Justice Alito speaks out at national lawyers convention

Justice Samuel A. Alito gave a virtual address to a lawyers convention on Nov. 25th.  

At a little over 30 minutes; I'd recommend the YouTube video to anyone trying to understand why some Americans feel strongly that basic rights enumerated in the Constitution like Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Assembly are being tested these days.   

This is not a dry legal lecture for lawyers.  Rather Justice Alito gives a clear overview of recent actions by the courts, legislators and special interests and how those actions could collectively dilute protections sought by the Framers.  

Example: the uproar over Nevada's COVID restrictions (overturned on appeal) that prohibited religious gatherings of more than 50 people (regardless of precautions taken), while permitting a percentage of capacity as the governing measure of people able to patronize a casino; even if that percentage equates to more than 50 people.

Here's the video....

Avoid shopworn buzz phrases

Business cliches are phrases that lack impact and often convey unintended impressions, or at least a serious lack of imagination. I’ve listed my top five overused business phrases....

1.      “Get the low hanging fruit” – This relic is normally meant to convey the speaker’s opinion on prioritization. Pursuing first whatever he/she advocates; will presumably result in a higher success rate because of fewer barriers. Be wary when you hear it. You may by closer to the orchard than the speaker and your gut may tell you that the fruit actually hangs higher, has already been picked, or already rotted.

2.       “It is….what it is” – Of course. What else could it be? If you wish to say we must accept the current state and move on. 

3.    Here's another classic cliché and one typically used to answer a very simple and honest question like, how are you? I'm referring to the retort, "I'm living the dream". It might have been amusing the first five times....but after that?

4.      “Let’s think outside the box” – This champion of tired metaphors reveals that the speaker using it to animate others is trying to inspire or reward freethinking -- but doesn't know how. 

5.      “Our people are our most valuable asset” – How many mission statements, speeches and ads, include this syrupy old slogan? It invites skepticism. List examples that demonstrate an organization’s commitment to employee well-being, as opposed to spouting a ubiquitous platitude.

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