The Supreme Court has a serious ethics problem, and the latest revelations about Clarence Thomas should be alarming to every American.
For 20 years, Thomas has accepted high-end, luxury, all-expense-paid vacations around the world from Republican megadonor Harlan Crow. What’s more, he also sold three properties to the billionaire and never reported it on his financial disclosures.
And now, it’s come to light that Crow paid the private school tuition for Thomas’ grandnephew. And he never disclosed any of it to the public.
Supreme Court decisions impact every facet of American life. Because of this, justices must be held to the highest ethical standards. When Americans see news like this about Clarence Thomas—or any other justice—the court demonstrates that it cannot hold itself accountable and it doesn’t take its responsibilities seriously.
A court with no legitimacy only hurts the American people. It’s time for Congress to pass a Supreme Court code of ethics to bring legitimacy back to the court.
Bari St. James
Cayucos
This article appears in Summer Guide 2023.
Thank you Bari, It’s disheartening to know that the someone Supreme Court is so removed from the trust that was given him. I’m appalled, and I know what Party his views represent. I’ll remember when I’m casting my vote.
Why not research on your own what the true story is and then make a judgment.