While I believe that parts of the Democratic bill are unconstitutional and threaten the right to freedom of expression, I agree with the condemnation of extremist rhetoric. However, such a condemnation must be acknowledged in the extremist language used on the left and right.
Dobbs leaked comment against Jackson
particle for direct object Leaked draft vote on Dobbs Women’s Health Organization vs. Jackson It was used as a license by many to vent their anger on these judges. While some of us warned of the danger of groups targeting judges, others expressed happiness that judges might be afraid to leave their homes.
“It also shows Alito how he feels about losing his freedom of choice,” said Joey Bahar, host of The View. She He can not leave the house easily . “So maybe this is a good lesson for them.”
Even law professors seemed to be calling for mob action. George Town Law Professor Josh Chafts stated thatWhen the mob is right, some (but not all!) More aggressive tactics are justified. “
CNN’s Laura Jarrett’s take on those who say this It was too much and wrong to target the judges’ houses It was equally heartbreaking: “I think for many people the conversation about civilization feels like it is losing its mark.”
Some politicians have also considered the far-left militants of Antifa, a large group. Anti-freedom of expression movement . Gerold Nadler, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, called 2020 Antifa Violent protests in Portland Oregon, “A legend “
Others have acted more directly in support of themselves. Many of us say Antifa when Kate Ellison, a former deputy chairman of the Democratic National Committee, the attorney general of Minnesota, said:Creating fear in the heart From Donald Trump.
Last year, Maxine Waters, California’s representative told protesters in George Floyd, Minnesota:Get more involved If the jury of the former Minneapolis police officer finds Derek Schwynn innocent. And when Sen. Susan Collins of Maine was threatened in 2018 for not opposing Kavanagh’s candidacy for the Supreme Court, California MP Eric Questionell mocked her security concerns.Ho ho ho “
For his part, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke out loud when she failed to condemn the leftist mob. Destruction of sculptures And historical shows in his hometown of San Francisco. Pelosi shrugged and said:People will do what they do “
The arrest near Judge Kavanagh’s home shows what some people will do horribly.
Legitimacy of the Supreme Court
While I do not think that these politicians will ever tolerate violence, they have spent months attacking the legitimacy of the country’s highest court because they do not agree with the judges’ rulings.
Representative of Alexandria Occasio-Cortes, DN.Y., He even questioned the value of the institution “How useful is the current structure?” “And I do not think so.”
Other leaders have argued that if the court does not comply with their demands, there is a license for extremist measures such as court packing. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, DN.H. Warns Supreme Court: Reaffirm Wade Against Would Otherwise Have “a Problem”Revolution “
Some may hear those words beyond political or admirable stance. This is heard as legitimizing direct forms of justice, especially by people who are mentally unstable.
We National addiction to anger It reaches its inevitable end. But inciting thugs is easier than controlling them.
That is why the arrest of a gunman outside the house of Judge Kavanagh should not surprise any of us. But it must be a moment of vigilance for all of us.
A jurist should not be surprised if he can both serve and survive in our Supreme Court.
Jonathan Turley is a professor of public interest law at George Washington University and a member of the USA TODAY Board of Trustees. Follow him on Twitter: @JonathanTurley