Bought and paid for HO
Who just happens to be a Supreme Court Justice.
It's not just Harlan Crow: Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas secretly reaped the benefits from several other ultrawealthy patrons
Their gifts include:
-At least 38 destination vacations, including a previously unreported voyage on a yacht around the Bahamas
– 26 private… pic.twitter.com/sBXQhaHhsz— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) August 10, 2023
From ProPublica:
Clarence Thomas’ 38 Vacations: The Other Billionaires Who Have Treated the Supreme Court Justice to Luxury Travel
by Brett Murphy and Alex Mierjeski
Aug. 10, 5:45 a.m. EDT
The fullest accounting yet shows how Thomas has secretly reaped the benefits from a network of wealthy and well-connected patrons that is far more extensive than previously understood.
During his three decades on the Supreme Court, Clarence Thomas has enjoyed steady access to a lifestyle most Americans can only imagine. A cadre of industry titans and ultrawealthy executives have treated him to far-flung vacations aboard their yachts, ushered him into the premium suites at sporting events and sent their private jets to fetch him — including, on more than one occasion, an entire 737. It’s a stream of luxury that is both more extensive and from a wider circle than has been previously understood.
Like clockwork, Thomas’ leisure activities have been underwritten by benefactors who share the ideology that drives his jurisprudence. Their gifts include:
At least 38 destination vacations, including a previously unreported voyage on a yacht around the Bahamas; 26 private jet flights, plus an additional eight by helicopter; a dozen VIP passes to professional and college sporting events, typically perched in the skybox; two stays at luxury resorts in Florida and Jamaica; and one standing invitation to an uber-exclusive golf club overlooking the Atlantic coast
This accounting of Thomas’ travel, revealed for the first time here from an array of previously unavailable information, is the fullest to date of the generosity that has regularly afforded Thomas a lifestyle far beyond what his income could provide. And it is almost certainly an undercount.
While some of the hospitality, such as stays in personal homes, may not have required disclosure, Thomas appears to have violated the law by failing to disclose flights, yacht cruises and expensive sports tickets, according to ethics experts.
Perhaps even more significant, the pattern exposes consistent violations of judicial norms, experts, including seven current and former federal judges appointed by both parties, told ProPublica. “In my career I don’t remember ever seeing this degree of largesse given to anybody,” said Jeremy Fogel, a former federal judge who served for years on the judicial committee that reviews judges’ financial disclosures. “I think it’s unprecedented.”
NEW: It's not just Harlan Crow. Clarence Thomas has had a trio of other ultrawealthy patrons — an oil baron, investment guru and corporate titan — funding his luxury travel for decades.
My latest, w/@Amierjeski, plus a thread on the reportinghttps://t.co/qNjgRIiHgw
— Brett Murphy (@BrettMmurphy) August 10, 2023
Thomas gets luxury vacations as part of his work for a right-wing nonprofit and in turn gives the group access to the Supreme Court which it sells to donors. Nice work if you can get it. pic.twitter.com/RabxwpLsmb
— Matthew Gertz (@MattGertz) August 10, 2023
The latest on Clarence Thomas's undisclosed gifts from 4 billionaires, per @propublica:
• 38+ destination vacations
• 26 private jet flights
• 8 by helicopter
• A dozen VIP passes to professional & college sporting events
• 2 stays at luxury resorts in Florida & Jamaica pic.twitter.com/6vsbrYFCqi— The Recount (@therecount) August 10, 2023
Centrism Fan Acct 🔹 (@Wilson__Valdez) posted at 10:37 PM on Sun, Aug 13, 2023:
(A large part of) the GOP base would rather go broke and starve than give Joe Biden/the Libs any credit.
(https://twitter.com/Wilson__Valdez/status/1690930660343455745?t=iEAXidzJYsuKCOEVl79e4g&s=03)
Nicholas Grossman (@NGrossman81) posted at 7:05 AM on Mon, Aug 14, 2023:
Media reports on “Trump Country” diners, columnists argue elites made Trumpism inevitable, but look much less at Biden voters.
