Kate's Take
This tidbit seems to be all over the left blogiverse tonight ...
"An Alabama SC justice claims, according to a Birmingham News reporter, that Clarence Thomas told him:
...[A] judge should be evaluated by whether he faithfully upholds his oath to God, not to the people, to the state or to the Constitution."
Here, at First Draft and here, at Eschaton. I think Jesus' General might just be getting ready to rock on it too, based on comments at Eschaton.
I don't as a habit "cover" stories from other blogs here, but I really don't want to have my name changed to Ofkeys, and I look terrible in red, unless it's more of the jewel red color, among other horrible and craptacular schtuff that goes along with living in a theocracy. Dominionists... You are on notice with Hulkette. Get thee behind me-us, Satan.
A quote from The Handmaid's Tale: "The Commander explains his beliefs to Offred at the club."
Note: I used the movie poster above from The Handmaid's Tale, but if you haven't seen the film, I recommend you read the novel by Margaret Atwood first. It makes the movie better in my sometimes humble opinion.
Richard's Take
Via here and there, we're led to a report in the Birmingham News on the recent oath-taking of justices and judges in Alabama. Some recognizable names were in attendance at the swearing in, and another recognizable name was invoked during subsequent speeches:
The 1,200-seat theater was packed with relatives and friends of new justices Tom Parker, Mike Bolin and Patricia M. Smith, and civil appeals judge Tommy Bryan.
As would be expected. Even when the newly elected dog catcher in Hooterville is sworn in, there's a big hoe-down afterwards. That's small town / red state politics at its finest. Friends, family,
Many stood and applauded former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore as he walked to the stage to administer the oath to Parker. Moore's action was ceremonial, since Parker took his formal oath of office Thursday before U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas in Washington.
Ok, in all honesty, maybe this is de rigur for Alabama Supreme Court Justices. Hey, a free trip to Sodom-on-the-Potomac? What the hell, why not. And being sworn in by one of the true Supremes (as opposed to a tribute band)? Priceless in the personal scrapbook.
But wait. Wasn't FORMER justice Roy Moore run out of 'Bama on a rail in late 2003 because he thought he was above the law? Oh, yeah, that's right! Well, who says you can't go home again. Or still have influence beyond your meager means. Well, ol' Judge Roy hit the daily double - not only did he get tossed from the Alabama Supreme Court, but he was martyred and designated a godhead in the Konservative Khristian Kommunity.
But I digress. This isn't even the good stuff.
Parker said [U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence "Coke Can"] Thomas told him a judge should be evaluated by whether he faithfully upholds his oath to God, not to the people, to the state or to the Constitution.
Whup - wait a Birmingham minute - can we rewind the tape?
Thomas told him a judge should be evaluated by whether he faithfully upholds his oath to God, not to the people, to the state or to the Constitution.
Now, cue "Final Jeopardy" music...
"I, [NAME], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will administer justice without respect to persons, and do equal right to the poor and to the rich, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as [TITLE] under the Constitution and laws of the United States. So help me God.''
Times up. The answer is, "what is the oath, according to Title 28, Chapter I, Part 453 of the United States Code, each Supreme Court Justice takes"? (Courtesy of Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids)
And there it is, from Coca-Cola™ connoisseur's lips to your eyes. In print. In a reputable paper from a reputable news organization. Thomas needs to be brought before the tribal council, and voted, errrrrr, impeached off of the island. His views clearly run counter to the oath that he was administered. In the highest court of the land, there is no higher standard other than upholding the Constitution of the United States - unless you're Clarence Thomas.
Let the impeachment proceedings begin.
