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QOTD: The Lynching of Clarence Thomas
When I stood next to the President in Kennebunkport being nominated to the Supreme Court of the United States, that was a high honor, but as I sit here before you 103 days later, that honor has been crushed. From the very beginning, charges were leveled against me from the shadows, charges of drug abuse, anti-Semitism, wife beating, drug use by family members, that I was a quote appointment, confirmation conversion, and much, much more. And now this.
Mr. Chairman, I am a victim of this process. My name has been harmed. My integrity has been harmed. My character has been harmed. My family has been harmed. My friends have been harmed. There is nothing this committee, this body, or this country can do to give me my good name back. Nothing. I will not provide the rope for my own lynching or for further humiliation. I am not going to engage in discussion nor will I submit to roving questions of what goes on in the most intimate parts of my private life or the sanctity of my bedroom. These are the most intimate parts of my privacy and they will remain just that, private.
—Clarence Thomas
As I was browsing my bookshelves, looking for a book that might have an inspiring quote, I saw Clarence Thomas’ memoir, My Grandfather’s Son. He wrote a candid, powerful description of his early life, college years, and finally his nomination to the Supreme Court. The memory of the nomination hearings 25 years ago, with the unforgiveable and detestable testimony by Anita Hill, drifted into the present. Here was a man who had experienced difficulties and challenges in his life. But I don’t think he could have imagined how his life and reputation would be damaged by the inquisition he withstood to be considered as a Justice of the Supreme Court. It is one of the most despicable government processes ever, akin to a lynching, and I hope those who participated have at least some regret if not shame for their involvement. Even after he was selected, the criticisms of him personally, politically and intellectually continued for years.
Today, I think we recognize how fortunate this country is that he was chosen. He’s now recognized as a fine jurist and advocate for conservative values. I hope that after all these years he has found peace in serving this country.
Bless you, Justice Thomas, and thank you for your service.
Your thoughts?
The anger still rises within me. I could not believe what I was seeing as I watched this travesty. Even leaving out the disgusting testimony of Anita Hill, the way that man was treated by our own Congress was one of the lowest points in America political history.
I was standing out in the parking lot of my office, seething from having listened to part of it on the radio during lunch, when a friend and I started talking about it. I still remember his words to this day: “The Democrats cannot allow a black person in power to be Conservative, because it destroys the lies they have built that Socialism is the only way for Blacks to succeed in America; by voting for people who will take from the rich and give the money to them.”
What a horrifying Truth.
We had a foreign exchange student living with us at the time of the Clarence Thomas hearings, so I was delighted for her to watch them so she could learn more about our government. This girl came from a very religious family in central Mexico, and, despite being 16 years old, had never even been allowed to be alone with a boy who was not in her family. Imagine my embarrassment and horror as the hearings got underway only to turn into a sling of sexual accusations against Thomas.
I believe this is part of the plan , anyone even slightly to the right can expect to be bloodied, threatened , investigated and made into a monster.
Right. Our government at work. Oh my.
All of the attacks on Thomas came from these two. Biden and committee staff were sandbagged by the sleazoid campaign. Simon tried to re-open with spurious attacks even after Biden closed the hearing. It always nauseated me that these two (Simon in particular) were never subjected to the press scrutiny they deserved.
Good news to report. The Smithsonian will include Justice Thomas in their museum, just ahead of its first anniversary. Better late than never.
http://freebeacon.com/issues/clarence-thomas-honored-display-national-african-american-history-museum/
I heard that news, Bereket! I guess the squeaky wheel and all that! Thanks for telling everyone.