prole Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 Gettin' paid! Thomas: No Questions in 2 Years By MARK SHERMAN, Associated Press WriterMon Feb 25, 12:10 PM ET Two years and 144 cases have passed since Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas last spoke up at oral arguments. It is a period of unbroken silence that contrasts with the rest of the court's unceasing inquiries. Hardly a case goes by, including two appeals that were argued Monday, without eight justices peppering lawyers with questions. Oral arguments offer justices the chance to resolve nagging doubts about a case, probe its weaknesses or make a point to their colleagues. Left, right and center, the justices ask and they ask and they ask. Sometimes they debate each other, leaving the lawyer at the podium helpless to jump in. "I think you're handling these questions very well," Chief Justice John Roberts quipped to a lawyer recently in the midst of one such exchange. Leaning back in his leather chair, often looking up at the ceiling, Thomas takes it all in, but he never joins in. Monday was no different. Thomas said nothing. He occasionally leans to his right to share a comment or a laugh with Justice Stephen Breyer. Less often, he talks to Justice Anthony Kennedy, to his immediate left. Thomas, characteristically, declined to comment for this article. But in the course of his publicity tour for his autobiography, "My Grandfather's Son," the 59-year-old justice discussed his reticence on the bench on several occasions. The questions may be helpful to the others, Thomas said, but not to him. "One thing I've demonstrated often in 16 years is you can do this job without asking a single question," he told an adoring crowd at the Federalist Society, a conservative legal group. The book tour showed that the topic comes up even among friendly audiences. Indeed, Thomas' comment was provoked by this question: Why do your colleagues ask so many questions? His response: "I did not plant that question. That's a fine question. When you figure out the answer, you let me know," he said. The typical hourlong argument session can sometimes be difficult, even for a practiced questioner. "I really would like to hear what those reasons are without interruption from all of my colleagues," Justice John Paul Stevens said at an argument in the fall. The newest justice, Samuel Alito, has said he initially found it hard to get a question in sometimes amid all the former law professors on the court. The last time Thomas asked a question in court was Feb. 22, 2006, in a death penalty case out of South Carolina. A unanimous court eventually broadened the ability of death-penalty defendants to blame someone else for the crime. In the past, the Georgia-born Thomas has chalked up his silence to his struggle as a teenager to master standard English after having grown up speaking Geechee, a kind of dialect that thrived among former slaves on the islands off the South Carolina, Georgia and Florida coasts. He also has said he will ask a pertinent question if his colleagues don't but sees no need to engage in the back-and-forth just to hear his own voice. Lately, he has focused on the latter reason. "If I think a question will help me decide a case, then I'll ask that question," he told C-SPAN's Brian Lamb in October. "Otherwise, it's not worth asking because it detracts from my job." He talked in that same interview about descriptions of him as the silent justice. "I can't really say that it's unfair to say that I'm silent in that context. I would like to, though, be referred to as the 'listening justice,' you know," Thomas said. "I still believe that, if somebody else is talking, somebody should be listening." The following month, however, at an event sponsored by Hillsdale College in Michigan, Thomas was more combative when asked about oral arguments. Suppose surgeons started discussing the merits of removing a gallbladder while in the operating room, Thomas said, as quoted by U.S. News & World Report. "You really didn't go in there to have a debate about gallbladder surgery," he said. Similarly, "we are there to decide cases, not to engage in seminar discussions." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sexual_chocolate Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 how telling. seems on par with the intellect of scalia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lionel_Hutz Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 "One thing I've demonstrated often in 16 years is you can do this job without asking a single question," he told an adoring crowd at the Federalist Society, a conservative legal group. I'm surprised that none of the other Justices are aware that our nation's most vexing legal issues require little deliberation. He seems well tuned to the Socratic tradition that underlies our legal system. :lmao: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No. 13 Baby Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 Scalia is a reactionary s.o.b. but he is in no way the intellectual lightweight that is Thomas - whose criticism of affirmative action is only slightly less ironic than W's take on legacy admissions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob42 Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 Scalia is a reactionary s.o.b. but he is in no way the intellectual lightweight that is Thomas - whose criticism of affirmative action is only slightly less ironic than W's take on legacy admissions. Weird that when an American black finds success in a job which serves society he or she is immediately vilified by folks like you. No fun to watch history march past your dead ideology, is it? - Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevenSeagal Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 Scalia is a reactionary s.o.b. but he is in no way the intellectual lightweight that is Thomas - whose criticism of affirmative action is only slightly less ironic than W's take on legacy admissions. Weird that when an American black finds success in a job which serves society he or she is immediately vilified by folks like you. No fun to watch history march past your dead ideology, is it? - Bob Seems like the issue at hand is he's NOT DOING THAT JOB SO WELL, dumbass. Weird how guys like you are so quick to defend your token black conservative with reactionary statements that attempt to make you look "fair and balanced". When Obama becomes president we'll see how apolitical you are, assclown. