I have always held the federal judiciary, and especially the Supreme Court, in very high regard. Now I don't know what is more deflating and depressing--Justice Thomas's egregious and persistent ethics violations, or the Court's unwillingness to even acknowledge the offense. I am disappointed, not merely in Justice Thomas, but perhaps even more so in Chief Justice Roberts.
Did anyone hear what former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said about Rupert Murdoch during an NPR interview?
"Well, he's responsible for Fox News. Fox News has played, by far, the largest single part in the polarization of American politics, in the amplification of political hatred. I would challenge anyone, any of your listeners, to nominate which individual alive today has done more to undermine American democracy than Rupert Murdoch."
Watched his interview with Joy Reid the other night. not shocked or surprised at what he had to say. As always, the people with the most money (read clout) rule the day. This has got to stop.
The MAGA Republican House will not vote to impeach Thomas. Instead of gnashing our teeth, this adds to Democrats' ability to highlight the injustice and utter corruption of the MAGA movement so we can take back the House, increase Democratic seats in the Senate, and elect a Democratic president. It will all come down to the voters deciding. It will take a strong Democratic trifecta to add seats and impose term limits on the Supreme Court and to ensure that one or two Democratic members of congress don't use their power to say "no" as a bargaining chip. Even if impeached, it will be hard to get enough GOP votes in the Senate to convict Thomas. We will have to pressure Congress to strengthen the laws and processes to hold senior officials accountable. We may run into corruption on the Democratic side of the aisle also that could make this a political food fight, but damn the torpedos!
Gary, Thank you for your comment. I especially appreciate your pragmatic focus on an outcome that would best serve the public interest. I merely would suggest, aside from advancing momentum at the federal level, that we be equally intent on organizing to fill state and local positions with our own people.
You hit it right on the head....VOTE DEMOCRAT in 2024 to get on the road to healing this nation. And hold ANY politician responsible for corruption regardless of what party they represent. The party they represent is US, the citizens of this country, not a D or R or anything else.
And as Joyce pointed out, we need to start holding people in power responsible for their crimes and misdeeds. When that happens, it will send the right message...DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT, or you will go to prison!
I am hoping Jack Smiths' investigation will indict the orange traitor for his crimes. That will start the ball rolling.
I'm sorry, but voting is not the answer here. At best, it's a way to make people do their civic duty, but it's not a permanent solution. We, as a society, have struggled over decades to get up enough gumption to change a tendency to turn a blind eye to serious flaws in the system itself. For example, why are presidents immune to prosecution during their term in office? Why is there no oversight of SC justices and the money they can get from rich friends - why did it take 20 plus years to spot the ostensible corruption of Thomas, and why did it take a group of investigative journalists to blow the whistle on him?
@Marycat2021, While I appreciate you thoughtfully identifying long-held systemic flaws, I would contend that we don’t have a shot at addressing them unless increasingly more progressive Democrats are in control.
And voting, as I said, is hardly a permanent solution. Look at Trump's presidency for hundreds of examples - every law he rescinded, every tax break he gave to the rich, every one of millions of Americans who voted for him TWICE. Voting might keep policies and laws in place, but only so long as a different party doesn't take power in the future.
WHY aren't there stronger anti-corruption laws? How did one federal judge have the power to ban the sale of an important abortion drug? Why was Trump allowed to keep his companies while he was president? Why are governors allowed to decide the First Amendment is optional, and then close down school libraries?
It turns out we have more norms than laws and norms are easily broken with no consequences. But to enact laws that we need we must elect the lawmakers who will do that. Everything always comes back to voting.
With respect, I suggest that nothing on this planet is or will be "permanent".
I agree that there should be strict laws that apply to the Supreme Court - the same ones that apply to all other judges, elected members of Congress, the Cabinet, etc.
But it takes people with integrity to work under and enforce those laws and regulations. That's where voting becomes THE single most important and powerful thing we can do. We must educate and encourage younger generations to participate. If we, the believers in human rights and democracy, don't vote out the haters and the traitors - we will get what we deserve.
The future of our nation and the planet is in the hands of Gen Y and Gen Z. Here is the organization that I support and hope you will read about.
If Thomas keeps saying he didn't understand the regulations on so many of these issues, (yeah, sure), can't he be asked to step down as a matter of incompetency?
