Hello All!
Seeing as how Aimee is extremely busy at work, she has asked me to write today's blog entry.
I am reading a book entitled "Secret Lives of the Supreme Court". As someone who possesses a Political Science degree, writes a (mostly) politically-charged blog and is something of a history nerd, this book was right up my alley.
The book, written by Robert Schnakenberg, details the lives and quirks of supreme court justices past and present from the odd (two 20th century justices died virgins) to the creepy (Justice Hugo Black was a Klan member).
Though I had a previous understanding of the voting records displayed by many justices, It is truly interesting to see that, despite the enormous amount of respect that comes with the position, many were nominated and confirmed with little formal education or legal ability, hence decisions like the Dred Scott case and Plessy vs. Ferguson.
The book proves how, throughout the colorful history of the United States, who you know is far more important that what you know.
A couple of small tidbits from the book:
- Conservative justice John Marshall Harlan organized regular screenings of X-rated films.
- Thurgood Marshall routinely halted sessions at 1pm in order to watch Days of our Lives in his chambers.
- William O. Douglas was dubbed by his fellow justices the "Biggest man slut to ever sit on the bench".
"Who put a pubic hair on my Coke?" - Clarence Thomas
"Waiter, bring on the Rum!" - John Marshall, America's first Chief Justice, during a court session.
This is a book I would highly recommend to political nerds such as myself, or to anyone who enjoys finding out how "infallible" some of our most respected members of society can be.
You regularly scheduled blogger shall return shortly.
-Kevin
