I am a progressive person, which comes as no surprise to anyone who knows me. I have been an advocate for equal rights, same-sex marriage, and compassionate care for immigrants (not open borders) for decades. For these reasons, I have often disagreed with some of the justices sitting on the Supreme Court, Samual Alito and Clarence Thomas in particular. They are both extremely capable and intelligent and are, I have no doubt, excellent at what they do. I just don’t agree with many of their opinions. I think that the Constitution was created to be amended so that we could become a more perfect union. They tend to believe that it is fine the way it was written.
I also don’t want to blame them for their wives’ behavior, just as I hope nobody blames my wife for mine. Just because their husbands are public figures does not mean that, through marriage, these two women cease to be human beings. Recent revelations about the upside-down flag that Martha-Ann Alito hung from their summer house, however, should disturb all of us. This flag, a widely used symbol of distress, was co-opted by Trump supporters at the January 6th attack on the Capitol Building. Flying it in cases that are not urgent is a misuse of this precious national symbol. Justice Alito has thrown his wife under the bus and refused to take any responsibility for her act of treason. At the least, he should recuse himself from anything having to do with that homegrown act of terrorism. But he won’t.
Any person in any position of authority should know what it means to have a conflict of interest. This is why presidents are supposed to disconnect from any businesses they have. This is why employees of my church can’t serve on our governing boards. Ethics demand that we disconnect ourselves from anything that might show favoritism. The fact that both Mrs. Alito and Mrs. Thomas are supporters of the insurrection is appalling; the reality that their husbands see nothing wrong with that – at least, publicly – should be a warning sign to all of us. Without ethics, and at least the appearance of impartiality, our broken justice system will continue to degrade.
I don’t think that Mr. Alito should resign, but I do think he should not be involved in rulings connected in any way to the Insurrection. Like it or not, he has been tainted by his wife’s behavior, and anything he does that hints at favoritism will destroy what little respect is left for him. It is obvious that he has a brilliant legal mind. Now we need to see if his ethics match it.
Prayer – God, help all of us to know and do what is right, no matter what the cost. We are fallible and often weak; we need Your guidance. Amen.
Today’s art is about injustice. The artist is Maria Fabrizio.