Scalia at the mic
http://audio.wnyc.org/otm/otm120205e.mp3
This is a perfect commentary on Antonin Scalia's absurd insistence on blocking any audio-visual recordings of his public appearances. Antonin Scalia influences the life of every American through his decisions about our laws - how dare he refuse to be recorded when he makes public speeches about the law! For fear of distortions we get no record at all? Is that it, Antonin, only if somebody is willing to read ponderous legal documents can they try to follow the thinking behind one of the most powerful people in our democracy? Especially since you also object to audio-visual equipment during Supreme Court hearings? And for what? To prevent "excerptation." Wow, far be it for somebody to quote you! As if "excerptation" is not kosher by the First Amendment!
Anyway, I don't care if it is true that the First Amendment gives Scalia the right to determine whether he is recorded. It takes a lot of nerve and gall for him to exercise that right, given his position in our society. It is a grave insult to common Americans, at once elitist, mistrustful and condescending in the extreme.
This is a perfect commentary on Antonin Scalia's absurd insistence on blocking any audio-visual recordings of his public appearances. Antonin Scalia influences the life of every American through his decisions about our laws - how dare he refuse to be recorded when he makes public speeches about the law! For fear of distortions we get no record at all? Is that it, Antonin, only if somebody is willing to read ponderous legal documents can they try to follow the thinking behind one of the most powerful people in our democracy? Especially since you also object to audio-visual equipment during Supreme Court hearings? And for what? To prevent "excerptation." Wow, far be it for somebody to quote you! As if "excerptation" is not kosher by the First Amendment!
Anyway, I don't care if it is true that the First Amendment gives Scalia the right to determine whether he is recorded. It takes a lot of nerve and gall for him to exercise that right, given his position in our society. It is a grave insult to common Americans, at once elitist, mistrustful and condescending in the extreme.
posted by Ben at 6:07 PM
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