So the forgotten branch of government briefly dances into our view.
In some cases, they dance into the direction that we were headed anyway. The great cultural shift on attitude towards gays continues, as barriers to progress are cautiously removed. Gay couples who are married in states that recognize such marriages can now enjoy complete civil equality with straight couples. And that is the way it should be.
Some states will move on this more slowly than others. The deep South will take the longest time. My gay friends in the state of Georgia here shouldn't be holding their breath waiting for a progressive change in the law. Florida may be a different story.
In another vitally important case, the Supreme Court moved us violently backwards in time. Gutting the Voting Rights Act was a horrible mistake. Racism and voter suppression are not fading in this country, but rather increasing. Republicans use it as official strategy in many places, with voter ID laws and restriction of early voting and other tactics designed to suppress the vote on the rise. There is a serious debate in the Republican Party as to whether to appeal to non-white voters, or just to double-down on their base and play up to white resentment and fears. Guess which point of view is winning right now? And for that side to have a chance, they must be as aggressive as possible in suppressing the vote.
In other cases, it is clear that Supreme constantly sides with big corporations and the wealthy over the little guy, That is the least discussed and most important effect of the Supreme Court. Take a look at Citizens United and it's devastating effects.
So are we safe with this Supreme Court? Although I am grateful for the decisions effecting gay marriage and the Affordable Health Care Act, overall I would say no. We are drifting away from democracy as we empower the corporations and wealthy as we strip and suppress the poor, minorities and the disadvantaged.
From The Safety Dance:
We can dance if we want to
We can leave your friends behind
'Cause your friends don't dance and if they don't dance
Well they're no friends of mine
source: http://www.lyricsondemand.com/
Let's hope over time that we can restore a Supreme that will join the Safety Dance with us, and we can safely and happily restore our great democracy.
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