Recusal Refusal: Latest on the ObamaCare case

Justices Thomas and Kagan refused to recuse themselves (sit out) the ObamaCare case.

No net change as Thomas will vote almost certainly vote against it, Kagan (appointed by Obama) will almost certainly vote for it. Obama sought "empathetic" Justices for the Supreme Court. How could any sincerely "empathetic" Justice vote against expanding the welfare state? They will cancel each other out. As usual, J. Kennedy will be the swing vote in what is very likely to be a 5-4 decision.

Fullerton CA officer charged with 2nd degree murder

A Fullerton, CA police officer was recently charged with second-degree murder. The officer's own recording device reports that he said "See my fists? They are going to f___ you up." This occurred shortly before the victim was beaten (incl. stun gun) to death. Some agencies are now requiring that officers' record (audio and/ or video) all encounters with citizens. For some of these agencies this has replaced in the in-car video cameras. Sounds like a good policy. It will help clear or convict officers without the usual swearing contests that are often difficult to decide.