For the public good.

In a response to a post in someone else's journal*, shannonwest said "Just because Roberts did pro bono work for gay rights that doesn't mean he supports the cause. Don't be fooled by it. I mean, lawyers have to do a certain amount of pro bono work, yes? And do they always get to pick their cases? I don't think so. Anyway, I've known lawyers to do pro bono work on cases where they thought it might help get them publicity, regardless of whether or not they had any interest whatsoever in the outcome of the case (aside from their own win, of course)."

I have seen this sort of sentiment a few other places in left-leaning blogs, sort of an "OMG! He can't have actually done something we approve of?" reaction. (There is another, uglier, reaction wondering if Roberts took on the case because he is in the closet. Because, if you look at it that way, the only reason anyone would support gay rights is if they in fact are gay.)

So let's talk about what all this means. And let's contrast it against those elusive memoranda prepared while he was deputy solicitor general.
( Brian talked me into using a cut tag. Thank him. : ) )

Odds & Ends

About the MRI: I will not need to have surgery. I have a small tear in my posterior cruciate ligament, and have stretched both my PCL and the ligament that runs down the inside of the knee. Basically, I am supposed to "let pain be my guide" in which case I overdid it today. A lot.

After the first couple of days when it knocked me out, the Vicodin is giving me insomnia and making me cranky.

I am reading an interesting book, though: The Biblical Truth About America's Death Penalty. Basically, how the death penalty as applied in America is in violation of Scripture. I'm preparing arguments for my next visit to my in-laws (just kidding).

Oh, and remember how three months ago I had to have my keyboard replaced because the letters were chipping off? They're chipping off again. I've almost lost all of the "N".

(no subject)

Exhcange, just now:

Me (to James): Good morning.
David: Good day.
James: Geshundheit.

(no subject)

Over on Kos, a diarist is referring to anyone who disagrees with him as a Republican troll. I disagree with him. I guess that makes me a Republican troll.

I have cut back on reading Kos. I think it's time to stop reading it all together. This sort of behavior just plays into the right wing's slander of us as being irrational and mean.

(no subject)

I'm sitting here crying. I'm hoping it's the Vicodin that's causing me to feel like a waste of oxygen -- as I understand it, the drug can cause depression.

I feel so useless.

OK. Let's stop wallowing, shall we? Sitting and feeling useless will not in fact make us feel better. So..


Call and leave message about Band Family Luncheon. Check.
Call and find out where to mail the measurement forms. Check.
Write needed email. Check.
Record the school calendar on the wall calendar. Good idea. Check.
Do laundry. NO. Bad idea. Leaning over the machine puts stress on the knee and YOU'RE TRYING TO GET WELL.
Listen to upbeat music. Good idea.
Work on ongoing project. Very good idea.
Download "Zoot Suite Riot." Check.

Time to get to work. Then a nap. Or maybe a nap first. Yep, that's the ticket.

Okay, I want to know...

What was the one question I got *wrong*?

Fact freak There you go! You scored 98%

Yep, you're one of the best. You payed attention in school, watched some good TV shows, read the paper, and you know what you're talking about. If you put your mind to it, you just might score high in other knowledge tests as well! It's amazing how much one can accomplish when paying attention: you score high on a OkCupid test! Congratulations!

My test tracked 1 variable How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 80% on knowledge

Link: The Real General Knowledge Test written by redhagstyx on Ok Cupid