On July 1, 1991, President George HW Bush nominated Clarence Thomas for the Supreme Court of the United States. Thomas’ good character was cited as the primary reason for him to be nominated to the position. Everything seemed fine and Thomas was almost on his way to being confirmed until, a private interview of Anita Hill, an attorney, to the FBI was leaked to the press.
Hearings on Thomas’ nominations were reopened and Hill was called to testify on live television. In her testimony she alleged sexual harassment by Thomas while she worked with him. There were questions being raised by many Republicans and her character questioned. Today almost 30 years later, Thomas continues to serve as a Supreme Court judge.
Fast forward to 2018, a similar scene played out. Dr Christine Blasey Ford came out with allegations of sexual assault against Brett Kavanaugh. Ford was asked to testify in front of a Congressional committee. Dr Ford recounted the assault in detail to the committee and she mentioned that she was “100 per cent” sure it was Kavanaugh who assaulted her.
Again, as was in the case of Anita Hill, questions were raised as to why now? Why did Dr Ford choose to come out with her story now? The answer was similar to that in the Hill case, Dr Ford thought it was her civic duty to come forward and inform the public of what the person being considered to be a judge at the Supreme Court had done to her.
The end result was the same, in both cases “ the accuser’s intentions were questioned, FBI investigation was curtailed and the whole episode was dismissed as a conspiracy by the Opposition. Just like Thomas, Kavanaugh also took the oath and became a Supreme Court judge. The thing that was highlighted during the Kavanaugh hearings was that Republican supporters are willing to overlook anything that suits their larger agenda. With Kavanaugh’s appointment, the Republicans will have a majority (5-4) in the Supreme court. This is something Republicans have been dreaming of for the past few decades.
The question arises, at what cost? Is it okay to overlook any crime if it helps their agenda? Apparently, a Republican focus group on TV did not mind agreeing with that. One member went as far as to state what boy has never committed a sexual assault or harassment of any kind.
This is a disturbing trend that is currently emerging in the US. In an attempt to change major policy decisions (abortion laws, health insurance, etc), Republicans lawmakers and their supporters are willing to overlook any wrongdoings by their members. They go as far as justifying these decisions citing larger goals of the party.
The US is considered one of the great democracies in the world. The whole Kavanaugh episode raises a question on their democratic principles. The truth was sacrificed on the altar of power while those who pledged to uphold it cheered.
This is a victory for President Donald Trump and Trump’s America. Not the America that world looked towards in times of crisis.
