November 19, 2013
The much-admired November 14th interview with Clarence Thomas — now on YouTube.
Discussed previously here, linking to an Above the Law item that is now titled "Justice Clarence Thomas Speaks!" but was previously titled "Justice Clarence Thomas Speaks — And Oh What A Speech!"
I'm going to guess that the "And Oh What A Speech!" part got dropped not because ATL wanted to back away from expressing enthusiasm but because it's not a speech. It's an interview. And part of what's good about it is that the interviewer 7th Circuit Judge Diane S. Sykes is excellent. The gushing over Thomas deprived Sykes of her share of the gushing.
Now, I don't like what's left of the title — "Justice Clarence Thomas Speaks!" — because it redirects our attention to a favorite liberal media meme about Thomas: He doesn't speak at oral argument. But you can easily look up his reason for that. It's been observed and discussed many times. And Clarence Thomas frequently speaks outside of the oral argument setting, so I don't like the hey-who-knew-the-guy-could-speak snark — which is what we're left with once the "And Oh What A Speech!" is lopped off.
Anyway, the fact is, this is an excellent 50 minutes of conversation, and thanks to The Federalist Society for putting it up.
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16 comments:
I can't help but compare his manifest authenticity with the absence thereof in other branches of government
Thanks for the link, Professor. I just watched the whole thing. What a laughing, humble man he is! The seminarian keeps coming through: he doubts himself, yet he is dedicated to keep trying. He talks about love-- he loves his clerks, but he doesn't bother hiring those who have fundamental disagreements with him. He speaks with reverence about his SCOTUS colleagues, and doesn't hesitate to say how much he likes Scalia. (A prouder justice would hesitate, knowing how lefties like to portray Thomas as Scalia's little dog.)
I'd like to get a few hundred Clarence Thomases in Congress.
7th Circuit Judge Diane S. Sykes is excellent.
Not to be confused with Judge Gladys Dykes.
Imagine this man having to be judged by the likes of Ted Kennedy and Joe Biden.
to be fair- the author at atl did praise Judge Sykes and comment on how well she interviewed Justice Thomas
This was fascinating. Especially to a soldier whose only experience was a military court.
Well said Curious George
This is the guy that makes Richard Cohen (not that Richard Cohen) gag?
I well remember his SCOTUS confirmation hearings, and I am so glad he prevailed. He has done some fscinating scholarship on how the Constitution has helped blacks since 1865, especially the Second Amendment! I just love this man.
We will be killed by robots, and Judge Sykes will be our dying leader.
I saw it happen.
I've read his book and enjoyed the interview.
I'm always so confused about why progressives write him off as a dumb, conservative black man. He's not dumb; he started out with a learning deficit that many take for granted: growing up in a middle class, educated society.
I also find it interesting that those who profess to care about poor people discount the perspective of those who have been poor and then become successful. People like Clarence Thomas.
re: Birches
Because the leftist's narrative cannot accept an intelligent black conservative.
Imagine this man having to be judged by the likes of Ted Kennedy and Joe Biden.
I watched his "High Tech Lynching" rebuke to those two hypocrites and vowed never again to vote for a Democrat.
I taught at a law school where Justice Thomas would teach an accelerated class during the spring semester. He was the nicest guy in the world - very approachable, thoughtful, and genuine. He made it a point to speak with everyone at the law school and have lunch with everyone.
He taught the class with a professor who was extremely liberal but they really got along.
We are very fortunate to have Justice Thomas! For another great interview of him see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tX_4KMLJgPs. Akil Amar interviews JT on the 225th anniversary of our constitution.
What a great American. This reminded me that I had his book in my stack. I need to get to it. Thanks for posting this interview.
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