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No. 13 Baby Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 Weird that when an American black finds success in a job which serves society he or she is immediately vilified by folks like you. Not sure how Justice Thomas' incompetence "serves society" - other than to help folks like you sleep at night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob42 Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 Seems like the issue at hand is he's NOT DOING THAT JOB SO WELL, dumbass. Weird how guys like you are so quick to defend your token black conservative with reactionary statements that attempt to make you look "fair and balanced". When Obama becomes president we'll see how apolitical you are, assclown. :lmao: Obama as president? Now *that's funny*.... Y'all would've been better off with Hillary - at least she does have experience and can only be connected to the normal bits that are expected from living for a while. Husbands cheat, especially ones named Bill Clinton. It serves you right that you really think Obama has a chance - apparently the liberal education serves to muddle the brain. Too bad. I'll feel sorry for you when you're crying over Obama's loss. Really. Really. Sorry. - Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KaskadskyjKozak Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 Scalia is a reactionary s.o.b. but he is in no way the intellectual lightweight that is Thomas - whose criticism of affirmative action is only slightly less ironic than W's take on legacy admissions. Weird that when an American black finds success in a job which serves society he or she is immediately vilified by folks like you. No fun to watch history march past your dead ideology, is it? - Bob Seems like the issue at hand is he's NOT DOING THAT JOB SO WELL, dumbass. Weird how guys like you are so quick to defend your token black conservative with reactionary statements that attempt to make you look "fair and balanced". When Obama becomes president we'll see how apolitical you are, assclown. STFU. What is this a slow news day, so you dig out an old favorite whipping boy? Newt's gone, no Rummy or Ashcrowft, so go back to the tried and true, Thomas? You guys on the left are fucking ridiculous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No. 13 Baby Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 Got your panties in such a twist, you forgot to say anybody who criticizes Justice Thomas is a racist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevenSeagal Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 :lmao: Obama as president? Now *that's funny*.... Y'all would've been better off with Hillary - at least she does have experience and can only be connected to the normal bits that are expected from living for a while. Husbands cheat, especially ones named Bill Clinton. It serves you right that you really think Obama has a chance - apparently the liberal education serves to muddle the brain. Too bad. I'll feel sorry for you when you're crying over Obama's loss. Really. Really. Sorry. - Bob Hey Clownpunch- you forgot to ask whether I cared if Obama becomes president; I don't, actually, because he won't be much better than anyone else, he's another empty suit. I said when he becomes president, meaning, I just suspect he's going to win it because a) McCain is hated by half of his own party for being a "traitor", and b) the country is looking for "change" again and this time it's the Democrats that have the momentum since change implies people are fed up with 8 years of bullshit from Republicans. Whether Obama delivers any "change" is a big wild card, but given the state of American politics and the disintegration of this culture...that'll be the day. Meanwhile, it's laughable that you so readily dismiss Obama's chances against McCain- typical arrogance to underestimate your opponent. If Obama's campaign manages to finally mobilize the black and youth vote across the country, you will find out just how far from the "majority" reactionary assholes like you really are in this country. Oh and love how all of a sudden you have something semi-complimentary to say about Hillary- "she has experience". Now that's funny. The best part of this campaign has been watching her demonstrate to the entire country what an angry, power hungry, devil bitch she really is. Hillary as pres? Fuck that! Anyway, when Obama is elected, is there a country run by a military dictatorship you plan to move to escape socialism and takeover by terrorists and their sympathizers? Whatever will you do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fairweather Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 (edited) the country is looking for "change" again and this time it's the If Obama's campaign manages to finally mobilize the black and youth vote across the country, you will find out just how far from the "majority" reactionary assholes like you really are in this country. American wants change? Says who? NPR? The people you choose to surround yourself with? Oh shit! That's priceless!! You mean 92% of black Americans just might vote for a Democrat...AGAIN? And the youth vote... They'll leave that absentee ballot sittin on the kitchen counter at mom and dad's house...just like the last time. Oh and love how all of a sudden you have something semi-complimentary to say about Hillary- "she has experience". Now that's funny. The best part of this campaign has been watching her demonstrate to the entire country what an angry, power hungry, devil bitch she really is. Hillary as pres? Fuck that! Neither Hillary OR Obama have shits worth of experience. Does Senator Obama have his name affixed to even one piece of ground-breaking legislation? Bill Richardson was the best thing Dems had going...and he got spit out and shit out. Too bad. Edited February 26, 2008 by Fairweather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sexual_chocolate Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 