We learned yesterday that at Chief Justice Alito’s beach house, he and his wife flew an “Appeal To Heaven” flag, a symbol carried on the January 6th insurection as a symbol of overthrowing the government in favor of a more Christian nation. This was done two years after another incident where they flew an upside down American flag at their Virgina residence. Normally a symbol of distress, this was also a symbol used by the January 6th insurrectionists. When asked recently about the upside down flag, Alito deferred, “I had no involvement whatsoever in the flying of the flag,” Justice Alito said in an emailed statement to The Times. “It was briefly placed by Mrs. Alito in response to a neighbor’s use of objectionable and personally insulting language on yard signs.” As far as I know he has not commented on the Appeal to Heaven Flag. Judicial experts say this is a clear violation of ethics rules for the Supreme Court. The Court is not supposed to show any bias.
When we say that a Trump presidency would be conservative, that’s only the half of it. Or the third of it. I’ve lived through conservative administrations and it was okay. Some better than others. But Trump will take so many of our rights away, and worse. We see how he has controlled the Supreme Court— it also extends down to state governments. Today the Supreme Court cleared the way for South Carolina to keep a district voting map that maintains racist gerrymandering. From the NYTimes:
“Justice Alito for a court majority has once again come up with a legal framework that makes it easier for Republican states to engage in redistricting to help white Republicans maximize their political power,” a legal expert said.
It’s constant, this chipping away at what is good in our democracy. And as someone pointed out: that Alito feels confident enough to fly those flags is astounding. He must know no one can do anything about it. Can that be true? I need to hear from someone that there is recourse to remove a Justice.
Anyway.
I drew these three on the subway today. They looked like a mother and daughter. In my drawing, the dog looks a little like a pig— but I was using my finger and couldn’t get the nuance of his/her nose! I think the dog is cute, regardless. Always a treat to see a dog on the subway!
Above is the video screen grab. Enjoy!
I wish you a happy Thursday. See you tomorrow.
We live in strange times but also very informative ones, don’t we? Still, I’m finding that little dog just the thing that makes me smile right now. Know that I am grateful for him (or her!) Liza.
Thanks for the subway drawing.
Flags? Why an issue today and not at the time they were hoisted?