Where do I start with Karen Howells’ letter (“Justices should avoid impropriety,” Our Readers’ Views, May 7)? First, she complains because SCOTUS “can circumvent the checks and balances” of our system. In the Hobbs decision, the court said abortion should be left to the state political leaders and their “checks and balances.” So Ms. Howells, which do you want? The court does not deal with checks and balances.
Secondly, she complains that the “justices decide their own ethical rules” and police themselves: “Insane, and dangerous to democracy.” But, Congress makes their own rules and polices themselves, and has since the beginning. Nobody is wringing their hands about that. Thirdly, she complains that the justices are “influenced by their friends.” Does she seriously suggest that it is unethical for a justice to have friends? I practiced law for many years, and had friends who happen to be judges.
This is all about Justice Thomas. Nowhere in the accusations about him is there any proof that his friend(s) had any business before the court. And, the fact that one of his friends has a lot of money is irrelevant. It is also about his wife, who I personally think is a whack job, but who hasn’t done anything wrong — so far at least.
