Justice Thomas: Now you know why I didn’t attend SOTU
During a speech at Stetson Law School in FL yesterday, SCOTUS Justice Clarence Thomas explained why he didn’t attend Obama’s SOTU (via the DC Examiner):
GULFPORT (2010-2-2) – During an appearance today at Stetson Law School in Gulfport, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas says he intentionally skipped the Presidentβs State of the Union speech last week β and heβs glad he did.
“I donβt go because it has become so partisan, and itβs very uncomfortable for a judge to sit there. And thereβs a lot you donβt hear on T.V. β the catcalls, the whooping and hollering, under-the-breath comments,” Thomas said.
“So we decided not to go. Some members continued to go and thatβs fine, but one of the consequences is that now the court becomes part of the conversation, if you want to call it that, in the speech,” he said.
Thomas is talking about Justice Samuel Alito’s who shook his head appeared to mouth the words βnot trueβ as the President criticized the courtβs recent decision on Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission, a decision allowing more corporate money into political campaigns.
Can’t say as I blame either of them – Alito for shaking his head and Thomas for not attending. What kind of President disrespects the SCOTUS in a formal setting, knowing full well that they have no choice but to not respond? Oh, that’s right. This one.
WTSP has more on Justice Thomas’ visit to Stetson Law School here.