Judge Amy Makes A Statement?
As you've probably heard, Judge Amy will become Justice Amy by being sworn in by ... Justice Clarence Thomas. No, not Chief Justice John Roberts, as is normally the case.
I haven't read any explanation for this. Is it possible that Judge Amy is sending a message, making a statement? Of solidarity with the solidly conservative judicial hero Clarence Thomas? Giving us an idea of what to expect? I hope so.
Or maybe this is--at least in part--a campaign photo op: Orange Man, Black Man, Suburban Mom? I like that, and if that's the case I like that Judge Amy was willing to go along with that idea.
But most of all, perhaps, I'm really happy for Clarence Thomas getting this moment in the spotlight. This guy has paid his dues. He's paid his dues but he has also given back--not only in his written opinions but also by hiring and mentoring really solid law clerks who have gone on to serve in influential positions, whether on the federal bench or elsewhere in public service. In that respect, Thomas is regarded as one of the most influential justices ever, and he deserves recognition for his contributions to the conservative cause, at the price of years of vilification by despicable people.