Imagine Thomas looking at high priority cases of complex issues and he can’t even figure out how to fill out forms critical to his standing on the court. Makes no sense. He must have laughed to himself all the way to the bank.
"Supreme Court justice who has been doing this for decades and has plenty of assistance from staff and his financial advisers to help with the process."
Waiting at my departure gate at Atlanta Hartsfield airport a few years ago, I overheard a lengthy conversation between Justice Thomas and an associate (?) of his. The 15-20 minute discussion centered ENTIRELY on how luxurious Thomas’ office was, especially the multiple large flat screen TVs that he used to keep up with news and events. I came away from that encounter thinking how can this important person be so focused on such trivial and selfish things????
"Holier than thou" comes to mind. I don't think Clarence Thomas is the only one who thinks he is untouchable. I believe the majority of the Republican party embraces that saying. Seems that Republicans, whether Judge or lawmaker(?) and Democrats, too, should have to be under oath AND strapped to a polygraph machine when answering nominations committee questions. After all, the recent history of Supreme Court Justices and other Judges sure do get caught in some whoppers. That Judge in Amarillo for example has just been outed for substituting his authorship of his opinion on abortion that was written prior to his nomination hearing. He had 2 peeps in his law firm to erase his name from the document and substitute their 2 names. The optics are CLEAR; Republicans will do ANYTHING to get power. This should not be allowed to stand. I'm done.
As for FOX News & their dastardly deeds, I will be a cheerleader for as many suits against them as can be filed. They never were a "news organization"; they are an "anti-woke" incredulous lying entity with hosts who have no shame for what they do for a living. They are snake-oil sales people & should be tarred & feathered & given a one-way ticket to Russia. Maybe we could exchange the lot of them for the American WSJ journalist. After all the dust settles, perhaps FOX will be WOKE to the fact that lying to their viewers has a steep price.
I hope with all my heart that these lawsuits destroy Fox. It's been a cancer on this country for decades, it put Trump in the WH and has taken on the role of State Media for the Republican Party. Tucker Carlson needs to be tried and convicted of sedition, along with the other talking heads Smartmatic is suing. Those rats will scatter and show up on dipshit extremist channels like OANN.
Clearance has always creeped me out. His silence as a(n) inJustice has always seemed so weird to me. He is rotten to the core. May we be rid of him, however it happens.
Thanks for the detailed update Joyce. I about fell off my chair when I saw the pic of Mike Myers and It took me a minute to continue to read the rest of the article. It was juust the right amount of levity in a very somber time in our country.
I will admit that I have been wary of Clarence Thomas since the Anita Hill hearings. What has happened since has only made those feelings more intense. SCOTUS members should be held to a higher standard if they are passing judgement on the rest of us IMHO.....
Unfortunately, Clarence Thomas really could shoot someone on Peachtree Street in Atlanta and no Republican House member would bring articles of impeachment against "our Clarence," and no Republican Senator would vote guilty.
I am interested in how this will impact the other justices views on the credibility/legitimacy of the court. Thus far Justice Kagan's argument that the court has a real problem that it must address has been brushed aside by Roberts. But the situation may reach a critical mass that even Thomas's conservative colleagues can no longer stomach.
I've been wondering the same. It's hard to imagine that Justices Kagan, Sotomayor, and Jackson are simply watching/experiencing this with bemused expressions on their faces.
Honestly, we are so tired of these R’s not being held accountable. Worse, they will all break their Oath Of Office to not hold him to account (just like they did w/tfg) that infuriates me. Trust? I think NOT.
I can’t help but think the Democrats have some skeletons in the closet too but perhaps not quite as much? This would be an interesting piece for someone ..60 minutes? PBS’s Judy Woodruff? to delve into...I may have SOME bias but only ‘so to speak ‘ I think this would be revealing...
I think everyone does. However, there has been nothing like this in my lifetime that has been so hateful. How some can deny truth so blatantly is beyond comprehension. I have been pretty much down the middle until (Trump & his “deniers”). My opinion is they are really messing with our “Personal Spaces” that does NOT set well w/me. Be well. 🇺🇸
I have one question does Thomas mother pay rent and if so how much? a token amount or fair market value?I would be very interested the answer to this question.
