The thing is, everyone does NOT know that Alito is a right-wing extremist. The purpose of making a fuss about it is to spread awareness. And it’s not just that he has different opinions, but that he flaunts the law, which requires judges not only to be impartial but to look impartial. Impartial doesn’t mean no opinion about legal controversies and what the rules should be — it means you apply the same rules to your friends and to your enemies.
He showed us who he was and people obviously didn't believe him or they liked what they saw. Probably both. Nevertheless, he can't hide it anymore and he needs to be investigated along with Thomas.
Michael, I agree with you on most points here. But it rankles, since I viscerally want a blanket condemnation of all Alito says and does, including breathing in & out.
"Clarence Thomas, on the other hand, is a corrupt motherfucker who needs to be tossed out on his ass" calmed me down. That was the eloquence I was seeking. Not proud of it, but sticking to it.
I couldn't agree more with your words about being better, and doing better - despite the fact that when God passed out patience, I couldn’t wait.
Couldn't read past the second paragraph. You said "impartiality" when you meant "partiality." It completely reversed what you meant to say. Also in a previous essay, you referred to Johann Sebastian Bach as "Back." Fix these simple typos, kiddo. It's super easy. Just have someone else — anyone — read your stuff before you post. Don't make readers struggle to figure out what you mean.
Aileen, I get it, we all do. The current situation is demoralizing and frightening. Yet, It’s great that you’re voting and donating!! The one other thing I do that keeps me upbeat and feeling I’m contributing to our democracy is I volunteer at phonebanking for Democratic candidates. I started when Obama ran but once DT got into the WH I joined a group that makes calls to voters every week and I’m still at it. I promise you, it makes a difference! Check out mobilize.com for events near you. Or you can write postcards to voters. The most effective campaigns are canvassing neighborhoods. But if you live in a solid blue state, maybe not necessary. If you have questions or want more info. Let me know. I’m happy to help.
There are only 9 employees in the Supreme Court institution that don’t have to follow their own rules against public partisan displays. And yet those 9 employees are the only ones who define the law of the land, and who consider themselves unaccountable not only in their legal decisions but also in their moral and ethical behaviours. The issue isn’t whether everyone knew Alito was partisan. The issue is challenging their defense of supreme unaccountability. A clerk in the Court would be summarily fired for this public display. The Justice however claims only his God can judge him. That’s the problem.
Michael, I respectfully disagree with you about Alioto; I’m fully on the same side as Eric above, but absolutely agree with you about Thomas. Alioto and Thomas are determined to throw out all laws that don’t align with their Christian Nationalist beliefs. They are as dangerous to our democracy as mobster Trump is.
As you emphasized, we knew his stripes long before W, Obama, and Trump. There are too many avowed religious judges. There's no way a true believer can assess any situation without their faith in a personal deity interfering. I won't live long enough to see non-religious justices on the bench. The faithful are angry and bitter that most Americans are moving away from deferring to an invisible hand orchestrating the world. We must correct the course, not a mythical being. We must be good, fair and caring as best as possible.
And you are correct. Alilto's actions are not impeachment. He should be coerced to recuse himself though. Our Chief Justice, a devout Catholic, would have to apply that pressure, but when you believe you're a soldier for righteousness, it could be an impossible task.
Yes, yes, nodding along to everything you've said as per usual, but I can't let this line go unrecognized: "Also, he looked like if Colonel Sanders published dirty magazines." Chef's kiss, no notes.
Michael, normally love your work, but gotta disagree here. IMO, the second flag is even MORE problematic bc it is associated with Christian nationalism (as well as Jan 6th), it flew at a second home, and this time there’s no pretense that this one wasn’t his doing. It is genuinely bad that we have someone cheerleading for Christian Sharia on the court!
This quote from the NYT story on it sums it up perfectly:
““We all have our biases, but the good judge fights against them,” said Charles Geyh, a law professor at Indiana University Bloomington. “When a judge celebrates his predispositions by hoisting them on a flag,” he added, “that’s deeply disturbing.””
It shows he is flaunting his views and corruption rather than putting the faintest of effort into following their own damn rules. IMO, the big test will be whether John Robert’s censures him or forces him to recuse. It’s a long shot, and I don’t doubt Robert’s is a solid conservative, but he also seems to genuinely care that the court is perceived as reasonably legitimate and not a kangaroo court.
How is this any different from Schumer and Pelosi wearing Kente scarves and taking a knee in the Capital building?
My point exactly…which was your point to start with. Good piece.
Politicians are not meant to be impartial; also judges get to wear robes all the time so it was fun for them to play dress-up.
The thing is, everyone does NOT know that Alito is a right-wing extremist. The purpose of making a fuss about it is to spread awareness. And it’s not just that he has different opinions, but that he flaunts the law, which requires judges not only to be impartial but to look impartial. Impartial doesn’t mean no opinion about legal controversies and what the rules should be — it means you apply the same rules to your friends and to your enemies.
