Supreme urgency
The illusion of impartiality on the highest court in the land lies in tatters.
Throughout the 45th presidency, many of us relied on a long-held trust in the judicial branch as the final check and balance on the misuse of executive power. From the Muslim ban to state-level responses to the pandemic, we had some confidence that the Supreme Court would hold the line on democracy.
One of the most distressing discoveries of the post-insurrection era is the extent to which the Supreme Court itself is morally and ethically compromised. It goes well beyond the notion of judges appointed to be “liberal” or “conservative.” Now we confront judges on the highest court in the land who are whisker-close to supporting the insurrection of 2021.
Justice Thomas’s wife participated in and offered financial support to the campaign to overturn the results of the 2020 election, and yet the justice has not once recused himself from any cases involving related issues. This week, we learned that the upside-down flag, symbolic of the rejection of the 2020 election results, flew at Justice Alito’s house while the Court was considering whether to hear a related case.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/16/us/justice-alito-upside-down-flag.html
Currently, the Court is deliberating on the 45th president’s claim of absolute immunity from any crimes committed during his time in office. Two of the nine members of the Court have clear conflicts of interest.
Both should recuse themselves. Neither has so far. Nor has the Chief Justice commented.
Whether or not they do, the illusion of impartiality on the highest court in the land lies in tatters. As a result, our work to ensure the 2024 election represents as many voices as possible, getting out the vote to protect democracy, takes on even greater urgency and importance.
We must create the space to rebuild and restore the democratic institutions that have been eroded or smashed over not just the 45th presidency, but the last fifty years. It is not that democracy achieved perfection fifty years ago, of course. But fifty years ago, it had shown its power to construct more just and equitable communities. That power meant participation in wealth by more women, Black and Brown people, and LGBTQ+ folk, reducing the wealth gap and stabilizing employment, health care, and education.
The backlash has been long, conspicuous, and vicious. Wealth is now more concentrated at the top than anytime since the Gilded Age. Powerful interests want to keep it that way, and have the rest of us see one another as “enemies” in order to preserve the status quo.
Never fall for it. The “enemies” are greed, prejudice, hate, intolerance, injustice. Not our neighbors, immigrants seeking a better life, or even those with ideas we despise.
We fight on to make the country better, stronger, safer, for all of us.
Thank you for being part of the fight.
