A major voting rights ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court produced dramatically different responses from South Carolina’s two major political parties.
The leader of the S.C. Republican Party (SCGOP) praised the ruling – which effectively eliminated civil rights-era “pre-clearance” requirements for certain states (including South Carolina) – while his Democratic counterpart referred to the ruling as “deeply disappointing.”
“Today’s Voting Rights Act ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court means it’s a new day in the South and a further opportunity for self-governance and freedom,” SCGOP chairman Matt Moore wrote on his Facebook page. “Great news for South Carolina!”
Meanwhile S.C. Democratic Party (SCDP) chairman Jamie Harrison sought to couch the ruling as an effort to “erode” the right of minorities to vote.
“The right to vote is the sacred right of all Americans, the cornerstone of our democracy, and we must not forget how hard many Americans fought – African-Americans and women in particular – to secure that right. The Democratic Party will continue to oppose legislative and political efforts that erode the right to vote and will actively support efforts to protect and expand voting rights in South Carolina and across the country.”
Really? What about when a group of mostly black leaders disenfranchise white voters so they can pass a $1.2 billion tax hike? Cause that just happened in South Carolina, and Democrats … including U.S. President Barack Obama … are doing nothing about it.
Anyway, to read our take on the court’s ruling, click here …
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40 comments
Apparently the majority in this case are “Tenthers” who believe that the rights of states are superior to the rights of individual citizens under the 15th Amendment. Section 2 of the 15th Amendment states that “[t]he Congress shall have power to enforce [the 15th Amendment’s prohibition of racial discrimination in voting] by appropriate legislation.
“I guess in this decision “appropriate” needs to be “perfect” or “precise” according to the standards of five justices.”
Since these five justices represent a majority of the Supreme Court, they get to set standard to what ever lever of precision or perfection they require.
But before conservatives toast themselves or progressive drown their sorrows, all would do go to remember that the USSC, has over its 230+years of history; made a decision, then reversed the first the decision, then reversed the reverse and proceed with the orginal decision with an assortment of judical changes.
I’m not a fan of making predictions, but I won’t be surprised to see the VRA reinstated but with application in all states and not just a handful. If that happens, it could critically re-align both the democrat and republican parties.
Yep. One error though. I won’t realign the power of the Demlicans and the Repuklicrats. It will solidify it from any further access by third parties.
Nah, just current
Apparently the majority in this case are “Tenthers” who believe that the rights of states are superior to the rights of individual citizens under the 15th Amendment. Section 2 of the 15th Amendment states that “[t]he Congress shall have power to enforce [the 15th Amendment’s prohibition of racial discrimination in voting] by appropriate legislation.
I guess in this decision “appropriate” needs to be “perfect” or “precise” according to the standards of five justices.
“I guess in this decision “appropriate” needs to be “perfect” or “precise” according to the standards of five justices.”
Since these five justices represent a majority of the Supreme Court, they get to set standard to what ever lever of precision or perfection they require.
But before conservatives toast themselves or progressive drown their sorrows, all would do go to remember that the USSC, has over its 230+years of history; made a decision, then reversed the first the decision, then reversed the reverse and proceed with the orginal decision with an assortment of judical changes.
I’m not a fan of making predictions, but I won’t be surprised to see the VRA reinstated but with application in all states and not just a handful. If that happens, it could critically re-align both the democrat and republican parties.
Yep. One error though. I won’t realign the power of the Demlicans and the Repuklicrats. It will solidify it from any further access by third parties.
Nah, just current
What is old Matt going to do if the GOP decides that it wants to be bipartisan like it was in 2006 – 7 short years ago – when it voted overwhelmingly to reauthorize VRA and George Bush proudly signed the bill with civil rights leaders?
This is going to be a good test of GOP outreach to minorities. The VRA needs to be expanded, not contracted.
2 months. And it’s not an outreach, it’s cake.
What is old Matt going to do if the GOP decides that it wants to be bipartisan like it was in 2006 – 7 short years ago – when it voted overwhelmingly to reauthorize VRA and George Bush proudly signed the bill with civil rights leaders?
This is going to be a good test of GOP outreach to minorities. The VRA needs to be expanded, not contracted.
2 months. And it’s not an outreach, it’s cake.
Fits writes on this SCOTUS opinion and foregoes the opportunity to bash Toal for being reversed in another released today? Frankly, I’m floored.
Fits writes on this SCOTUS opinion and foregoes the opportunity to bash Toal for being reversed in another released today? Frankly, I’m floored.
Someone needs to stop minorities or anyone else from voting 6 times in one election,dont you think!
Nah,I think they should!
Tell us all about this Republican!
Sarcasm is really not your strong point, Hmm?
Crap, I gotta quit working so much. I first read
‘Someone needs to stop minorities from getting drunk 6 times before the election, dont you think!’
Someone needs to stop minorities or anyone else from voting 6 times in one election,dont you think!
Nah,I think they should!
Tell us all about this Republican!
Sarcasm is really not your strong point, Hmm?
Crap, I gotta quit working so much. I first read
‘Someone needs to stop minorities from getting drunk 6 times before the election, dont you think!’
“FREE AT LAST! FREE AT LAST! GREAT GOD ALMIGHTY WE’RE FREE AT LAST!”
What are you free to do?
Indeed!
“FREE AT LAST! FREE AT LAST! GREAT GOD ALMIGHTY WE’RE FREE AT LAST!”
What are you free to do?
Indeed!
The next district drawing is in 2020. There is going to be a mess with newly minted Hispanics and African-Americans and Non-Hispanics fighting over district representation without federal clearance. Yowzer
I, for one, will be stocking up on beer and popcorn.
