Massachusetts Sues U.S. Over DOMA

greyone40 »

Thu Jul 09, 2009 11:29 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

It's all really rather funny.
So if this is decided one way or another, what impact will that have on the division of powers? When the constitution was drawn up, and the tenth amendment in particular, I don't think anyone was envisioning a day when marriage would be some sort of an all inclusive social program of the government. This is new territory, our journey into the unknown.

House Committee to Vote on Hate Crimes Bill

greyone40 »

Sat Apr 25, 2009 7:58 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

If Boissoin had been inciting violence, then it would have been a real crime, not just a hate speech case for the Human Rights Tribunal. It would have been pursued in a real court which would have followed real legal procedures, where the burden of proof is on the accuser, etc.

House Committee to Vote on Hate Crimes Bill

greyone40 »

Thu Apr 23, 2009 10:58 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 1

I am familiar with teh case in Canada with Rev. Boissoin, which took place in Alberta. He did not commit a real crime, but was prosecuted through the Human Rights Commission in that province.
The commissions in Canada have been quite a bit of trouble especially with the hate speech provisions, which undermine free speech in the way the hate crime bill here in the USA is supposed not to.
Complainants get a free ride in the commissions, while defendants have to pay their way, without any chance of redress for nuisance suits. Boissoin had to apologize, and pay a fine/damages, and is never to speak or write about gays in a disparaging way for the rest of his life. He did not violate any real laws, like conspiracy to commit a crime, or incite to violence, or libel.
The concept of hate crimes is the beginning of going down the road that Canada has traveled, which removes individual rights in favour of collective rights. There are plenty of horrific examples beyond this one. If you want to know more go to www.ezralevant.com . he also wrote a book that is getting to be more and more relevant for americans. It was released only a month ago, entitled Shakedown.
This is a good discussion on the thread here. Very interesting reading everyone's input.