Daily Iowan

Issue date: 10/5/07 Section: Opinions

For the last 24 hours, I've not been able to turn on the television or pick up a newspaper without hearing about Clarence Thomas. I can't put my finger on the exact reason, but I find it unbecoming for a Supreme Court justice to publish a memoir to coincide with the new term of the court. I will concede, it's difficult to offer an intellectual argument to support my distaste; it's based on my emotional reaction rather than any wrongdoing on his part. I have a great appreciation for the Supreme Court and the justices. Their job is to operate in a nonpartisan manner to interpret the Constitution and maintain the system of checks and balances with our elected officials in the other two branches. Justices may serve for life, and their decisions often have significant effect for years thereafter.

I appreciate the reclusive nature of many justices who have always avoided the media spotlight. Because I can't really base my feelings on anything other than personal respect for the sanctity of the court, I decided to keep my unsavory view of justice Thomas' media blitz to myself. Until now. I reached my saturation point when I turned on the radio this afternoon and heard Thomas being interviewed by Rush Limbaugh. It was not just a quick plug either - he gave a 90-minute interview.

At first, I was saddened, pleading with the oblivious voice on the radio: Please! Please just maintain the façade that the court operates in a nonpartisan manner. I know it's unrealistic, but please, radio voice of Clarence Thomas - let me live in my fantasy world where the court is somehow above all of the entangled politics of Washington.

My pleadings went unanswered as Limbaugh and Thomas bantered like old friends, and at that point, I realized a couple of things. First, that the sanctity of the court is a myth and second, I seriously need to get a life. How long could I truly revere the Supreme Court? They are the folks who brought us "separate but equal."

So, if Long Dong Silver wants to be in the media spotlight this time, who am I to judge? I should welcome it - in fact, let's bring cameras into the court so that all the justices can get their mugs on television and in the spotlight. Mattel can make action figures so kids can collect all nine and add to their collections with each new confirmation. I know I would shell out a pretty penny for a Limited Edition William Howard Taft figurine! Little girls can dress up Ruth Bader Ginsburg in miniskirts and brush her hair. It would be a great way to raise awareness of the highest court in the United States.

Continued...

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