Clarence Thomas on 60 Minutes
Hmmmm. I just have to pour myself a big cup of "wow". I heard about the 60 Minutes interview that Clarence Thomas had on the Rachel's Tavern blog: Clarence Thomas is Making the Rounds. I knew he'd released a book. I could glean from the news headlines that he hadn't taken any prisoners with it either. However, I was intentionally avoiding getting more of the story. But the buzz on what he's saying has got some hardcore intensity and I was sucked in.
I just watched the interview Clarence Thomas did on 60 Minutes. I don't agree with her assessment on his interview, and I left a comment to that effect ;-)
I found myself understanding him, his point of view and the frustration he expressed more than I thought I would.
I know there are going to be some out there that he'll never be able to please. Honestly, I don't agree with his judicial opinions and the political side of the fence that he falls on most of the time.
However, after hearing him speak about his background and how his experiences shaped his views, I get it. I don't have to agree with it to get it.
So, from that perspective, I'm with Peter Lattman at the WSJ Law Blog who recommends that you take the time to watch this interview.
The interview is in two parts. Here are the links:
Clarence Thomas Interview - Part 1
Clarence Thomas Interview - Part 2
Now I'm going to Amazon.com to put his book on my wishlist.
I heard it too. I get it, but I don't agree with many of his viewpoints.
ReplyDeleteTakes all types, I guess.
Oh, and thanks for commenting on my blog. I pissed off Howard Junker, editor of a lit journal. Ah well. What can I say? He complains about "not having enough stuff to print" in the upcoming issue, yet he turns away so much stuff.
Well, it was scary how much I "got" what Justice Thomas was saying. I still don't agree with him because I've had his views too, but there is an angle he's missing.
ReplyDeleteI'm just saying that if the Dems don't lock down the Presidency the Supreme Court is going to be packed with those on the right. This is a SERIOUS election.
Well, you can't say it, but I can "fuck Howard Junker". How's that? You know, I'm going to decide I want to write professionally and then I'll be forever doomed for writing that.
I hope you've got a sense of humor Howard...eeek!
I have to ask you though...
ReplyDeletetraditionally Supreme Court Justices have withheld memoirs until the end of their career.
Why do you think he chose to do it now, and also what effect do you think it could have on politics and the upcoming appointments?
I have felt that it was improper in the past for him to appear on the Rush Limbaugh show. That it was too overtly political.
Yeah... there you go Jane. Shooting your mouth off to Howard! Ha! Ah well. Keep it up you'll be stuck with a bunch of middle school kids in Korea for ten years.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking to this. Over the years, I've come to the conclusion that Justice Thomas is the greatest intellect on the Supreme Court.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that he was a Gullah. What a great story!
Dang yo...Clarence is popular ;-)
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Okay, Kanani,
I haven't been following him or his career much, to be honest.
I'm not so sure about Justices keeping completely quiet. They're appointed for life specifically so they're out of the political fray. From that perspective, why not? I do get how they might be able to influence issues, but no more than our crap media does.
I think if it's a tradition that Justices have kept then he ought to keep that in mind. I don't think theorizing about why is a good idea. I'm sure he'll answer the question if asked. But there is also what he had to deal with and the relentless criticism that he gets almost ALL of the time. I know I'd be ready kick some verbal ass too.
Maybe it's political timing. I mean, to be completely, honest I have some very conservative views on certain topics. But that's not going to change my vote in this election because after 8 years of George W. Bush and HUGE amount of damage he's done to the US image abroad the Democrats would have to have someone pretty bad for me not to vote Democratic.
Oh, BTW, I don't teach middle school and never have. With my education and experience I'll be able to come home anytime I want ;-) However, comparitively speaking, I don't like what I'd come back to which is why but for vacations I've not made it back yet.
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Iosue Andreas,
I didn't know he was a Gullah either. His story is very interesting and one I really relate to.
I like his strength because with all the guff he gets, he seems to still have a lot of spirit.
A good interview. I think I will be picking up his book as well...
ReplyDeleteJustice Thomas and his publisher will be happy to hear that ;)
ReplyDeleteOh.....here... buy it used on Alibris. In the next month MORE will show up. Here's one for $1.99
ReplyDeleteIt was probably a pre-released advanced review copy.
Alibris
LOL..excellent.
ReplyDeleteI'll click over and check it out.
Realize though, he's already gotten his advance. $1.5 million, I think.
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Wait a minute! This is for a biography of him written by someone else! Awwwwwwwwww!
Anyway, I'm reading other stuff now and I'll check Albris and Amazon for used copies.