Oct 7, 2011

QUESTIONABLE ETHICS? ¨Justice Thomas’ conduct does not meet the high standard we must demand from those entrusted to sit on our nation’s highest court¨

Associate Justice Clarence Thomas,  The Supreme Court of The United States of America
Several members of Congress have filed a formal ethics complaint HERE against Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas because of his wife's prominent role with the Tea Party.

"Public records demonstrate a failure by Justice Thomas to exercise the care expected of a Supreme Court Justice," the letter says. "Not only did Justice Thomas fail to report at least $1.6 million in income from his wife's employer, but the very public role played by his wife as co-founder, president and CEO of Liberty Central clearly merits investigation considering that federal law bars judges from participating in any matter in which their impartiality could be questioned. "The very public role played by his wife in opposing healthcare reform, and Justice Thomas’ insinuations in public speeches that he supports her positions, raises clear questions about the appearance of bias," it continues. Public records demonstrate a failure by Justice Thomas to exercise the care expected of a Supreme Court Justice," the letter says. HERE  (emphasis added by Leonardo Ricardo)

Virginia ¨Ginni¨ Thomas and her husband, Associate Justice Clarence Thomas
¨When we’ve heard in the past about Virginia Lamp Thomas, the wife of Justice Clarence Thomas, it was usually as his fellow RV road warrior. But Ginni Thomas is now much more high-profile. The Los Angeles Times reported this weekend that she has launched Liberty Central Inc., a conservative non-profit inspired by the Tea Party movement...please read it all, HERE

Experts tell the L.A. Times that Thomas’ work doesn’t violate ethical rules for judges, but that it could give rise to conflicts of interest for her husband.

¨People are already pointing out that the 5-4 decision in Citizens United cleared the way for Liberty Central to fill its coffers with corporate cash.

So what exactly does Virginia Thomas plan to do with Liberty Central? From the L.A. Times: HERE

·  Thanks to Joe.My.God., sidebar
·  Thanks to People For the American Way, sidebar
·  Thanks to Justin
·  Thanks to Kathleen Hennessey
·  Thanks to Kashmir Hill
·  Thanks to The Los Angeles Times

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