TCC Quick Takes: 3.20 - 3.26
Here are a few thoughts on the Ketanji Brown Jackson hearings, the war in Ukraine, those texts from Ginni Thomas, the MSM and the royal tour of the Caribbean.
I have many passing thoughts as I process the news throughout the week. Usually, my poor husband has to listen to my pontificating (finally got to use that word in a sentence). Here are my condensed thoughts on a few of this week’s trending topics.
War in Ukraine
I haven’t posted much about the Russian invasion of Ukraine lately. It’s difficult to get reliable reports from a war zone. I’ve been very clear. Russian leader Vladimir Putin doesn’t have a justification for his actions. His desire to reassemble the USSR is an explanation, not a justification. His actions have set off a humanitarian crisis and led to needless deaths. I don’t know if boots on the ground are the answer but throwing billions of dollars at the problem and levying economic sanctions don’t seem to be altering his behavior. There do seem to be Russians who are opposed to the invasion but Putin is the one who needs convincing and, so far, he seems to be digging in his heels. One source of reliable information has been missionaries. I’d recommend seeking out and donating through missions or missions agencies instead of generic NGOs.
MSM Propaganda
Is anyone surprised NBC digitally softened trans swimmer Lia Thomas’s face without the permission of the photographer? Journalists wonder why there is a deep mistrust of the media. The selective coverage and/or stifling of stories like the “recently” verified Hunter Biden laptop story, which was conveniently blocked until after the election, don’t help build credibility. Also, the parroting of Democratic National Committee talking points on bills like the Parental Rights in Education bill which the media have renamed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill highlight the media’s advocacy versus reporting stance.
Ginni Thomas Texts
In the spirit of full disclosure, I infrequently attended several weekly meetings Ginni Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, also attended during my time in DC. She was an ardent Tea Party activist back in those days. She doesn’t hide her activism. Those January 6 texts are par for the course even though the media would have you believe she’s the only activist in DC married to a powerful person. It’s common for power couples in DC to be heavily involved in causes and organizations. During my days in the Beltway, I was surprised to learn about the Carville-Matlin marriages where spouses were aligned with completely different political parties. It’s a wonder they can stay married. That’s more surprising than two high-achieving individuals sharing similar beliefs.
Judge Kentanji Brown Jackson’s Confirmation Hearings
Confirmation hearings aren’t supposed to be a walk in the park. They are job interviews for lifetime appointments to one of the most powerful positions in the country. Nominees should expect to be grilled. Also, members of the Judiciary Committee have their own political aspirations. Regardless of party affiliation, that reality guides how they question the nominee. Judge Brown Jackson has mostly been treated with kid gloves (See Senator Cory Booker’s (D-NJ) fawning speech which brought her to tears.). Also, the media is on her side. I’m sure Republican presidents wish their nominees were shown the same level of deference. On the other side of the aisle, Senators Blackburn, Cruz, Graham and Hawley scored some political points and aired their grievances. Like I said at the beginning of the week, this is a dog and pony show. The Democrats have the votes. Also, it has been interesting to see my timeline evenly divided between my white, conservative friends and my Black, liberal friends. This is like Obama 2.0. She will be confirmed as the first, Black female associate justice in the 225-year history of the Supreme Court.
Also, Senator Booker’s histrionics distract from the historical importance this nomination has to the Black community. It may be hard for white conservatives to understand how much this nomination means but trust me when I say it matters.
Finally, she is qualified. She’s ranked “well qualified” by the American Bar Association. The issue is her beliefs and progressive policy preferences, not her job qualifications. Conservative pundits would do well to stick to those points than attacking her looks or intellect.
The Cambridge’s Royal Tour of the Caribbean
Those who know me, know I’m a royal watcher. Maybe it’s because I'm a former history teacher? While I’m not a fan of monarchies, it’s fun to track them when they are not in your country. HRH Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge made headlines this week while conducting a royal tour of the Caribbean. I love the pageantry and fashion of a royal engagement but can see the writing is on the wall. Populism is on the rise. More of the Commonwealth nations are seeking independence (See Barbados.). Crowds still come out to meet and greet the royals but vocal, anti-royalists groups are gaining traction. In Jamaica, Prince William acknowledged the abhorrence of slavery and Britain’s role in it but stopped short of the apology some wanted him to make. (Let’s be honest, the point of receiving an apology is to set the stage for financial compensation or some type of reparations.) Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness informed the Cambridges of his nation’s intent to become a republic before they were even seated at dinner.
Final Thoughts
This week marked the sixth anniversary of starting this page, The Cerebral Conservative. With my dieting track record, I’m surprised I’ve kept it up this long but it’s been a good outlet for my political musings which was the point of starting it in the first place. Maybe one day I’ll figure out how to get paid for doing it? I’m sure my husband hopes that happens a.s.a.p. Thanks to all those who’ve supported me over the years!