I wrote in @BulwarkOnline about this asymmetry, distortions of “elite” and “working class,” and what media misses as a result.
https://t.co/C1aDrkrQkJ
(https://twitter.com/NGrossman81/status/1691058423004053504?t=zXml-8fzBxKWhchjjBMleg&s=03)
HawaiiDelilah™ 🟦 #MauiStrong (@HawaiiDelilah) posted at 0:49 AM on Mon, Aug 14, 2023:
I’m going to note that primary challenges to an incumbent president is political malpractice. Every sane Democrat should understand that the only thing standing between us and the complete breakdown of democracy is Joe Biden. Proceed accordingly.
(https://twitter.com/HawaiiDelilah/status/1690963948680667136?t=r3bfwKlj9P6ZZ-041qmClg&s=03)
RIP🙏🏽😢
philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) posted at 7:35 AM on Mon, Aug 14, 2023:
Clarence Avant, the “Black Godfather” whose influence spanned the worlds of music, sports, entertainment and politics, has died. He was 92
https://t.co/9Rw0b4AbWR
(https://twitter.com/Phil_Lewis_/status/1691066132055158784?t=bSwtYiwEqC92q2QIVVtMuw&s=03)
No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen (@NoLieWithBTC) posted at 4:18 PM on Sun, Aug 13, 2023:
Trump just filmed a video with Laura Loomer, a white nationalist who pushed false flag conspiracy theories about the Parkland school shooting and celebrated the deaths of migrants, calling for “more” of them to die.
He calls her “terrific” and “special.” https://t.co/36CSQpX7wy
(https://twitter.com/NoLieWithBTC/status/1690835230444113923?t=0zt3AKc7e3uixTaIxwIe1g&s=03)
rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) posted at 11:06 PM on Sun, Aug 13, 2023:
The @GOP is truly the party of white supremacy. Any Black person even considering voting for Trump is self-hating. This man adores white nationalists.
(https://twitter.com/rolandsmartin/status/1690937925704339456?t=LnGto4UXHbASF97os9YSHQ&s=03)
He IS NOT A DEMOCRAT. HE IS A REPUBLICAN PLANT 😡😡😡😡
Jon Cooper (@joncoopertweets) posted at 10:18 PM on Sun, Aug 13, 2023:
BREAKING: RFK Jr. told an NBC News reporter today that he would sign a federal ban on abortion after 15 weeks or 21 weeks of pregnancy if he were elected president, saying “I think the states have a right to protect a child once the child becomes viable, and that right, it… https://t.co/696LYDyVZs
(https://twitter.com/joncoopertweets/status/1690925956469317632?t=3oR7_IMnso7SFsvc8PQnpA&s=03)
Yesss👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Sorrymissjackson702 (@Sorrymissjacks7) posted at 10:55 PM on Sun, Aug 13, 2023:
I reactivated my Facebook account very briefly tonight to see @EBraeden announce that he is cancer free!!!! I am so happy for him… he’s a legend. We Y&R fans love to say he raised a generation of kids who watched the show during summer breaks! ❤️ https://t.co/wnrU1SI0zE
(https://twitter.com/Sorrymissjacks7/status/1690935071145160704?t=Oaqn6WwcoZIute0dW5oabQ&s=03)
David Cay Johnston (@DavidCayJ) posted at 6:52 PM on Sun, Aug 13, 2023:
If you want to support the little Kansas newspaper that wasn’t just raided by corrupt local law-enforcement, but had all of its computers and files removed, here’s the address to send a donation:
Marion County Record
117 S. 3rd St.
Marion, KS 66861-1621
(https://twitter.com/DavidCayJ/status/1690873957237342209?t=a3bEj-ySm4C7byM7xslwkA&s=03)
One of my favorite food reviewers on TikTok drove up this place:
Here was his breakdown:
Boarded up windows
Cash Only
Bars on the windows…
He was like….all indications that this food is about to be FIRE!
BWA HA AH HA HA HA HA HA HA
And, while he didn’t like one item, everything else HIT, and their homemade Iced Tea- he called it a jar of crack!
BWA HA HA HA HA HA HA
The Hill (@thehill) posted at 6:46 AM on Mon, Aug 14, 2023:
GOP strategists say there’s growing concern that if Trump is not the nominee, many of his core supporters, who are estimated to make up 25 percent to 35 percent of the party base, “will take their ball and go home.”
