Clarence Thomas Re-visited

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/08/29/110829fa_fact_toobin?currentPage=all

“Of the nine Justices presently on the Court, he is the one whose opinions I enjoy reading the most - they are very scholarly, with lots of historical sources, and his views are the most principled, even among the conservatives. He has staked out some bold positions, and then the Court has set out and moved in his direction.”

Great reading, Jimmy, thanks! I think Mr. Thomas does a great deal more good for this country than folks realize.

I was impressed by Mr Toobin's assertion that Justice Thomas is the intellectual driving force on the Court and that Justice Scalia often follows his lead and not the other way around...

I read his autobiography a couple of years ago or so. He is a fascinating man.

Jimmy so very often folks have an impression that is "perfectly wrong." I think folks underestimate Mr Thomas and that can perpetuate because it doesn't appear that Clarence Thomas cares that much what others think of him, as shown by his willingness to take clerks from Creighton and his avoidance of speaking at the Ivies.

"...Thomas had failed to note that his wife, Virginia, who is known as Ginni, worked as a representative for a Michigan college.."

Is that Hillsdale? I think (I hope) I registered for an on-line course on the Constitution through Hillsdale. I also enjoy a subscription to Imprimis.

Digressing, I had an interesting discussion with a local dermatologist who has written repeated letters to the editor assailing the 2nd Amendment. He averred that "many" believe the Constitution is a living document that must be viewed through a modern lens. I offered that Jefferson said that the Constitution should be re-written every generation. He said that he didn't think any "thinking person" could view it otherwise. In a similar conversation with my wife's boss I said that the 2nd Amendment was pretty clear. If you don't like it, change it. She replied, "I thought you were smarter than that." I am not. I do not agree that states and municipalities do not have the right to institute gun bans. I believe it reads, "Congress shall pass no law..." But that's just me...

"Congress shall pass no law..." is how the 1st amendment starts, and that phrase cannot be found in the 2nd amendment.

Thank you. I stand corrected.

A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

That changes things, doesn't it?

Why do I get the sense you knew that already:)?

I did not. I thought it read: "Congress shall make no law..." I was wrong. Thanks for pointing it out. I am at the age my Father was when he ceased being a sentient being. I can still admit an error...

http://constitution.hillsdale.edu/

Thanks, Jim. I just signed up.