Clarence Thomas’s inexcusably poor judgment

 

April 15, 2023

Through a shocking report last week, we learned that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas had been accepting lavish gifts from real estate mogul and GOP megadonor Harlan Crow for more than twenty years. Then, a few days later, we learned that Crow had purchased property from Thomas, creating a direct line of cash flow between them. Thomas failed to disclose any of this information. The matter of whether Thomas broke the law is not in question. Every time over the past two decades that he failed to disclose the luxury trips and gifts he received from Crow, he violated the Ethics in Government Act, which undoubtedly applies to Supreme Court justices. And since this was not the first time Thomas was scrutinized for failing to make financial disclosures as required by law, it’s clear that this failure to disclose was no innocent mistake. It’s crucial that Thomas be held accountable. A lapse in judgment like this sets a dangerous precedent unless it’s made completely clear that the behavior won't be tolerated. More than anything, it’s important that the issue of wavering trust in the Supreme Court is treated with the primacy it deserves. After all, the integrity of the institution rests on the public’s trust. We’re finalizing a complaint to the Department of Justice demanding they hold Justice Thomas accountable. To stay in the loop on our complaint, make sure you are subscribed to our email updates. POGO PODCASTS The Continuous Action Returns The Continuous Action is back for Season 2. Follow along this season as host Walter Shaub dissects the most pressing challenges to our troubled republic and the continuous action that democracy demands of us all. Episode 2: Anything Goes OP-ED The Supreme Court needs a code of ethics. Here’s one to consider. Using the rules applicable to all other federal judges as a baseline, our organizations’ proposed code includes: clear guidelines for recusal; prohibitions against specific kinds of conduct that create an appearance of impartiality; more rigorous obligations for disclosure; and standards for transparent decision-making. Read on Boston Globe PODCAST The Continuous Action, S2 E2: Anything Goes Congressional stock trading is out of control. Representative Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) joins Walt Shaub on The Continuous Action to talk about her plan to end it. Listen Now QUOTE OF THE WEEK “We should not be afraid to say that, as part of the movement for justice, we have to deal with the technology, and we have to tear it up. Politicians hate hearing that. ... but that is the solution.” Freddy Martinez, Senior Researcher, in Government Technology OVERHEARD ONE LINERS “Members of Congress have long said, ‘It’s currently in litigation. That’s not our role as legislators, to weigh in on specific cases.’” Tim Stretton, Director of the Congressional Oversight Initiative, in Business Insider   “One major potential pitfall of surging weapon production is the increased risk of corporate price gouging.” Julia Gledhill, Analyst for the Center for Defense Information, on NPR   “Broadly, the issue of money and politics is the way it impacts conflicts of interest.” Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, Government Affairs Manager, in Washington Examiner Enjoyed this weekend’s edition of the Weekly Spotlight? Forward to a friend. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Welcome! 👋 Subscribe here.   WANT MORE FROM POGO? Eyes on the federal government from every angle:   Paper Trail: Quick links to the news in the world of government oversight The Bunker: Military intelligence from POGO's Mark Thompson The Bridge: Wade through the jargon with Spurthi Kontham   🎧 The Continuous Action Podcast 📺 YouTube 📱 Instagram 💸 Support our work

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