Absolutely we could use a break. And thank you for keeping us up to date about the court cases and especially the (possible) corruption of a Supreme Court Justice. Clarence Thomas. (Remember Ginnie, too). The one name missing and seemingly responsible for the rapid deterioration and threats to our Democracy, will be front and center soon. May Justice be served. I wonder if we could possibly have a long period of time when our government and our Democracy function for the people. A true two party system. When serious concerns and laws are part of the two parties governing for the people. Serious legislation Gun laws, Education, family and children’s support, health care and insurance for all, (not removing serious meds from our medicine cabinets) women’s right to choose, Abortion, voting rights, environment, so much more. A true government for the people.
Allow me to put this in no uncertain terms.. Clarence Thomas is a liar, a traitor and as corrupt as they come. Just like his scumbag wife, they both belong in prison..
The Supreme Court Of The United States is dominated by political hacks, liars and misogynistic men who are unfit to hold any office of responsibility in our government..
I have always held the federal judiciary, and especially the Supreme Court, in very high regard. Now I don't know what is more deflating and depressing--Justice Thomas's egregious and persistent ethics violations, or the Court's unwillingness to even acknowledge the offense. I am disappointed, not merely in Justice Thomas, but perhaps even more so in Chief Justice Roberts.
Did anyone hear what former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said about Rupert Murdoch during an NPR interview?
"Well, he's responsible for Fox News. Fox News has played, by far, the largest single part in the polarization of American politics, in the amplification of political hatred. I would challenge anyone, any of your listeners, to nominate which individual alive today has done more to undermine American democracy than Rupert Murdoch."
You are speaking the truth.
Watched his interview with Joy Reid the other night. not shocked or surprised at what he had to say. As always, the people with the most money (read clout) rule the day. This has got to stop.
And he has squandered the public trust since he began his trek across the world to set it aflame.
Murdock I would imagine is nervous.
The MAGA Republican House will not vote to impeach Thomas. Instead of gnashing our teeth, this adds to Democrats' ability to highlight the injustice and utter corruption of the MAGA movement so we can take back the House, increase Democratic seats in the Senate, and elect a Democratic president. It will all come down to the voters deciding. It will take a strong Democratic trifecta to add seats and impose term limits on the Supreme Court and to ensure that one or two Democratic members of congress don't use their power to say "no" as a bargaining chip. Even if impeached, it will be hard to get enough GOP votes in the Senate to convict Thomas. We will have to pressure Congress to strengthen the laws and processes to hold senior officials accountable. We may run into corruption on the Democratic side of the aisle also that could make this a political food fight, but damn the torpedos!
THIS is the only hope we have. That’s it.
No all.
Let us put our trust in The Almighty. We are still a Nation Under GOD. He is shinning a light on all the insanity.
This devout atheist would beg to differ, but I grok the sentiment. Power to the people!
Yes. He's holding the flashlight for us, but ever since Eve had her little snack it is our responsibility to fix this.
Gary, Thank you for your comment. I especially appreciate your pragmatic focus on an outcome that would best serve the public interest. I merely would suggest, aside from advancing momentum at the federal level, that we be equally intent on organizing to fill state and local positions with our own people.
Right on! I'm working hard to do that.
Absolutely
You hit it right on the head....VOTE DEMOCRAT in 2024 to get on the road to healing this nation. And hold ANY politician responsible for corruption regardless of what party they represent. The party they represent is US, the citizens of this country, not a D or R or anything else.
And as Joyce pointed out, we need to start holding people in power responsible for their crimes and misdeeds. When that happens, it will send the right message...DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT, or you will go to prison!
I am hoping Jack Smiths' investigation will indict the orange traitor for his crimes. That will start the ball rolling.
I'm sorry, but voting is not the answer here. At best, it's a way to make people do their civic duty, but it's not a permanent solution. We, as a society, have struggled over decades to get up enough gumption to change a tendency to turn a blind eye to serious flaws in the system itself. For example, why are presidents immune to prosecution during their term in office? Why is there no oversight of SC justices and the money they can get from rich friends - why did it take 20 plus years to spot the ostensible corruption of Thomas, and why did it take a group of investigative journalists to blow the whistle on him?
