Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas made a rare public appearance this week, speaking at Washington and Lee University. The typically recluse conservative member of the court thinks Americans are more likely to study a cell phone contract than they are the US constitution.
Thomas also shared his perception that Americans expect too much for their government. He said:
The message today seems more like ask not what you can do for yourselves or your country, but what your country must do for you.
When it comes to bailed-out companies who want to award multimillion dollar bonuses, it certainly seems like some Americans are looking for a break from Uncle Sam. But I'm sure Thomas's comments also encompass other forms of (noncorporate) welfare. Do you think most Americans are selfish these days?
Petite Mendigote
Torn By Ronny Kobo
Milly
I think Thomas is referring to an attitude that's been on the wane for the past year or two.
1Who reads their cell phone contract?
2Actually, Thomas said the Constitution was at least as easy to understand as a cell phone contract. I'd say it's easier than a cell phone contract.
3I see where he's coming from.
4I can completely understand where he is coming from. And sometimes I think we are way too selfish as a country and as individuals.
5I wish our politicians would spend some time with the Constitution. The Bush Administration trampled all over it and Obama and his minions seem to be following right behind.
6Amazing the rights that are granted by the document that Americans seem willing to give up or ignore, yet funny how they think certain topics are "rights" yet are not granted as such (health care, drivers license, home ownership, etc.)
I'm inclined to think that his honor has a point to a degree. I don't speak form opinion as mush as I speak frome experience. I have encountered a great deal of people in my life time who what ever the case may be in their instance (could) and chose to act like they (couldn't) in order to reap some benefit of their perceaved handicap in their life again what ever it may be physical, financial etc.
I know people don't like to get involved in ugly matters but I think family members should assert a little reason and guilt when it comes to people they know that are doing these things.
7The problem there, hypno, is that many times those ideals are passed down through the family.
8I've known people who take advantage of the system. And let me just say, it's an attitude that exists in people from ALL walks of life: class, gender, race, religion.
That's not to say I disagree with social programs; I wholeheartedly support them by donating time & money to ensure they survive. But the point is, the government doesn't OWE us anything, and the programs that exist are like a fire extinguisher - for emergency use ONLY.
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