There is a new heated showdown between the Bush administration and the federal courts. An appellate court blocked the administration from transferring dirty-bomb suspect Jose Padilla (in photo) from a military brig to civil custody, so the administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court last week to intervene and allow the immediate transfer, The New York Times reported. What was particularly interesting was that the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which is known for being conservative and friendly to the administration’s actions, was so caustic in opposing the transfer, accusing the administration of trying to manipulate the court system. Bush’s solicitor general is arguing that the 4th Circuit does not have the authority to “disregard a presidential directive.”
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
It’s a sign of the conservative times that during the flap over the e-mails of University of Kansas religion professor Paul Mirecki, so little was said in defense of academic freedom. Instead, legislators’ talk has been of possibly calling hearings over the “hate speech” and docking KU’s funding. As the 2006 session proceeds, it will be interesting to see whether any push to curb liberal bias on Kansas campuses is met by a shove from the other side. Or will Kansas become one of the states in which lawmakers, urged on by commentator David Horowitz, pursue an “Academic Bill of Rights” aimed at officially chilling the expression of liberal views?
Posted by Rhonda Holman
Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., stirred up the 2008 debate a bit with his recent C-SPAN interview, especially his comments that if he decides to run, he will jump in early, and that he wants “to renew the society and renew the culture.” Observers seem to think his chances are best in Iowa, iffy beyond. National Review’s John J. Miller said Brownback needs to court economic conservatives in 2006, suggesting that a “better-than-expected showing in the primaries could catapult him to the top of many vice presidential short lists.” Check out the lively discussion of Brownback’s record and prospects on a Washington Post blog.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
