Separation of Powers

Act 1

CJ: First off, I wouldn't characterize this as a crisis or a breakdown. While we're at it, here are some other things it's not: a showdown, a stalemate, a stand-off, or a textbook example of partisan gridlock.

Things = terms that wouldn't do much to inspire confidence in the government


Act 1

Josh: Donna? Do we have any of those pills left from that Naval doctor?

Donna: Admiral Feelgood?

Josh: The cold and sinus stuff?

Donna: The ones that made you sing all of "Bye Bye Miss American Pie"?

Josh: It was Harry Chapin. Those big blue things.

Things = pills


Act 1

Donna: Bartram from the Times called.

Josh: About what?

Donna: Budget stalemate.

Josh: I don't know anything.

Donna: That's what I told him. [pause] I mean, not exactly. I said you're busy with, you know, things, and can't do press calls.

Things = scaled-back duties


Act 1

Toby: It's time to get Ashland off the bench, Leo.

Will: There's this thing called the Constitution. It's a nagging little document, I'll grant you, but...

Thing = important piece of paper
Act 2

Angela: We can still get tax-deductible tuition. We can get a lot of things. You got to get them to give it, that's all.

Things = concessions from the Republicans in the budget negotiations


Act 2

Joe Quincy: Every year he likes to hire a conservative clerk to argue with, and arguing with him helped me clarify the things I believe in. And one of those things is an independent court above party or interest.

Things = positions/approaches to government
Act 2

Joe Quincy: Maybe we could all do it better. But there is such a thing called judicial independence. A lifetime appointment. He's still alive, so he gets to decide when it's time!

Thing = basic component of our country's legal system
Act 3

Margaret: The...President's Osaka remarks on opening Japan's microchip market and complaining about autos and flat glass.

Josh: Flat glass...excellent!

Margaret: [confused stare]

Josh: It's a new thing I'm doing. Kind of positive attitude thing.

Thing = behavior
Posted by Philateley at November 12, 2003 10:21 PM