Justice Thomas Addresses Federalist Society November 15, 2007
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With almost 2,000 conservative minds in attendance, U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice, The Honorable Clarence Thomas shared his thoughts with the crowd. Justice Thomas thanked the crowd for braving the inclement weather during the morning and showing support for The Federalist Society’s Annual Meeting that is taking place at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel. This 3-day meeting is the 25th gathering for the organization.
Clarence Thomas said he spoke to the Federalist Society 15 years ago; a year after he had been sworn in as a Supreme Court judge. He said, “Obviously my life has changed greatly since joining the court. It has been a wonderful experience and I hope to share some of those experiences today.”
When asked why did he choose to write a book now? He responded, “So much as been written about me…I felt like the best way to honour the people that have known me my whole life is to write a book. This particular book.” He further said he wanted to provide hope to people who wanted hope.
Justice Thomas said he was in Atlanta, GA, not long ago and a Vietnamese woman approached him and said she had read the book. “She said, ‘Your story is my story,’” he recounted. He told of another situation with a gentleman from Iowa. He said the man in Iowa said he had grown up the say way as Thomas. And he told the audience about a letter he read this morning about an African-American man who had recently written to the Justice. He said the man read his book and was in his car one day and began to weep. Thomas said, “Hope is universal. We in life grow up the same way.”
He said he loved and missed the days of law school. He remembers the Thursday night outings where he and his classmates bought $1.00 beer pitchers. He said they sat and ‘politely’ talked and debated. He said former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton was one of those classmates.
Another question that was submitted was, “What do you like most about the job?” Justice Thomas said, “What I like most about my job is having the honour of defending an idea. Not only that, but defending and protecting an idea.”
The Justice remained for about an hour and signed copies of his book. His demeanor was very relaxed and impersonal. Everyone in attendance gave him several rounds of applause and a standing ovation before and after his words. Many of the people out in the crowd were also surprised by the number of reporters that were present.
The Federalist Society conference will go on Friday and Saturday. This evening U.S. President George W. Bush and Honorable Antonin Scalia, another U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice will be in attendance for a black tie event.