The next district drawing is in 2020. There is going to be a mess with newly minted Hispanics and African-Americans and Non-Hispanics fighting over district representation without federal clearance. Yowzer
I, for one, will be stocking up on beer and popcorn.
… we must not forget how hard many Americans fought – African-Americans and women in particular …..
Brings to mind the old Joseph Sobran faux New York Times headline :
“New York Destroyed by Earthquake; Women and Minorities Hit Hardest.”.
… we must not forget how hard many Americans fought – African-Americans and women in particular …..
Brings to mind the old Joseph Sobran faux New York Times headline :
“New York Destroyed by Earthquake; Women and Minorities Hit Hardest.”.
One has to wonder what Jim Clyburn is thinking right now. This USSC ruling has removed the judicial protection that allowed the 6th district to exsist as a majority minority district for over 20 years. If Jim truly plans to try and pass this district to his daughter, Mignon, then the clock is ticking on his retirement and her run for the seat. The question now becomes when and not if he will retire. But whatever the case 2020 could be the end of the Clyburn era.
The word gerrymander and the practice of gerrymandering is far older than the Voting Rights Act. Gerrymandering is the process of setting up congressional districts to benefit one party. All the voting rights act did was force the parties in power to give some representation to minorities. Before that act districts in the South were gerrymandered to minimize and hopefully eliminate the influence of former slaves on the elections.
By killing the Voting Rights Act Republicans will now be free to resume their voter suppression efforts, and rearrange the districts to benefit their party without interference from the federal government. Republicans all over the nation are cheering this ruling for that reason. Not because they believe racism has been defeated. Not because they think the districts will no longer take race into consideration when setting boundaries. They are excited because now Southern Republicans, and not a federal judge, will get to decide the racial make up of each district. The fact the Republican Party is so excited by this prospect, is all the evidence I need that the protections afforded minorities by the Voting Rights Act are as necessary today as they ever were.
One has to wonder what Jim Clyburn is thinking right now. This USSC ruling has removed the judicial protection that allowed the 6th district to exsist as a majority minority district for over 20 years. If Jim truly plans to try and pass this district to his daughter, Mignon, then the clock is ticking on his retirement and her run for the seat. The question now becomes when and not if he will retire. But whatever the case 2020 could be the end of the Clyburn era.
The word gerrymander and the practice of gerrymandering is far older than the Voting Rights Act. Gerrymandering is the process of setting up congressional districts to benefit one party. All the voting rights act did was force the parties in power to give some representation to minorities. Before that act districts in the South were gerrymandered to minimize and hopefully eliminate the influence of former slaves on the elections.
By killing the Voting Rights Act Republicans will now be free to resume their voter suppression efforts, and rearrange the districts to benefit their party without interference from the federal government. Republicans all over the nation are cheering this ruling for that reason. Not because they believe racism has been defeated. Not because they think the districts will no longer take race into consideration when setting boundaries. They are excited because now Southern Republicans, and not a federal judge, will get to decide the racial make up of each district. The fact the Republican Party is so excited by this prospect, is all the evidence I need that the protections afforded minorities by the Voting Rights Act are as necessary today as they ever were.
OK – I looked at the stats from every polling station in Richland County – I am neutral since I live in another county. But to say that the CF in the last race only hurt voters that would have voted against the increase is simply WRONG. I compared the votes in this past race to the votes in the previous election for the same tax increase – there would have simply NOT been enough voters in the polling places where the voters disapproved the initiative previously to override the vote this past fall.
Unfortunately, until we get REAL TERM limits and get real representation, more and more of this is going to happen – I drove down through lovely (and I write that word while I am laughing) Main St (Rt #1) in Lexington this morning and I marvelled at all of the monies that the elected officials have poured into putting new sidewalks in place, having pretty flowers planted along the roadside, etc. – all in an effort to “revive” Main St. Traffic sucks and they are spending monies on further slowing down traffic. When will the politicians in Columbia and po-dunk Lexington realize that Main Street is DEAD (DOA!!!) – they and their lucky taxpayers/voters are pouring money down a toilet and it will not come back. All in an effort to pay for making the areas in front of their few work places look nice.
But we as taxpayers continues to vote for these DAs. I actually loathe Lexington County and their crony elected officials – it is good ole boy/girl all of the way. But voters continue to elect the same hicks.
OK – I looked at the stats from every polling station in Richland County – I am neutral since I live in another county. But to say that the CF in the last race only hurt voters that would have voted against the increase is simply WRONG. I compared the votes in this past race to the votes in the previous election for the same tax increase – there would have simply NOT been enough voters in the polling places where the voters disapproved the initiative previously to override the vote this past fall.
Unfortunately, until we get REAL TERM limits and get real representation, more and more of this is going to happen – I drove down through lovely (and I write that word while I am laughing) Main St (Rt #1) in Lexington this morning and I marvelled at all of the monies that the elected officials have poured into putting new sidewalks in place, having pretty flowers planted along the roadside, etc. – all in an effort to “revive” Main St. Traffic sucks and they are spending monies on further slowing down traffic. When will the politicians in Columbia and po-dunk Lexington realize that Main Street is DEAD (DOA!!!) – they and their lucky taxpayers/voters are pouring money down a toilet and it will not come back. All in an effort to pay for making the areas in front of their few work places look nice.
But we as taxpayers continues to vote for these DAs. I actually loathe Lexington County and their crony elected officials – it is good ole boy/girl all of the way. But voters continue to elect the same hicks.