Hope Restored In DFW (@Kennymack1971) posted at 7:45 AM on Mon, Aug 14, 2023:
This is something that doesn’t get enough attention. There’s a reason that the GOP leadership/big donors won’t hit the ejector seat button on Trump.
They can’t. And there’s no one running on that side who will scratch that itch.
(https://twitter.com/Kennymack1971/status/1691068588377919488?t=L7QDxAt-bXaOKJQ9p7HCBg&s=03)
Skeptical Brotha 💛🐝🌈 (@skepticalbrotha) posted at 8:33 AM on Mon, Aug 14, 2023:
Trumpists know exactly who he is, that’s why they’re so fixated on smearing Joe and Hunter Biden.
(https://twitter.com/skepticalbrotha/status/1691080674361372672?t=o8OzfSgkYwjvVJK8drO0RA&s=03)
UH UH UH
This poor baby 😢😢😢😢😢
philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) posted at 8:08 AM on Mon, Aug 14, 2023:
In 2022, Ashley was raped outside of her Mississippi home. Her closest abortion provider was in Chicago, a nine-hour drive away.
Ashley is 13 years old. Soon she’ll start seventh grade. https://t.co/yzwywvMVb1
(https://twitter.com/Phil_Lewis_/status/1691074347576774656?t=PAczmO2l807AuKeyHp6-ug&s=03)
NBC News (@NBCNews) posted at 6:30 AM on Mon, Aug 14, 2023:
Fort Johnson, which had previously been named after a Confederate commander, now honors Sgt. William Henry Johnson, a Black hero of World War I. https://t.co/pk9jtq1Eoo
(https://twitter.com/NBCNews/status/1691049598272356352?t=jGEbxbn6lOyUFEtz2_r_PQ&s=03)
In the comments, someone whined about this isn’t the way for ‘ reconciliation’, and here’s a response:
Darryn M. Briggs (@darryn_briggs) posted at 8:11 AM on Mon, Aug 14, 2023:
Generally it’s TRUTH & reconciliation. The truth is:
1) This honored those who attacked & tried to destroy the United States
2) For the sole purpose of keeping human beings in bondage
3) No other opponent in war is so honored & it’s disgusting that this EVER happened.
(https://twitter.com/darryn_briggs/status/1691075121224564737?t=M4IPOgxiVmafzbc5N4GsgQ&s=03)
Hope Restored In DFW (@Kennymack1971) posted at 7:19 AM on Mon, Aug 14, 2023:
Here’s the gag: Special Counsel or no, there’s no meat on this bone and the Republicans along with the simps in the media know it. The Republicans are throwing a temper tantrum and the media is stupidly feeling duty bound to treat it seriously.
Hope Restored In DFW (@Kennymack1971) posted at 7:19 AM on Mon, Aug 14, 2023:
The tell is right there in the GOPs reaction to the Special Counsel they screamed for. They know Weiss is going to put a pin in this bullshit sooner rather than later and their attempts to turn this into Watergate are going to fizzle out.
(https://twitter.com/Kennymack1971/status/1691062067376066560?t=T1acuwTRcZB6UFGV5N_F0A&s=03)
Mark Jacob (@MarkJacob16) posted at 7:22 AM on Mon, Aug 14, 2023:
When fascists tell you they’re fascists, believe them. 🧵
Trump: “Massive Fraud of this type and magnitude allows for the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution.”
Ron DeSantis: “We’re going to start slitting throats on Day 1.”
(https://twitter.com/MarkJacob16/status/1691062613600301057?t=3IjOZIWARu5DzqrTxMhyOw&s=03
DCPetterson (@dcpetterson) posted at 8:10 AM on Mon, Aug 14, 2023:
While we’re watching federal charges brought by Jack Smith, and awaiting new charges in Georgia, don’t lose sight that sixteen fake Electors have been charged with multiple felonies in Michigan.
https://t.co/iFgQusoar3
(https://twitter.com/dcpetterson/status/1691074839669579777?t=3C_RzcW8kmTrz8SbJS2rCA&s=03)
UH HUH
UH HUH
Leia🌻 (@TheSWPrincess) posted at 3:32 PM on Sun, Aug 13, 2023:
Here’s the letter from September 2022 from Senate Republicans asking AG Garland to appoint David Weiss Special Counsel in the investigation of Hunter Biden.
