Blue Mass Group

Reality-based commentary on politics.

  • Shop
  • Subscribe to BMG
  • Contact
  • Log In
  • Front Page
  • All Posts
  • About
  • Rules
  • Events
  • Register on BMG

A few more quick hits

March 11, 2008 By David

  • The Supreme Judicial Court today rejected the efforts of those who wanted to force the health care amendment onto the ballot despite the legislature’s refusal to vote on it (thereby killing it).  The Court acknowledged that the legislature had a constitutional duty to vote on the amendment — a duty which they failed to observe — but that the courts lack the power to force the question onto the ballot:

    The only remedy provided in the Constitution for the failure of a joint session to act on an initiative amendment lies in the hands of the Governor. Of course, a further remedy lies with the voters at the next election when they decide who will represent them “agreeably, to the rules and regulations of the constitution, and the laws of this Commonwealth.” The relief sought by the plaintiffs, however, would address the violation of a constitutional duty (the duty to vote) by one branch of government, by means of an order of the court that both supplants the remedy specifically provided for in the Constitution and directs that another constitutional requirement be disregarded. This cannot be done consistently with the doctrine of separation of powers embodied in art. 30 of the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights.

  • Among the ongoing significant changes at the Globe, one that was announced today stands out: business columnist Steve Bailey is leaving by April 1.  I haven’t always loved Bailey’s work, but there’s no doubt that he’s a major presence on the Boston business scene, and he’ll be missed.
  • I still can’t get over this Spitzer business.  Really, what an idiot.
Please share widely!
fb-share-icon
Tweet
0
0

Filed Under: User Tagged With: health-care, ma, media, spitzer

Comments

  1. bfk says

    March 11, 2008 at 7:59 am

    You mention the SJC’s ruling, but you don’t take a position on it, David.  Not so long ago you were encouraging the GC to refuse to perform their Constitutional duty.  Do you still feel the same way, that the end would have justified the Unconstitutional means?

    • david says

      March 11, 2008 at 10:22 am

      is such a wild distortion of my position on the whole “process” issue that it’s really not worth my time to respond to it.

      • bfk says

        March 11, 2008 at 3:43 pm

        What distortion?  Laurel was advocating for what the SJC said today was Unconstitutional.  You responded by saying “I’m with you.”  Am I misreading something?

  2. trickle-up says

    March 11, 2008 at 12:30 pm

    The only remedy provided in the Constitution for the failure of a joint session to act on an initiative amendment lies in the hands of the Governor.

    <

    p>Does that just refer to the Governor’s power to call the legislature back? Isn’t it too late for that?

    <

    p>I thought I understood this.

  3. mcrd says

    March 11, 2008 at 12:38 pm

    Am I to understand that there are those that are are now decrying that expedient policy? Which way do you want it?  
    Just the way that it suits you?

    • laurel says

      March 11, 2008 at 1:07 pm

      look no farther than voteonmarriage.org, who were noisily indignant that the legislature didn’t vote on the anti-marriage amendment.  it was all about legislators upholding their solumn duty to the constitution, they said.  and yet,VOM was largely silent on the subject of the legislature failing to also vote on the health care amendment.   apparently VOM figured that the legislature’s duty to the constitution stopped at the edge of VOM’s interest.  further, VOM never explained why they didn’t care about an amendment that would help get people insured.  kinda makes you wonder where their priorities are, doesn’t it?  it’s orgs like VOM that give christianity a bad name.

      • centralmassdad says

        March 11, 2008 at 5:05 pm

        of having it both ways on this issue, on both (all?) sides.

Recommended Posts

  • No posts liked yet.

Recent User Posts

Predictions Open Thread

December 22, 2022 By jconway

This is why I love Joe Biden

December 21, 2022 By fredrichlariccia

Garland’s Word

December 19, 2022 By terrymcginty

Some Parting Thoughts

December 19, 2022 By jconway

Beware the latest grift

December 16, 2022 By fredrichlariccia

Thank you, Blue Mass Group!

December 15, 2022 By methuenprogressive

Recent Comments

  • blueeyes on Beware the latest griftSo where to, then??
  • Christopher on Some Parting ThoughtsI've enjoyed our discussions as well (but we have yet to…
  • Christopher on Beware the latest griftI can't imagine anyone of our ilk not already on Twitter…
  • blueeyes on Beware the latest griftI will miss this site. Where are people going? Twitter?…
  • chrismatth on A valedictoryI joined BMG late - 13 years ago next month and three da…
  • SomervilleTom on Geopolitics of FusionEVERY un-designed, un-built, and un-tested technology is…
  • Charley on the MTA on A valedictoryThat’s a great idea, and I’ll be there on Sunday. It’s a…

Archive

@bluemassgroup on Twitter

Twitter feed is not available at the moment.

From our sponsors




Google Calendar







Search

Archives

  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter




Copyright © 2025 Owned and operated by BMG Media Empire LLC. Read the terms of use. Some rights reserved.