1. An act of extreme stupidity by the U.S. Supreme Court.
2. An attempt to undermine democracy or destroy human rights through judicial fiat.
3. What happens when a bunch of clueless lawyers pretend to be God.
Notable examples include:
-- The recent (2010) decision to allow unlimited corporate and interest group contributions to U.S. political campaigns.
-- The Buck vs. Bell ruling that permitted forced sterilization of the mentall ill. Justice Holmes said at the time: “Three generations of imbeciles are enough.”
-- The Dred Scott case that invalidated restrictions on slavery, while mandating that all African-Americans be treated as "property" in the eyes of the law.
-- Plessy v. Ferguson, which formally legalized segregation, Jim Crow laws and minority disenfranchisement throughout the nation.
2. An attempt to undermine democracy or destroy human rights through judicial fiat.
3. What happens when a bunch of clueless lawyers pretend to be God.
Notable examples include:
-- The recent (2010) decision to allow unlimited corporate and interest group contributions to U.S. political campaigns.
-- The Buck vs. Bell ruling that permitted forced sterilization of the mentall ill. Justice Holmes said at the time: “Three generations of imbeciles are enough.”
-- The Dred Scott case that invalidated restrictions on slavery, while mandating that all African-Americans be treated as "property" in the eyes of the law.
-- Plessy v. Ferguson, which formally legalized segregation, Jim Crow laws and minority disenfranchisement throughout the nation.
The highest court in the land committed another act of Supreme Stupidity in January 2010 when it opened the floodgates to unlimited corporate cash in the election process. Can you say "plutocracy?" Sure you can!
by Peter Kobs February 18, 2010
This acronym stands for "Great Depression #2." It's shorthand for the seemingly imminent collapse of the global economic system starting in late 2008 and continuing into 2009. Some professional economists, as well as ordinary working people, are fearful that the spiralling financial meltdown will lead to a decade-long repeat of the 1930s, complete with bread lines, soup kitchens, radical uprisings and the possibility of global violence. "Happy times are here again!"
by Peter Kobs December 19, 2008
1. A new word that codifies an important feature, concept or practice in the online world.
2. The Web equivalent of a "neologism," a newly coined word that may be in the process of entering common use.
3. A slang term that was invented by -- and for -- Web users without approval from any outside authority.
2. The Web equivalent of a "neologism," a newly coined word that may be in the process of entering common use.
3. A slang term that was invented by -- and for -- Web users without approval from any outside authority.
"Phishing" and "viral marketing" are a great examples of Webisms that eventually entered worldwide parlance.
by Peter Kobs May 17, 2009
Someone who brags excessively; an ostentatious self-promoter.
"Don't you brag, and don't you boast
Grief comes to those who brag the most
Why are you crummy, you're crummy fe true?
Why are you acting like a bag a boo?"
Blues lyrics by Clancy Ecles, Jamaican ska and reggae singer, circa 1962
Grief comes to those who brag the most
Why are you crummy, you're crummy fe true?
Why are you acting like a bag a boo?"
Blues lyrics by Clancy Ecles, Jamaican ska and reggae singer, circa 1962
by Peter Kobs June 17, 2008
1. A term frequently used by politicians when accused of something scandalous. It means: "I did it, but as long as there's no smoking gun I will deny it completely." Most such scandals involve illicit sex, bribery, influence peddling or misuse of public funds.
2. A worn-out public relations phrase that nobody believes anymore. Nixon's famous remark -- "I am not a crook" -- sounds positively Shakespearian in comparison.
2. A worn-out public relations phrase that nobody believes anymore. Nixon's famous remark -- "I am not a crook" -- sounds positively Shakespearian in comparison.
"The accusation is categorically false!," said South Carolina Republican Nikki Haley. She is accused of having an "inappropriate physical relationship" with the governor's former press secretary.
by Peter Kobs May 24, 2010
1. The act of re-employing someone (who was previously laid off) as a temp worker, usually at a lower wage scale.
2. What happens to many people who have lost their permanent jobs following the crash of 2008.
3. Another sign of the harsh economic times in which we live.
2. What happens to many people who have lost their permanent jobs following the crash of 2008.
3. Another sign of the harsh economic times in which we live.
Acme Industries is having a Reployment Fair at the hotel downtown. They'll re-hire you as a temp at about half of what you were earning last year.
by Peter Kobs December 07, 2009
1. The downward transformation of one economic class into another.
2. The gradual descent from relative prosperity to grinding poverty, usually among formerly middle-class families.
2. The gradual descent from relative prosperity to grinding poverty, usually among formerly middle-class families.
by Peter Kobs February 06, 2009