It is a shame young people no longer read. Tweets and such just do not convey the depth of the argument decided by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) last week. Justice Thomas delivered a poignant and powerful decision overturning affirmative action.
Full text (237 pages) of the decision.
Thomas’ decision cautions against relying on experts to determine racial justice. The dissent calls for empowering privileged elites claiming to know how to level the playing field while ignoring the pitfalls of segregating individuals into racial castes and inciting division. History shows us the consequences of movements using similar rhetoric, Thomas cautions.
In the decision, Justice Thomas emphasizes American exceptionalism while rejecting the notion of victimhood. He highlights his belief in individual responsibility and the dangers of dividing society along racial lines. The Justice is critical of the acceptance of the concept of victimhood.
While acknowledging slavery and its lingering effects were a failure of the United States, he criticizes the misinterpretation of the Reconstruction Amendments by the Court. Thomas stresses the Court should not repeat past mistakes simply because it believes current arguments superior to the Constitution.
Thomas recognizes the social and economic challenges faced by his race. He has an understanding of all who suffer discrimination. At the same time, he shows enduring hope; America will live up to its founding principles of equality and equal treatment under the law, as enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Thomas’ strongest criticism is of Justice Jackson’s dissenting opinion. Thomas argues her “race-infused worldview” fails to account for individuals’ unique experiences, challenges, and accomplishments. He emphasizes one’s race should not be blamed for every aspect of their life. Justice Thomas criticizes the concept of racial determinism.