Now that Weiss was appointed Special Counsel, the same Republicans are complaining that it’s not fair.
They aren’t… https://t.co/DdDcn6hZW8
(https://twitter.com/TheSWPrincess/status/1690823606350102528?t=TWDWehIxCGIM-3NSEkmdEg&s=03)
From a local:
HawaiiDelilah™ 🟦 #MauiStrong (@HawaiiDelilah) posted at 9:47 PM on Sun, Aug 13, 2023:
The federal government under Joe Biden is doing A LOT to help Maui. This lengthy list of actions will prove to be significantly more meaningful to Maui than a photo op from a president throwing paper towels at suffering people. Mahalo nui loa, @Potus. https://t.co/bRDjgD5m2s
(https://twitter.com/HawaiiDelilah/status/1690918086566940672?t=uvrNIUIIXgdvm3bDhY6JrA&s=03)
Barb McQuade (@BarbMcQuade) posted at 8:12 AM on Mon, Aug 14, 2023:
Witness tampering in real time. https://t.co/b0uvQ8dbYK
If Not Now ….When? (@RagdollsLove) posted at 8:29 AM on Mon, Aug 14, 2023:
I just read that Duncan is a witness in the DC case. If true then yes that is witness tampering, calling a witness out by their name. Intimidation.
(https://twitter.com/RagdollsLove/status/1691079690226651138?t=CSeMoXfR3uBfPY-H5z4uZA&s=03)
Maui Update:
Upcountry/Kula fire (initially reported 8/8): Now 60% contained. Estimated 678 acres. Three helicopters, four engines, two tankers and one utility are on-site. Hot spots in gulches and other hard to reach places, along with land divisions and fences, make this a difficult fire to contain.
Lahaina fire (initially reported 8/8): 85% contained. Estimated 2,170 acres. Five engines, three tankers and one ladder are on-site. Search and recovery continues.
Pūlehu/Kīhei fire (initially reported 8/8): Remains 100% contained. The Pūlehu/Kīhei fire was declared 100% contained Saturday. One Chinook, one engine, three tankers, two dozers, two utility on-site.
.
*Note: When a fire is 100% contained, that does not mean it has been extinguished. It means that firefighters have it fully surrounded by a perimeter. Once a fire is declared “extinguished,” then it’s over.
FEMA has 416 personnel in the state of Hawaiʻi, including the Administrator.
35 additional people coming from FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue division.
20 cadaver dogs will work the scene.
.
Maui Police Department [Sunday afternoon] confirmed fatalities remains at 93. On Sunday, Gov. Green said he does expect the numbers to rise.
Lahaina: FEMA maps show 2,207 structures damaged or destroyed in Lahaina. Estimated cost to rebuild in Lahaina is projected at $5.52 billion.
Kula/Olinda: There have been 19 homes destroyed in the wildfire that started Aug. 8, 2023, including three homes in Olinda and 16 in Kula. Estimated cost to rebuild in Upcountry is $434 million.
.
To expedite travel into West Maui, access placards will be distributed on Monday, Aug. 14, 2023. Maui Police say this is to ensure efficient traffic management and prioritize the safety of all road users.
Placards will be issued based on the following categories:
* West Maui Residents
* West Maui Resort Personnel
* First Responder Personnel
* Medical Personnel
* Utility Personnel
* County of Maui Personnel
* Supply Transport Personnel
* Volunteer Personnel
.
Volunteers will be granted 72-hour access passes. At the end of the 72 hours, a new placard will need to be obtained.
David Heath
@davidhth
Aug 7
Of all the PragerU propaganda you’ve seen, this might be the worst.
Frederick Douglass takes a dig at BLM while praising the founding fathers as abolitionists and calling the Constitution a “glorious liberty document.”
Florida is letting schools play this stuff.
Good Morning, Everyone😊😊😊