@Marycat2021, While I appreciate you thoughtfully identifying long-held systemic flaws, I would contend that we don’t have a shot at addressing them unless increasingly more progressive Democrats are in control.
And voting, as I said, is hardly a permanent solution. Look at Trump's presidency for hundreds of examples - every law he rescinded, every tax break he gave to the rich, every one of millions of Americans who voted for him TWICE. Voting might keep policies and laws in place, but only so long as a different party doesn't take power in the future.
WHY aren't there stronger anti-corruption laws? How did one federal judge have the power to ban the sale of an important abortion drug? Why was Trump allowed to keep his companies while he was president? Why are governors allowed to decide the First Amendment is optional, and then close down school libraries?
It turns out we have more norms than laws and norms are easily broken with no consequences. But to enact laws that we need we must elect the lawmakers who will do that. Everything always comes back to voting.
We need to change norms before we can expect politicians to enact laws that won't be repealed by zealots on the Supreme Court.
With respect, I suggest that nothing on this planet is or will be "permanent".
I agree that there should be strict laws that apply to the Supreme Court - the same ones that apply to all other judges, elected members of Congress, the Cabinet, etc.
But it takes people with integrity to work under and enforce those laws and regulations. That's where voting becomes THE single most important and powerful thing we can do. We must educate and encourage younger generations to participate. If we, the believers in human rights and democracy, don't vote out the haters and the traitors - we will get what we deserve.
The future of our nation and the planet is in the hands of Gen Y and Gen Z. Here is the organization that I support and hope you will read about.
https://billalstrom.substack.com/p/winning-with-youth
Bill, I was touched both by your thoughtful reply to @Marycat2021 and also by your piece. You will note I left a comment on your Substack site.
Intimidation from the highest court in the land?
If Thomas keeps saying he didn't understand the regulations on so many of these issues, (yeah, sure), can't he be asked to step down as a matter of incompetency?
If he doesn't understand the law on disclosures, how can he be trusted to understand the law on more serious matters?
I don't care what they use, he needs to go. Take his wife with him.
Excellent point Deb!
Imagine Thomas looking at high priority cases of complex issues and he can’t even figure out how to fill out forms critical to his standing on the court. Makes no sense. He must have laughed to himself all the way to the bank.
He couldn't figure out how to fill out the forms and he asked around for advice and they are just friends....
This sounds a lot like a teenager avoiding accountability.
No, just a corrupt, unprincipled graduate of Yale Law trying to avoid accountability.
"Supreme Court justice who has been doing this for decades and has plenty of assistance from staff and his financial advisers to help with the process."
Exactly
Waiting at my departure gate at Atlanta Hartsfield airport a few years ago, I overheard a lengthy conversation between Justice Thomas and an associate (?) of his. The 15-20 minute discussion centered ENTIRELY on how luxurious Thomas’ office was, especially the multiple large flat screen TVs that he used to keep up with news and events. I came away from that encounter thinking how can this important person be so focused on such trivial and selfish things????
so he can watch the news but somehow not actually read the statutes (NOT "Judicial Code") relating to his conduct.
His attitude was both pompous and trifling, an odd combination.
yep.
Wow. What you overheard says it all. And we're stuck with him. Sickening.
Your time and effort in bringing this update to us is greatly appreciated, Joyce! Looking forward to more!
"Holier than thou" comes to mind. I don't think Clarence Thomas is the only one who thinks he is untouchable. I believe the majority of the Republican party embraces that saying. Seems that Republicans, whether Judge or lawmaker(?) and Democrats, too, should have to be under oath AND strapped to a polygraph machine when answering nominations committee questions. After all, the recent history of Supreme Court Justices and other Judges sure do get caught in some whoppers. That Judge in Amarillo for example has just been outed for substituting his authorship of his opinion on abortion that was written prior to his nomination hearing. He had 2 peeps in his law firm to erase his name from the document and substitute their 2 names. The optics are CLEAR; Republicans will do ANYTHING to get power. This should not be allowed to stand. I'm done.
