There have been several good posts at Freespace (here, here, and here) regarding Sen. Reid's statement that Justice Clarence Thomas was an "embarrassment" to the highest court in the land.
First, I have to admit that I admire Justice Thomas, so Sen. Reid's comments immediately rubbed me the wrong way. While I have only gone through a few of Justice Thomas' opinions, contrary to Reid's statement, the small number I have read seemed to be intelligent and well written. Mr. Sandefur can definitely offer a more detailed defense, but even setting that aside, it's clear to me that he is a rational thinker and good person. I've drawn this conclusion over the last 13 years through various articles, interviews, and speeches.
The first time I was truly exposed to Thomas, like many Americans, was during his testimony in his Senate confirmation. I was only 15 years old at the time, but I remember running and finding a blank VHS tape about half way through his opening statements to record the speech as I felt I was watching something historic. Needless to say I thought that both Thomas and the speech he gave were powerful.
Years later I came to learn that Thomas was influenced by Ayn Rand, and was impressed by this entire interview in Reason magazine where I originally learned this fact that connected one of my favorite authors and philosophers with the Justice.
Then a year or two ago I came across a C-Span video that really gave me a feel for Clarence Thomas the person. It was a speech for Students and Leaders where he addressed a group of college bound high school students in the Washington D.C. area.
Watch the video by clicking here.
Since the entire video is over an hour, many won't have time to watch the whole thing. As such, here are some segments you can fast forward to in order to catch a few highlights:
32 minutes, 45 seconds - In response to a question regarding affirmative action and the differences between today's college applicants and applicants from his generation, Thomas stresses the importance of having "high expectations" and gives some insights into the work ethic that his Grandfather instilled within him.
38 minutes, 46 seconds - Justice Thomas shares his opinion on the importance and meaning of diversity relating to education.
42 minutes, 48 seconds - In response to a question that asked if Thomas saw any similarities between the struggles Malcolm X had with the Black Muslims and the struggles between himself the civil rights leaders of today, he replies with a laugh: "They're struggling with me. I'm not struggling with anybody." He then goes into another discussion regarding diversity of ideas with regards to race and how Malcolm X did influence his life.
59 minutes, 50 seconds - A very nice closing statement to the students.
I can't help to think that anyone who is concerned with possibility of a "Chief" Justice Thomas will sleep a little bit easier at night after watching this video.
My belief is that Sen. Reid is more concerned with reacquainting the public with this great judge than actually having him ascend to the position of Chief Justice. In order to boost party morale, the Democrats would love nothing more than to defeat a Bush nominee for the Supreme Court. Scalia seems like an easier target than the man in the video above. That's the most likely reason Reid was singing the praises of a man who only months ago they were demonizing, while giving Thomas less than a fair shake.
*I stole the name for the post from a new book, Judging Thomas, by Ken Foskett. It's one of many books on my "to read" list.
