Write Lightning is a blog from writer Deb Thompson.
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Tue, Oct 02 2007
Thomas (still) vs. Hill
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has a new book. I haven't read it, but I keep seeing reviews of it that refer to Justice Thomas being angry and sounding as though he's trying to settle an old score. I suppose books are good for that sort of thing, but one hopes a Supreme Court Justice will rise above old scores and become one of those respected and admired wise people who put the whole of life into perspective. Not very many people ever sit where Justice Thomas now sits. It seems to me that he would be especially thankful and humble for his good fortune, now that he has weathered any rough patches he may have encountered along the way. Bitterness in the young is understandable as they lack the life experience with which to put things into context. Bitterness in one's older years is rather sad, a murky cup of dregs warmed over and sipped with indulgent pleasure when one could just as well choose to set it aside and focus instead on the marvel of one's fascinating journey through life.
Professor Anita Hill wrote an answering Op-Ed piece for the New York Times. I admire her for her work and dedication to students. While Justice Thomas sits and helps interpret our Constitution, Professor Hill meets with the young minds who will help shape tomorrow's world as they leave school and begin their careers. Both jobs are admirable. Justice Thomas might appear to be the one with the more venerable position in terms of historical records. But Professor Hill, though she may not be listed in the same records, has not been sidelined. Think of all the young people who will go into the working world having been exposed to her dignity and bravery. I hope, when she is older, she will be joyful and know that she did not speak up in vain all those years ago.
posted at: 07:37 | category: /Miscellaneous | link to this entry
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has a new book. I haven't read it, but I keep seeing reviews of it that refer to Justice Thomas being angry and sounding as though he's trying to settle an old score. I suppose books are good for that sort of thing, but one hopes a Supreme Court Justice will rise above old scores and become one of those respected and admired wise people who put the whole of life into perspective. Not very many people ever sit where Justice Thomas now sits. It seems to me that he would be especially thankful and humble for his good fortune, now that he has weathered any rough patches he may have encountered along the way. Bitterness in the young is understandable as they lack the life experience with which to put things into context. Bitterness in one's older years is rather sad, a murky cup of dregs warmed over and sipped with indulgent pleasure when one could just as well choose to set it aside and focus instead on the marvel of one's fascinating journey through life.
Professor Anita Hill wrote an answering Op-Ed piece for the New York Times. I admire her for her work and dedication to students. While Justice Thomas sits and helps interpret our Constitution, Professor Hill meets with the young minds who will help shape tomorrow's world as they leave school and begin their careers. Both jobs are admirable. Justice Thomas might appear to be the one with the more venerable position in terms of historical records. But Professor Hill, though she may not be listed in the same records, has not been sidelined. Think of all the young people who will go into the working world having been exposed to her dignity and bravery. I hope, when she is older, she will be joyful and know that she did not speak up in vain all those years ago.
posted at: 07:37 | category: /Miscellaneous | link to this entry