; GOP and Dems will debate role of Justices in run-up to 2008 vote."

Hey stupid, it's called the benifits of winning an election.  Twice.

Cohen: "U.S. closes controversial, expensive Guantanamo Bay detention facility; Feds establish new 'terrorism' court system to handle remaining suspects"; and "Supreme Court blocks campaign advertisements in judicial races nationwide; Justices say free speech concerns trumped by need for decorum, independence."

Last I knew, terrorists were not covered under ANY law.  My country doesn't owe them ANYTHING. 

Cohen: "Cable networks vow to end all coverage of 'celebrity' legal gossip; Lohan, Hilton depart California for exile on island near Arctic Circle."

I completely agree!  However, do not try and tell me it was ONLY cable news.  That is a lie, and you know it.  The big 3 all over the country had never ending coverage.

As if you 'jounalists'

As if you 'jounalists' haven't damaged this country enough.  Why does it not surprise me that libs want more goverment protection?  - It's called payback. The MSM want to call in the marker for all the protection they've provided Dems over the years throught their ignoring of stories detrimental to Dems or misreporting of same. Or maybe I should just come out and say, "Their outright LIES to protect Dems".

 

The Closed Mind Erects Strong Barriers

What's Cohen's obsession

What's Cohen's obsession with Gonzalez?  Why replace Gonzalez with Comey?  Everyone knows that Chucky Schumbag is already the Attorney General.  Dispense with the formality of installing Schumbag's puppet Comey as the figurehead AG and just elevate Chucky to the position.  He already seems to be under the impression that he runs the country, anyway.