As Supreme Court Justices go, Clarence Thomas is more reclusive than most.
He has not asked a question in court since February 22, 2006. However, he did answer some questions at an event for winners of a high school essay contest. His responses were less than reassuring.
Thomas said that he tends to be “morose,” and that when he gets down he reads famous speeches, watches movies or reflects on his childhood.
“Or how can you not reminisce about a childhood where you began each day with the Pledge of Allegiance as little kids lined up in the schoolyard and then marched in two by two with a flag and a crucifix in each classroom?”
I guess that’s an indicator how Thomas would line-up on the separation of church and state issues.
In a time when the United States is growing more diverse religiously, Thomas hankers back to his childhood when each classroom had a crucifix.
If you think that is a bit disturbing, listen to his take on rights.
“Today there is much focus on our rights. Indeed, I think there is a proliferation of rights.”
You know, Justice Thomas, that focus on rights didn’t just pop-up today. It’s been around for 200 years. That’s why the country’s founders created a Bill of Rights.
Then there is this conclusion by Thomas.
“I am often surprised by the virtual nobility that seems to be accorded those with grievances. Shouldn’t there at least be equal time for our Bill of Obligations and our Bill of Responsibilities?”
And here I thought Thomas was a strict constructionist all along. He wants a Bill of Obligations and Bill of Responsibilities.
And a crucifix in every classroom.
There is no way to read those comments without envisioning a wholesale change of the Constitution.
Then just to add a bit of irony to the whole affair, the event Thomas spoke at was hosted by the Bill of Rights Institute.
I felt better when he just sat on the bench and kept his mouth shut.
