The Federal Elections Commission yesterday put out an advisory that it plans to change its rules, allowing donations from same-sex couple to be treated just like donations for any couple.
In explaining this change in position, Chairwoman Ellen Weintraub noted recent Supreme Court rulings and her desire to see DOMA struck down, reported saying, "Sometimes the law's an ass." I would like to point out, in case any in the public get up in arms over her comment -- or even if they find it amusing -- that the literate Ms. Weintraub was, in fact, quoting Charles Dickens. The line comes from Oliver Twist, and specifically out of the mouth of the beadle, Mr. Bumble, when told that he is to be held responsible for the actions of his wife (a far more forceful person of the couple), for in the eye of the law, he is the more guilty of the two, for the law supposes that his wife acts under his direction. "'If the law supposes that,' said Mr. Bumble, squeezing his hat emphatically in both hands, 'the law is a ass- a idiot. If that's the eye of the law, the law is a bachelor; and the worst I wish the law is, that his eye may be opened by experience - by experience.'" I would further like to note, as would be expected on this website, that in the movie musical, Oliver! -- which retained the line -- the role of Mr. Bumble was played by Harry Secombe.
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AuthorRobert J. Elisberg is a political commentator, screenwriter, novelist, tech writer and also some other things that I just tend to keep forgetting. Feedspot Badge of Honor
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