From the source
by Sam
The closest thing America has to applied philosophy in governance is its Supreme Court (and, to some extent, the many state supreme courts). The high court interprets our basic shared commitments, the Constitution. Whatever our individual or collective worldviews, the Constitution expresses the terms of government, and specifies our fundamental political rights and obligations. Frequently, in ruling on the Constitution, the Supreme Court is forced to take up questions about just what ideas like liberty or equality really mean.
It’s rare that justices on the Court speak publicly, so, when they do, it’s news. Clarence Thomas recently addressed a group of students at a dinner sponsored by the Bill of Rights Institute. Among his notable statements, the New York Times reports the following mention of rights:
‘Today there is much focus on our rights,” Justice Thomas said. “Indeed, I think there is a proliferation of rights.”
“I am often surprised by the virtual nobility that seems to be accorded those with grievances,” he said. “Shouldn’t there at least be equal time for our Bill of Obligations and our Bill of Responsibilities?”
He gave examples: “It seems that many have come to think that each of us is owed prosperity and a certain standard of living. They’re owed air conditioning, cars, telephones, televisions.”
Those are luxuries, Justice Thomas said.
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