📢 Ketanji Brown Jackson's Black Lives Matter Flag and Why It Matters
Separation of powers does not mean unaccountable
Earlier this week, a report surfaced that Supreme Court Justice Alito's wife (wink wink) or someone in Alito's home flew a US flag upside down. This flag was being used as a symbol of unity and sympathy for the Jan. 6 insurrection in a manner that could only be interpreted as provocative. And if that wasn't enough of a kick in the gut, we just learned that at Alito's vacation home, an "Appeal to Heaven" flag was flown, a symbol of support for former President Donald J. Trump and his efforts to redefine democracy in Christian terms. 1 This includes advocating for bans on abortion, birth control, pronouns, and same-sex marriages, among other things.
"On Jan. 6, the "Appeal to Heaven" flag was prominent: at the Washington Monument, where throngs gathered to hear President Trump deliver a speech contesting the election results, and later above the angry mob that surrounded the Capitol. The flag was visible above clashes with law enforcement on the building's west terrace, as rioters breached police lines underneath the scaffolding set up for President Biden's inauguration, and finally, inside the building." 2
Oh, hell no.
By the way, I wanted to share with you a photo of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's Black Lives Matter flag, but there isn't one. Nor will you see pictures of Justice Sonia Sotomayor's flag for "Hispanic Lives Matter." Why? Because like Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (who also never flew a Jewish Lives Matter flag) they understood why Lady Justice is blindfolded. "She is blindfolded because justice is unbiased and should not be based on...outside influences."3
I am a firm believer that many of the ills we have in our society are rooted in the sins of racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and anti-semitism. I also support flying flags to call out the injustices we see and bring attention to our causes. But I don't believe it would be fair to America or our justice system if Justice Ginsburg, Justice Sotomayor, or Justice Jackson put their beliefs on their front lawn. Lady Justice is suppose to be blind, and I expect a Supreme Court justice to demonstrate the highest of ethical standards.
Let’s also take a moment to pause on the gravity of symbols. Firstly, it's judicial misconduct to be a judge and promote yourself as not impartial. Secondly, it shows how disrespectful Justice Alito is to the sacrifices made by our troops, veterans, and their families. The American flag stands for liberty and justice for all. Supreme Court Justice Alito is promoting other ideologies above our flag and is giving the middle finger to America's values of freedom and justice for all.
Unlike Lady Justice, accountability is not blind. We must actively hold all of our leaders accountable to the will of the people. If we don't, we risk losing our rights and freedoms. I refuse to let that happen, and I believe you do too. So, I urge you to stand with me and make our voices heard loudly.
Today’s Calls-to-Action
Click here to sign the petition Justice Alito Must Recuse From Trump’s Election Cases
Click here to Tell Senator Durbin to Investigate Justice Alito's conduct
Click here to Tell Your Member of Congress: Expand the Supreme Court to protect our voting and civil rights, create term limits, and institute a code of ethics.
Click here to Sign the petition: We must bring fairness and trust to the Supreme Court
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https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/22/us/justice-alito-flag-appeal-to-heaven.html?unlocked_article_code=1.uE0.di3G.Nwrrh740QJ4f&smid=url-share
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/22/us/justice-alito-flag-appeal-to-heaven.html?unlocked_article_code=1.uE0.di3G.Nwrrh740QJ4f&smid=url-share
https://www.courts.mo.gov/CivicEducation/ourpurpose/ladyjustice