The "Birther" movement seems to have lost some steam in the last month or so. My initial thought on the sudden surge in the movement was a lot of people unhappy with Obama's election saw it as an attempt to undo the 2008 election results, regardless if they bought into the conspiracy or not. As we quickly approach the one year mark, however, it seems attention has shifted to getting "payback" in the 2010 election instead.

One person, however, remains vigilant in her quest to unseat Obama despite a few setbacks from reality. Orly Taitz, lawyer/dentist/real estate agent, was fined $20,000 this morning for misconduct by Judge Clay Land of the U.S. District Court in the Middle District Of Georgia. Land already dismissed Taitz's frivolous attempts to use the court system to further her political agenda, and Taitz responded the way any rational person would: she accused the judge of treason and incorporated him into her ever-growing conspiracy.

Taitz's claims have been dismissed at nearly every turn (see below), several clients have cut legal ties with her, and her refusal to back down is causing the courts to further the punishment. Taitz has already said she will not pay the fine, meaning the courts will likely put a lien on her property. Another attorney has filed a complaint with the California Bar Association saying Taitz behavior and her comments toward Clay are reason for sanctions and possible disbarment.

It's unlikely Taitz would be disbarred at this point, but if she continues down the path she has been on for nearly a year now, the courts may find themselves with no other option.

But Taitz is pushing on, encouraged by what she considers "a major victory" when U.S. District Court Judge David Carter decided to delay his ruling on whether or not to dismiss a case filed by Taitz on behalf of former Southern Baptist Convention second vice president Wiley Drake. Drake sought the vice presidential seat with Alan Keyes for the American Independent Party presidential nomination in the 2008 election. After a 3-hour hearing on October 5 Carter stated he wanted more time to review arguments on both sides. So for Taitz, not being told to get lost immediately is a victory. And she wonders why some of her clients (including Drake) no longer want to be represented by her.

The constant setbacks for Taitz are likely leading to the slowdown in the "birther"
movement. While most "birthers" are probably content to slap bumper stickers on their car and wallow in their own anger, Taitz is pushing as hard as possible to accomplish her goals, and being slapped down for it. Seeing the queen bee getting punished is likely discouraging the rest of the hive from acting up.

Soon this whole discredited "movement" will likely be a faint memory, but what will happen to Taitz? If she is stripped of her legal powers, will she fade into obscurity or will she continue screaming her messages until they have to throw on a straight jacket and take her away? Or worse yet... will she make an infomercial?