Thomas Gives Himself a Pass, But Judges Others by the Book

As remarkable as the financial controversies swirling around Justice Clarence Thomas are, his excuses are equally astonishing. And the more you know about Thomas’ jurisprudence, the more shocking they are.

Thomas and his wife took vacations, with at least one valued at half a million dollars, paid for by Republican donor Harlan Crow. Crow also bought property from Thomas at seemingly overvalued rates, and he lent him his private jet.

Thomas’ excuse for his failure to disclose all this beneficence? He was “advised” by unnamed colleagues that “this sort of personal hospitality from close personal friends … was not reportable.” ...