Tomorrow at the Supreme Court; John McCain in Iraq

Tomorrow, March 18, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in District of Columbia v. Heller, the DC guns case. There's a lot to write about here, but instead of offering my own analysis, I thought I'd throw out a few resources and kick things down to the comment thread.

First, there's been some dissention in the Republican ranks regarding Solicitor General Paul Clement's handling and argument in the case so far. The reason is that he's strayed from the Administration line on the reasons that the DC gun law might be unconstitutional. Seems that the Administration wants to jump straight from the idea that there is an inviolate right to guns, and the Solicitor General has taken a more circuitous route, arguing that the DC gun law is unconstitutional on other grounds and that the per se unconstitutionality of gun laws plainly ignores the history of the Second Amendment.

Second, there will be a 75 minute tomorrow. The New York Times tends to put up audio arguments soon after the arguments conclude. SCOTUS Blog will provide thorough analysis, good for both the casual reader and those who want a starting point for a more substantial inquiry. Also be sure to check out Above the Law, the legal tabloid. I find it annoying, but its fun to watch the "big law" types try and show off, which usually fails. But, ATL is usually good for a laugh as it doesn't take itself all that seriously. It also links to a number of other law blogs of note. And last, but not least, the Supreme Court itself will be making transcripts available soon after the arguments for those of you (like me) that don't have speakers on your work computer.

Now, on to some other things.

Republican presidential nominee John McCain made a stop in Iraq as part of Congressional tour, but, let's face it, this was more of a picture opportunity and campaign stop than anything (even included a fundraising dinner in London). So, there went McCain, confidently striding through Iraq in a flak jacket, getting his picture taken. Meanwhile, the Iraqis weren't exactly lining up to get McCain's autograph.

Another Samarra shop owner, 52-year-old Hamid Saleh, said he wanted the Republicans to lose the election. “All I want is someone who works to fix my country, and not destroy it,” he said.

Well said, Hamid, well said.