Scalia is a reactionary s.o.b. but he is in no way the intellectual lightweight that is Thomas - whose criticism of affirmative action is only slightly less ironic than W's take on legacy admissions. you ever read any of his decisions? at least thomas has the sense to keep his mouth shut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olyclimber Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 actually, if you look at the turn out numbers of the voting public (that is, the people who are actually voting in the primaries), the "change" platform (whatever that is...it could just be use of the word "change") is clearly winning. whether that will translate in a change in the general election or not is yet to be discovered, but if you look that the current 19% approval rating (regardless of what the approval rating is for congress) for the current party in charge of the whitehouse...well it would seem unlikely that those claiming that mccain has an easy path ahead of him are correct. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevenSeagal Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 American wants change? Says who? NPR? The people you choose to surround yourself with? Oh come on- you don't mean to suggest that the average citizen in this country is happy with the status quo? If you were running for president, would you run on the platform of "VOTE FOR ME IF YOU WANT THINGS TO STAY JUST THE WAY THEY ARE!" ? Oh shit! That's priceless!! You mean 92% of black Americans just might vote for a Democrat...AGAIN? And the youth vote... They'll leave that absentee ballot sittin on the kitchen counter at mom and dad's house...just like the last time. I didn't say they would vote...just if they voted. But you couldn't be more correct- they won't! Bill Richardson was the best thing Dems had going...and he got spit out and shit out. Too bad. Word up to that. He was Marked for Death from the start, because he told it like it is. Plus, who wants someone in there with quantifiable experience? I prefer media friendly soundbites myself! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fairweather Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 I wouldn't say that McCain will have an easy go of it vs Obama, but I think it's funny to hear someone say that a change in the black vote is gonna make one iota of difference for Democrats. And all this talk about Change and Hope is gonna have to show some spine when the general campaign heats up. Without Iraq on the front page or a severe economic downturn the Dems are gonna have a hard time selling change to anyone. I like McCain's chances right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olyclimber Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 I'd have to respectfully disagree with you, but who knows which way the wind will blow. At this point McCain would seem to best served by shutting up and not saying anything (like his "I win or die by the War" comment). that isn't the best quality in someone running for president. He also has to be careful to continue to be the "maverick" while sucking up to the conservative base...which have reluctantly rallied around him. that base might just find it hard to get out the vote for him in november since he isn't their ideal candidate. further more the war and the economy WILL be on the front page till November and beyond. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olyclimber Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 Look at this! I have MORE net worth than Samoa! https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2187rank.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevenSeagal Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 I wouldn't say that McCain will have an easy go of it vs Obama, but I think it's funny to hear someone say that a change in the black vote is gonna make one iota of difference for Democrats. And all this talk about Change and Hope is gonna have to show some spine when the general campaign heats up. Without Iraq on the front page or a severe economic downturn the Dems are gonna have a hard time selling change to anyone. I like McCain's chances right now. I'll stand by this- blacks may already vote 90 something % for Democrats, but what is their turnout %? Same with the 18-24 y.o. group. I'm just saying if these demographics had high % turnouts the democrats would win in a rout. But the likelihood of an increased turnout is, as you pointed out...laughable- see "rock the vote" and that fiasco of a strategy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prole Posted February 26, 2008 Author Share Posted February 26, 2008 "Did someone say "Conservative Whipping Boy""? Don't ask about the lips...Or what he's doing with his fingers...Or the hair. Good Lord, just look at this sombitch! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prole Posted February 26, 2008 Author Share Posted February 26, 2008 At this point McCain would seem to best served by shutting up and not saying anything. That isn't the best quality in someone running for president. Yeah, it really only works for Supreme Court justices. Appointed for life. Guh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No. 13 Baby Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 (edited) I think you're on to something . . . Looks like the GOPers have a legitimate reason for feeling inadequate these days. Edited February 26, 2008 by No. 13 Baby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prole Posted February 26, 2008 Author Share Posted February 26, 2008 And just a wee bit smaller? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dechristo Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 ...well it would seem unlikely that those claiming that mccain has an easy path ahead of him are correct. I'll have to disagree. The way I see it, it would seem likely that those claiming that McCain has an easy path ahead of him are incorrect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevenSeagal Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 Well you know the old saying: You say "tomato", I say "Fuck You!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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