POLITICAL STUFF UPDATE DEPT:
Remember when President Obama specifically criticized a Supreme Court decision during his State of the Union speech, with members of the Court sitting right in front of him? One of the justices got in trouble for shaking his head at the President's remarks; but as Chief Justice Roberts said today, maybe it's Mr. Obama who should have received the criticism:
"To the extent the State of the Union has degenerated into a political pep rally, I'm not sure why we're there," said Roberts, a Republican nominee who joined the court in 2005. Roberts said anyone is free to criticize the court and that some have an obligation to do so because of their positions. "So I have no problems with that," he said. "On the other hand, there is the issue of the setting, the circumstances and the decorum. The image of having the members of one branch of government standing up, literally surrounding the Supreme Court, cheering and hollering while the court — according the requirements of protocol — has to sit there expressionless, I think is very troubling."
Bingo. Any President can criticize any Court decision he wishes. But there's a time and a place to do so and, as Justice Roberts noted, a State of the Union speech where partisan points are being made is not the place.
On the health care reform front, there were 3 polls which came out yesterday concerning Obama and the Democrats' health care plan. All 3 indicated that at least a plurality of Americans, if not a majority, still opposed the plan. But while Rasmussen had it 42% in favor while 53% oppose, both AP and Gallup had it much tighter--AP at 41% favoring, 43% opposed, while Gallup had it at 45% yes, 48% no.
Does this mean the President's public relations offensives on health care are bearing fruit? Maybe. But...look at it this way. None of those polls had public support for the plan above 45%. None of them. All this discussion of it, and all of Obama's speeches pushing it...and he still can't get outright support for these proposals above 45%.
No wonder many Democrats continue to run away from them.
NBA DIARY:
Let's remember, folks...the Dallas Mavericks have now won 12 games in a row, including a win two nights ago over Minnesota. The key for the Mavs has been that they've contributions for literally everybody; two nights ago it was Shawn Marion throwing in 29 points, his highest total of the season. Before that role player Roddy Beaubois averaged 21 points a game over 3 contests. They've played better defense, and literally everyone is contributing. It's been an amazing run, one made despite injuries to key players Jason Terry, Eric Dampier, Brendan Haywood...the list goes on.
Could this team be approaching the level of a real threat to the Lakers? Can't say that yet. Only time will tell.
