Parents and lawmakers speak out against Obama's speech to students

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by KSigkid

Just FYI, you went up about 10000 points in coolness in my book. You have achieved two of my professional dreams (membership in the SCOTUS bar and having cases before the Court).

- KSigKid
SCOTUS junkie

I'll sponsor you when you your time comes.

Originally Posted by UGAalum94

I know. Wow. MysticCat, did you actually argue them there?

Fortunately, no. I say fortunately because in every case I've had there except two, I represented the winning party in the court below. My briefs were to convince the Court it didn't want to hear the case -- I wanted to keep my win -- and they agreed. In some ways, that's not that impressive -- they hear few cases. But in at least one, I was pretty proud that they said "no" -- there was a fair amount of speculation that they would take it. In one other case, we asked them to reverse and remand for reconsideration without argument, which they did. In the one case where I was on the losing side below, they accepted our petition for cert, but my collegue actually argued at oral argument. (We lost.)

All of this is why I said I had "had cases" at the Court, not "argued," since that to many people implies oral arguments. But I have filed quite a few briefs, so I've argued in that sense. I've been there quite a few times and met a few of the justices.

Originally Posted by DrPhil

It's just one of those days when I know what I mean but can't clearly and concisely communicate it to others.

I have those days too.

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

I'll sponsor you when you your time comes.

Fortunately, no. I say fortunately because in every case I've had there except two, I represented the winning party in the court below. My briefs were to convince the Court it didn't want to hear the case -- I wanted to keep my win -- and they agreed. In some ways, that's not that impressive -- they hear few cases. But in at least one, I was pretty proud that they said "no" -- there was a fair amount of speculation that they would take it. In one other case, we asked them to reverse and remand for reconsideration without argument, which they did. In the one case where I was on the losing side below, they accepted our petition for cert, but my collegue actually argued at oral argument. (We lost.)

All of this is why I said I had "had cases" at the Court, not "argued," since that to many people implies oral arguments. But I have filed quite a few briefs, so I've argued in that sense. I've been there quite a few times and met a few of the justices.

Haha...you should watch out, I'll hit you up as one of my sponsors.

And...you're being far too modest. In the grand scheme of things, there aren't that many attorneys that get to brief the Supreme Court, and even fewer that get the Court to take their side (even if it's on a denial of cert). I think that's very cool, and it's a level to which many potential attorneys (including myself) aspire. Heck, I'm just excited that I've gotten to help draft a couple of appellate briefs in my time at law school. As someone who hopes to be an appellate advocate in their career, I'm seriously impressed.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by KSigkid

As someone who hopes to be an appellate advocate in their career, I'm seriously impressed.

Without a doubt, appellate advocacy is my favorite part of practicing law by a mile.

Good luck! You'll get there!

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

I have those days too.

"Why am I not making sense?! I give up!!"

Originally Posted by KSigkid

I'm sorry, but anytime anyone uses the "let's just stop the disagreements" line, or something similar, it sounds exactly like "just agree with me now, whether you want to or not, it will be a whole lot easier."

Is that in reference to Obama's Congressional pep talk: "the time for bickering is over! The time for games has passed! Now is the season for action...bring the best of our parties...show the American people what we can do!"

It's like the pep talk to kids! "Stay in school...it's easier...don't back talk me!!" Socialism, I tell ya! (kidding)

[SWTXBelle]

I addressed the school speech in my column (I was pro-speech, anti-stupidity). I did notice on the paper's website that I had 35 comments (but I don't read 'em - they are anonymous, and my e-mail is printed with every column, so I figure if they aren't willing to man up and stand behind their statements I should just save myself the grief.), which is far more than I ever have - I guess the good news is someone is still reading 'em!

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Is that in reference to Obama's Congressional pep talk: "the time for bickering is over! The time for games has passed! Now is the season for action...bring the best of our parties...show the American people what we can do!"

Exactly...if someone truly felt that way, then why don't they give up their side of the argument? One of the easiest ways to stop the bickering would be just to drop the whole health care reform all together, or to concede more on his side.

Of course, I'm one of those that believes the "bickering" is a good thing...checks and balances and all that good stuff.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by KSigkid

Of course, I'm one of those that believes the "bickering" is a good thing...checks and balances and all that good stuff.

Ditto.

The ignorance and anger that come with the bickering are just par for the course.