As for FOX News & their dastardly deeds, I will be a cheerleader for as many suits against them as can be filed. They never were a "news organization"; they are an "anti-woke" incredulous lying entity with hosts who have no shame for what they do for a living. They are snake-oil sales people & should be tarred & feathered & given a one-way ticket to Russia. Maybe we could exchange the lot of them for the American WSJ journalist. After all the dust settles, perhaps FOX will be WOKE to the fact that lying to their viewers has a steep price.
I hope with all my heart that these lawsuits destroy Fox. It's been a cancer on this country for decades, it put Trump in the WH and has taken on the role of State Media for the Republican Party. Tucker Carlson needs to be tried and convicted of sedition, along with the other talking heads Smartmatic is suing. Those rats will scatter and show up on dipshit extremist channels like OANN.
George Santos filed for re-election. Enough said.
Clearance has always creeped me out. His silence as a(n) inJustice has always seemed so weird to me. He is rotten to the core. May we be rid of him, however it happens.
Please make it so!
Thanks for the detailed update Joyce. I about fell off my chair when I saw the pic of Mike Myers and It took me a minute to continue to read the rest of the article. It was juust the right amount of levity in a very somber time in our country.
I will admit that I have been wary of Clarence Thomas since the Anita Hill hearings. What has happened since has only made those feelings more intense. SCOTUS members should be held to a higher standard if they are passing judgement on the rest of us IMHO.....
Unfortunately, Clarence Thomas really could shoot someone on Peachtree Street in Atlanta and no Republican House member would bring articles of impeachment against "our Clarence," and no Republican Senator would vote guilty.
Thomas Clarence is as clean as the mudflaps of my 1975 Plymouth....
I am interested in how this will impact the other justices views on the credibility/legitimacy of the court. Thus far Justice Kagan's argument that the court has a real problem that it must address has been brushed aside by Roberts. But the situation may reach a critical mass that even Thomas's conservative colleagues can no longer stomach.
I've been wondering the same. It's hard to imagine that Justices Kagan, Sotomayor, and Jackson are simply watching/experiencing this with bemused expressions on their faces.
Honestly, we are so tired of these R’s not being held accountable. Worse, they will all break their Oath Of Office to not hold him to account (just like they did w/tfg) that infuriates me. Trust? I think NOT.
I can’t help but think the Democrats have some skeletons in the closet too but perhaps not quite as much? This would be an interesting piece for someone ..60 minutes? PBS’s Judy Woodruff? to delve into...I may have SOME bias but only ‘so to speak ‘ I think this would be revealing...
Yeah. What about that Senator Franken? He said a sexist thing or took a naughty picture for a prank or something.
Judy Woodfuff retired Christmas 2022 from PBS.
I believe she is doing special assignments , but it was a suggestion, there are others , many qualified to research , compile, and draw conclusions.
I think everyone does. However, there has been nothing like this in my lifetime that has been so hateful. How some can deny truth so blatantly is beyond comprehension. I have been pretty much down the middle until (Trump & his “deniers”). My opinion is they are really messing with our “Personal Spaces” that does NOT set well w/me. Be well. 🇺🇸
I have one question does Thomas mother pay rent and if so how much? a token amount or fair market value?I would be very interested the answer to this question.
Great information as usual.,
Interesting but irrelevant, really. It's about the sale.
Good question.
Absolutely we could use a break. And thank you for keeping us up to date about the court cases and especially the (possible) corruption of a Supreme Court Justice. Clarence Thomas. (Remember Ginnie, too). The one name missing and seemingly responsible for the rapid deterioration and threats to our Democracy, will be front and center soon. May Justice be served. I wonder if we could possibly have a long period of time when our government and our Democracy function for the people. A true two party system. When serious concerns and laws are part of the two parties governing for the people. Serious legislation Gun laws, Education, family and children’s support, health care and insurance for all, (not removing serious meds from our medicine cabinets) women’s right to choose, Abortion, voting rights, environment, so much more. A true government for the people.
The combination of the Thomases, TFG and Murdock and Fox are in this together.
Allow me to put this in no uncertain terms.. Clarence Thomas is a liar, a traitor and as corrupt as they come. Just like his scumbag wife, they both belong in prison..
The Supreme Court Of The United States is dominated by political hacks, liars and misogynistic men who are unfit to hold any office of responsibility in our government..
And Clarence and Donald were right there for even the one-eyed person to recognize, from the git-go.