There is an interesting C-SPAN survey out this week where ninety-one percent of citizens agreed that decisions on the Supreme Court impacted the lives of every American but a majority lack the ability to name a single justice.
Some fifty-two percent were unable to name one of the nine justices. The best known, Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, could be named by just twenty-five percent. Justice Clarence Thomas and Chief Justice John Roberts came in for a tied second at fourteen percent.
One positive finding was that sixty-four percent support televised arguments — a reform that I have long advocated. However this was strangely down from a poll in 2015 when seventy-six percent backed TV cameras. I am surprised by the twelve percent drop in three years. Why would a sizable percentage of voters now oppose such access?
It’s no surprise. This is a forgettable SCOTUS composed of 50% milquetoast affirmative action nominees and 25% pushing into their dotage.
The only conceivable candidates for the descriptor ‘milquetoast’ on the court as we speak would be Stephen Breyer and John Roberts, neither of whom was an affirmative action choice. Clarence Thomas was a patronage hire, but he’s quite distinct and astringent in his written opinions and in his mundane life. The other patronage hire was Sonia Sotomayor, who is a scheming and babbling political partisan. Ruth Bader Ghastly and Stephen Breyer aren’t ‘pushing into their dotage’. They’re respectively 22 and 17 years beyond the median retirement age in this country. That’s well into their dotage.
My sample of 5 freshmen indeed could not name a single judge.
David Benson owes me nine citations (one from the OED) and the source of a quotation, after fourteen weeks, and needs to cite all his work from now on. – did you stop by the library?
Paul C Schulte is supremely forgettable.
As well as forgetful.
David Benson owes me nine citations (one from the OED) and the source of a quotation, after fourteen weeks, and needs to cite all his work from now on. – I am pretty much like the proverbial elephant, I never forget. I am the oldest of six, I can do this forever.
The yellow brick has a selective recall.
Back to your road!
David Benson owes me nine citations (one from the OED) and the source of a quotation, after fourteen weeks, and needs to cite all his work from now on. – Golly, Miss Molly!!!! Are you having trouble finding Kansas? Just your heels together three times and say There’s No Place Like Home.
Admit it. You do not know where the library is on the WSU campus! I am sure they have a map of the campus somewhere.
PCS,
You only remember–and forget–what is convenient for you.
R. Lien – ask my wife. She is sure I forget all the important things and remember only unimportant ones. 😉
Perhaps your five freshmen should go back to high school.
I am a Canadian, lived here all my life. I read the post headline, didn’t look at the picture, and recalled eight of the justices. I forgot Kagan.
So…can you all let Canadians vote in your elections? Things would be better.
By “here” I mean Canada.
Isaac Son of Bacon does I think. Not sure if he is in the Great White North or not.
He may wish to have Molsons with you if you are available. Just keep checking in, he will be back soon to insult our fine President Mr Trump.
I applaud Canada for its more liberal enforcement regime for sex workers. And its hockey, hemp, and maple products.