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Jeff Roush Profile picture
@JeffRoushPoetry
Apr 14 • 5 tweets • 2 min read Twitter logo Read on Twitter
The most direct historic parallel to the scandals surrounding Justice Thomas came in May of 1969, when Abe Fortas resigned from the Supreme Court.
#ResistanceRoots
#LiveBlue

nytimes.com/2023/04/11/opi…
When Fortas resigned, it was related to payments for consulting work, as well as continuing to advise President Johnson after he joined the Supreme Court. The dollar amounts were much lower than the value of what Thomas has been receiving from a major donor.
The political calculus was tricky. Fortas was a part of some important First Amendment cases—and as a liberal judge, he stood to be replaced by Richard Nixon. A hard pill to swallow for Democrats.
Still, the pressure to resign was bipartisan; enough Democrats in Congress felt respect for the institution of the Court too important to ignore the ethical questions. While he didn’t admit wrongdoing, Fortas chose to resign.
Right now, it is hard to imagine Thomas resigning, or any Republican pushing him to do so. If neither congressional republicans nor the justices themselves respect the institution, it’s not hard to understand why most Americans don’t respect it anymore either.

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More from @JeffRoushPoetry

Jeff Roush Profile picture
Apr 16
Like many here, I got much more involved in politics in 2015-16. But while fear and frustration were certainly part of my motivation, what keeps me going isn’t what I’m against; it’s what I’m for. (Thread)
#ResistanceUnited
#LiveBlue
The two can look and even feel similar. At times they cross over. But I find if all I am doing is opposing the worst of what I see in politics, I lose sight of what really matters to me. I’m not aiming for the struggle; I’m aiming for something more.
The Constitution of the United States provides that it exists “in order to form a more perfect Union.” It’s aspirational, yes, but it is motivational too. It speaks to a nation that should aim to grow, to progress toward becoming a nation that works for everyone.
Read 10 tweets
Jeff Roush Profile picture
Apr 15
Tonight’s #FridayLimericks go to @IAGovernor: all the awful of DeSantis with less publicity. #LimerickRhyme
When a governor strives for more fame,
She will slowly discard all her shame.
Kim is certainly there,
But she just doesn’t care—
Save for those writing checks in her name.
If you’re not in position to spend,
Then your government aid just might end.
If you’re not very rich,
Help’s not part of her pitch;
There’s campaigning to which she must tend.

iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/03/22/iow…
And good luck if you’re LGBT;
Kim’s just fine if you never feel free.
Although many berate
Her agenda of hate,
Far-right donors support it with glee.
axios.com/local/des-moin…
Read 8 tweets
Jeff Roush Profile picture
Apr 14
I’ve seen back-and-forth about whether the United States is properly considered a “republic” or a “democracy.” Since I both enjoy small points of order and get annoyed when people use them to distract from what matters, let’s discuss. (Thread)
#ResistanceUnited
#LiveBlue
The gist of it: we’re a representative democracy. It’s a kind of republic, but specifically includes (or should include) democratic election of those who are supposed to represent the interests of the people. One of the better breakdowns I’ve seen:

thoughtco.com/republic-vs-de…
The key difference between this kind of system and a “pure” democracy should be the protection of individual rights. Indeed, the point of the Bill of Rights is to defend individual freedom against a tyranny of the majority—to protect the less powerful from the more powerful.
Read 8 tweets
Jeff Roush Profile picture
Apr 2
Both Republicans and Democrats claim to value “freedom.” But the word means something very different to each side. It’s reductive for Republicans, and collective for Democrats. (Thread)
#ResistanceUnited
#LiveBlue
To Republicans, any governmental involvement in life reduces freedom; it means people are counting on the government rather than solely their own merit. It’s a seductive continuation of American mythology: bootstraps and grit. That’s how they justify a might makes right approach.
It’s a zero-sum freedom: one person has the right, in this mindset, to take from others. No one has a “right” to a peaceful society, to fair wages, to healthcare, to go through a day without being shot. You’re free to get what you can—even if your position guarantees a “win.”
Read 10 tweets
Jeff Roush Profile picture
Apr 1
Tonight’s #FridayLimericks go to the Trump indictment—as they must. #LimerickRhyme
As the man who would cast a great pall
O’er a nation he brought to a crawl,
Donald tries to spread blame,
But it’s right he became
The indictedest ex-Prez of all.
reuters.com/legal/watershe…
Donald claims he’s an innocent man,
But the truth’s never part of his plan.
He’s a nasty old elf
Who stands just for himself;
He’s his own crazy number one fan.

vox.com/policy-and-pol…
His attacks on New York DA Bragg
Are just tricks from his worn-out old bag.
He’s a racist at heart,
And it’s part of his art
To find dark folks to threaten and drag.

vox.com/2016/7/25/1227…
Read 8 tweets
Jeff Roush Profile picture
Mar 30
Today’s indictment of the former president is important. It’s probably not the last indictment he’ll face, and probably not the biggest. (We can’t know till it’s made public.) But it’s huge. (Thread)
#ResistanceUnited
#LiveBlue

wapo.st/40siTyt
At one time, I thought this would be a sad day. This country put a man into office who has openly, brazenly flouted the law at every turn. An entire party power structure enabled him—and is still trying to enable him. Our democracy is not in good shape.
And this will be a process. Trump will push his lawyers to file every motion possible, legitimate or otherwise. He’ll campaign off of his “persecution.” Today’s gratification will yield to some frustration before the trial can occur.
Read 4 tweets

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