Distal:
anatomy
(of a muscle, bone, limb, etc) situated farthest from the centre, median line, or point of attachment or origin [Collins Dictionary]
Noted in “ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK v. ANDREW M. CUOMO, GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK: ON APPLICATION FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF,” SCOTUS:
At the same time, the Governor has chosen to impose no capacity restrictions on certain businesses he considers “essential.” And it turns out the businesses the Governor considers essential include hardware stores, acupuncturists, and liquor stores. Bicycle repair shops, certain signage companies, accountants, lawyers, and insurance agents are all essential too. So, at least according to the Governor, it may be unsafe to go to church, but it is always fine to pick up another bottle of wine, shop for a new bike, or spend the afternoon exploring your distal points and meridians. Who knew public health would so perfectly align with secular convenience?
Certain to be discussed in law classrooms of the future as a prime example of drawing false, even ignorant, equivalencies, and the damage that can inflict on society.
I also must say that it betrays how well Justice Gorsuch has taken up the general right-wing teaching of victimhood. A little sad that he’s unable, in this instance, to step outside of that box and evaluate the scenario without reference to the emotional teachings he received as a child and young adult.
