4/10/22
Ketanji Brown Jackson
Much has been in the News lately regarding U.S.Supreme Court judges (both Good and Bad) which has led me to Trial by Jury, a clever, short opera by Gilbert and Sullivan. My first full time academic appointment was at the College of Southern Idaho and I have very fond memories of a production of Trial by Jury staged there in 1977 with my dear friend, Tony Mannen, as the “Judge”. I was the vocal coach and music director.
Tony Mannen as "The Judge"
Critics have stated that, “its brevity, wit, satire on the legal system, and its sheer silliness, ensure that [Trial by Jury] remains popular today.” The following excerpt from the Judge’s aria is relevant.
Judge.
For now I'm a Judge!
All. And a good Judge too!
Judge. Yes, now I'm a Judge!
All. And a good Judge too!
Judge. Though all my law be fudge, Yet I'll never, never budge, But I'll live and die a Judge. All. And a good Judge too!
The Good
"Thumbs up, Ketanji!"
From NYT:
The Senate on Thursday confirmed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, making her the first Black woman to be elevated to the pinnacle of the judicial branch in what her supporters hailed as a needed step toward bringing new diversity and life experience to the court.
Overcoming a concerted effort by Republicans to sully her record and derail her nomination, Judge Jackson was confirmed on a 53-to-47 vote, with three Republicans joining all 50 members of the Democratic caucus in backing her.
The three Republican Senators with integrity: Romney, Collins, and Murkowski
“She was one of those folks for whom grace was evident from the jump…I don’t think you can diminish that. Nothing can steal the joy."
-Senator Cory Booker
The Bad
With supercilious smiles: "And a good Judge too!"
"Really? I don't think so."
The Ugly
"If there were a hall of fame for hypocrisy, Mitch McConnell would be a first-ballot inductee."
-Steve Benen, MSNBC
May the Bad and Ugly be sent to their rightful places!
CPW
Comments