Redstate

By Alexham Posted in Federalist Society | Law — Comments (16) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

I sit in the presence of greatness. I've heard Justice Clarence Thomas speak before, but it is an honor and a privilege to do so again. Needless to say, the grand ballroom here at the Mayflower is jam packed, and the feddies are thrilled to have an opportunity to listen to (perhaps) the greatest originalist justice in the history of the Supreme Court. The excitement in the room is palpable.

We are Justice Thomas's people. He is beloved because is one of America's greatest success stories. Indeed, it is hard to think of anyone who is a better example of "American Exceptionalism" than Justice Thomas.

(read on)

As Justice Thomas approaches the podium, he is greeted with a standing ovation, to which he responds by suggesting that perhaps he should "quit while he is ahead."

He is here to discuss his marvelous book, "My Grandfather's son," which you should purchase right now if you don't already own a copy. At the outset, he notes that his 16 years on the bench have flown by, and that sometimes he wonders what happened to his life, and then quips "perhaps I need to get a life."

Justice Thomas said that he has been greatly touched by how so many American have identified with his life story. He also highlighted a story where a black man expressed to him how he sat in his car and wept after reading Justice Thomas's book because he regretted "going along to get along," and not thinking for himself on matters.

Now it is time for the Q&A.

Question: Is the job of being a supreme-court justice is wonderful/fun as you thought it would be?

Answer: Justice Thomas said that he never thought about it because he never envisioned himself as a supreme-court justice. And while he does not view the job as "fun," he does view it as an honor and a mission. It is "protectng and promoting an ideal."

Question: In what environment do you do your best thinking?

Answer: Justice Thomas says he works at home a great deal, and that is where he wrote most of his book. He loves his law clerks (present and former), and talking with them, and says that they help him to see matters more clearly.

Question: Why do your fellow justices ask so many questions during oral argument.

Answer: "I did not plant that question. It is a fine question, and if anyone finds out the answer please let me know. I've done a pretty good job for 16 years without asking questions at oral argument."

Question: What is the best thing one takes away from law school?

Answer: Belief in your own abilities, the ability to think critically, and the humility that comes from understanding that there are often various views on a given issue.

Question; What role does natural law play in your jurisprudence?

Answer: It plays no direct role, but does help one to understand the origin of the Constitution.

Question: If you could have anticpated the battle of your nomination, would you have still gone through it?

Answer: Yes. What is the alternative? You have a duty to do so. He stated that whatever "wounds" he received in the confirmation process pale in comparison to the real dangers our brave men and women in the military have to face.