Bork like “Colonel Sanders if he published dirty magazines.” Ok you win this week. I submit.
He showed us who he was and people obviously didn't believe him or they liked what they saw. Probably both. Nevertheless, he can't hide it anymore and he needs to be investigated along with Thomas.
Love the last bit about Mr. Justice Thomas!
Michael, I agree with you on most points here. But it rankles, since I viscerally want a blanket condemnation of all Alito says and does, including breathing in & out.
"Clarence Thomas, on the other hand, is a corrupt motherfucker who needs to be tossed out on his ass" calmed me down. That was the eloquence I was seeking. Not proud of it, but sticking to it.
I couldn't agree more with your words about being better, and doing better - despite the fact that when God passed out patience, I couldn’t wait.
Couldn't read past the second paragraph. You said "impartiality" when you meant "partiality." It completely reversed what you meant to say. Also in a previous essay, you referred to Johann Sebastian Bach as "Back." Fix these simple typos, kiddo. It's super easy. Just have someone else — anyone — read your stuff before you post. Don't make readers struggle to figure out what you mean.
I mean, dropping all pretense of impartiality is concerning, no?
Fuck both of these guys and fuck the frat boy and the handmaid also.
I want to fight back against this but don’t know how to. I vote, I donate. Every time I open a news source I feel so much rage.
Aileen, I get it, we all do. The current situation is demoralizing and frightening. Yet, It’s great that you’re voting and donating!! The one other thing I do that keeps me upbeat and feeling I’m contributing to our democracy is I volunteer at phonebanking for Democratic candidates. I started when Obama ran but once DT got into the WH I joined a group that makes calls to voters every week and I’m still at it. I promise you, it makes a difference! Check out mobilize.com for events near you. Or you can write postcards to voters. The most effective campaigns are canvassing neighborhoods. But if you live in a solid blue state, maybe not necessary. If you have questions or want more info. Let me know. I’m happy to help.
There are only 9 employees in the Supreme Court institution that don’t have to follow their own rules against public partisan displays. And yet those 9 employees are the only ones who define the law of the land, and who consider themselves unaccountable not only in their legal decisions but also in their moral and ethical behaviours. The issue isn’t whether everyone knew Alito was partisan. The issue is challenging their defense of supreme unaccountability. A clerk in the Court would be summarily fired for this public display. The Justice however claims only his God can judge him. That’s the problem.
Michael, I respectfully disagree with you about Alioto; I’m fully on the same side as Eric above, but absolutely agree with you about Thomas. Alioto and Thomas are determined to throw out all laws that don’t align with their Christian Nationalist beliefs. They are as dangerous to our democracy as mobster Trump is.
Well, I expected most people to disagree with me so I can't say I'm entirely surprirsed.
Just realized I incorrectly spelled Alito above.
As you emphasized, we knew his stripes long before W, Obama, and Trump. There are too many avowed religious judges. There's no way a true believer can assess any situation without their faith in a personal deity interfering. I won't live long enough to see non-religious justices on the bench. The faithful are angry and bitter that most Americans are moving away from deferring to an invisible hand orchestrating the world. We must correct the course, not a mythical being. We must be good, fair and caring as best as possible.
And you are correct. Alilto's actions are not impeachment. He should be coerced to recuse himself though. Our Chief Justice, a devout Catholic, would have to apply that pressure, but when you believe you're a soldier for righteousness, it could be an impossible task.
Yes, yes, nodding along to everything you've said as per usual, but I can't let this line go unrecognized: "Also, he looked like if Colonel Sanders published dirty magazines." Chef's kiss, no notes.
Michael, normally love your work, but gotta disagree here. IMO, the second flag is even MORE problematic bc it is associated with Christian nationalism (as well as Jan 6th), it flew at a second home, and this time there’s no pretense that this one wasn’t his doing. It is genuinely bad that we have someone cheerleading for Christian Sharia on the court!
This quote from the NYT story on it sums it up perfectly:
““We all have our biases, but the good judge fights against them,” said Charles Geyh, a law professor at Indiana University Bloomington. “When a judge celebrates his predispositions by hoisting them on a flag,” he added, “that’s deeply disturbing.””
It shows he is flaunting his views and corruption rather than putting the faintest of effort into following their own damn rules. IMO, the big test will be whether John Robert’s censures him or forces him to recuse. It’s a long shot, and I don’t doubt Robert’s is a solid conservative, but he also seems to genuinely care that the court is perceived as reasonably legitimate and not a kangaroo court.
Nonetheless, he should recuse himself from election-related cases.
You make some very good points about Alito. I totally agree with you about Clarence Thomas.