The Practical Wisdom of Justice Thomas

This past Friday, Justice Clarence Thomas talked with students in Council Bluffs, Iowa.  Here are some key excerpts:

Justice Clarence Thomas rejects suggestions he’s a follower of originalism in interpreting the Constitution. “I am a follower of get-it-rightism,” he says, bringing laughter from law students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Thomas says it’s important to understand what is meant in the original document, what the words mean. “It’s a Constitution that’s written in words,” he says. “What, do people think it’s written in symbols? You need to say you’re a textualist. What else am I supposed to do, use a Ouija board, chicken bones?” He says the media pundits’ coverage of the Supreme Court is off-base.

Here is Justice Thomas on media coverage of the Supreme Court and law schools:

“Most of the commentary I find to be irresponsible and not very helpful,” Thomas says. “It’s unfortunate, because what we do, whether you agree or not, is very, very important.” Thomas criticizes elite law schools for leaning left and breeding cynicism. He says his travels, especially in the Midwest, give him hope.

 And lastly, Thomas on the common sense and virtue of regular citizens:

“This is a wonderful place and it’s worth saving,” he says. “This is a wonderful country and it’s worth saving. It is a wonderful Constitution and it’s worth saving.” As for his trip to America’s heartland, Thomas says it’s important to get away from the inside-the-Beltway cynicism of Washington D.C.