[Guest post by DRJ]

AboveTheLaw reprints a not-to-be-missed fond farewell from a staff/office clerk at the Reed Smith law firm – apparently in the San Francisco office – to his/her fellow employees.

It begins “My fellow Americans” and continues by describing how the author will be attending American University’s School of International Service in Washington, D.C., “pursuing a combined Master’s Degree in Int’l Politics and Int’l Peace and Conflict Resolution with concentrations in Int’l Security and Human Rights. In addition, I will also be working towards a Professional Certificate in Peacebuilding.”

Then, in the “distant future” when the author has solved all America’s foreign policy problems, s/he will then:

“… return my attention towards our domestic issues like health care and education. The interests of the American people will become my top priority and someday, I will be looking out for all of you.”

I guess we don’t need President Obama now that we have this former Reed Smith clerk looking out for us.

— DRJ

[post by Justin Levine]

Two interesting rulings today from the Supreme Court of California involving questions of when prosecutors may or may not need to recuse themselves when they are involved in film and book projects related to the cases they are trying.

Hollywood v. Superior Court [PDF] (An ironic title for the case, given its subject matter – involving a film that I thought was very solid.)

Haraguchi v. Superior Court [PDF] (concerning this book.)

[Justin Levine]

[Guest post by DRJ]

The LA Times’ blog Top of the Ticket reports that Ron Paul and his supporters are quietly planning a revolution for the Republican convention in St. Paul, MN:

“Virtually all the nation’s political attention in recent weeks has focused on the compelling state-by-state presidential nomination struggle between two Democrats and the potential for party-splitting strife over there.

But in the meantime, quietly, largely under the radar of most people, the forces of Rep. Ron Paul have been organizing across the country to stage an embarrassing public revolt against Sen. John McCain when Republicans gather for their national convention in Minnesota at the beginning of September.”

Hillary Clinton claims that pledged delegates can change their votes but apparently Ron Paul and his followers are having more success than Hillary in subverting or substituting delegates. In late April, reports surfaced that Paul’s minions were taking over county groups in Missouri and Nevada in an effort to substitute Paul delegates for McCain’s.

After each report at the Top of the Ticket, loyal Ron Paul followers appear in the comments sections to proclaim their allegiance. One comment claims Paul will field 600 delegates at the GOP convention, which would be quite a feat since he’s currently listed with 19 pledged delegates. Another comment unwittingly channels New Yorker movie critic Pauline Kael:

“I’m so sick of hearing that Ron Paul got 8-10% in primaries! Am I the only one who knows that the selections in this country are TOTALLY compromised!!!! Ron Paul is the ONLY candidate I see signs for, bumpers stickers for, have volunteers knock on my door for. He has my vote even if I have to write him in come Nov. If ya’ll don’t want to die on your knees with your family’s heads blown off before your eyes, I suggest you do the same!!!!!!!!!!!!”

But my favorite is the commenter who notes it’s no coincidence the GOP convention is being held in ST. PAUL, MN.

Maybe there will be fireworks at the Republican Convention after all.

UPDATE: I should also mention that former Georgia congressman Bob Barr announced today he is running for President as a Libertarian.

— DRJ