Reticent Justice (Thomas) Opens Up to a Group of Students

[groovedaddy]

"That’s one thing about this job, you get a little tired." Clarence Thomas.
(Well, Justice Thomas, there are plenty of us who are WAY TIRED of you! gd)

Washington

Justice Clarence Thomas has not asked a question from the Supreme Court bench since Feb. 22, 2006. He speaks only to announce his majority opinions, reading summaries in a gruff monotone. Glimpses of Justice Thomas in less formal settings are rare.

But he turned up in a Washington ballroom the other night to respond to questions from the winners of a high school essay contest. His answers and the remarks that preceded them provided a revealing look at his worldview these days.

Justice Thomas talked about his own school days, reminiscing fondly about seeing “a flag and a crucifix in each classroom.” He talked about his burdens and his dark moods and about seeking inspiration in speeches and movies. And though the dinner was sponsored by the Bill of Rights Institute, he admitted to an uneasy relationship with the whole idea of rights.

The institute had arranged for a fancy hot-pink lectern that glowed from the inside, and it was odd to see Justice Thomas, who is wary of ostentation, standing behind it. His plain-spoken manner was in sharp contrast to his surroundings.

“I tend to be morose sometimes,” the justice said.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/14/us/14bar.html?th&emc=th

[MineralMan]

1. I can suggest a way for Justice Thomas to relieve his tiredness...

Resign, you reactionary butthead! Take a nice long nap.

Somehow, I doubt he'll take my advice.