Rank the three branches of government by your level of respect

[finnbow]

List the branches of government for which you have the highest respect, in descending order and a add a sentence or two to illustrate your choice.

For me, it's:

Judiciary
Executive
Legislative

My disdain for the legislative branch is for several reasons. They're only interested in the next election; vote in partisan lockstep (for the most part); hold silly, pose-for-the-camera hearings; pass poorly written law; and blame the Executive Branch for the unforeseen consequences of their own folly. A despicable lot.

As for the Judicial Branch, I think they at least try, for the most part, to get it right within the limits of their own ideology/knowledge and arcane constitutional wording.

[Charles]

Well, at least you're not reduced to taking bribes to make it to the SC.

And once you get done kissing asses, you can pretty much do as you see fit.

Chas

[simi]

my list starts at -1 and goes down from there.

They're all screwing us.

[noonereal]

1) Executive---------------------------I feel that past history shows that when someone is elected to lead the country he generally rises above party and puts country first.

2) a very distant second, Legislative---The system is broken.

3) Judiciary----------------------------A sham. The idea was to appoint people who would not be swayed by politics, it did not work.

[noonereal]

Originally Posted by finnbow

As for the Judicial Branch, I think they at least try, for the most part, to get it right within the limits of their own ideology/knowledge and arcane constitutional wording.

What recent votes did not go down party lines?

[bhunter]

That's easy;

Judicial
Executive
Legislative

The court at least attempts to stay within the bounds of the historic law. I think overall they are far more restrained in their reaching for change.

The executive varies depending upon who is in office. The current occupant I disdain.

The legislative is hindered by its own structure. Everyone's wants and needs are in tension with everyone elses, thus, fighting and deal making both within the legislative body and with concerns outside the body. This is not a party problem, but a systemic problem of the legislature. Out of this tension, democracy and the general will of the people is ideally put forth. Ironically, here I find far less democratic potential than what occurs in the free market where a broad range of choices exists.

Damn, I'm falling in love with the music of Keiko Matsui. She's here on the 21st, but sold out and I have no tickets.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by noonereal

What recent votes did not go down party lines?

You do have a point.

Chas

[merrylander]

Do I have to?

Executive with the other two vying for third place.

[piece-itpete]

Nooner, we agree

Problem is what can you do? Our Favorite Jefferson saw the problem from day one. There's just no way to stay free without an incredibly suspicious (and occasionally hostile) electorate.

Pete

[merrylander]

Funny, I thought he said a 'well informed' electorate which was why he believed in a free press. But then he also said that if the press was your only source of information you were ill informed. Go figure.

Speaking of the press lots of interesting new stats in the latest Time.