Among the many comments I have read over the past two days about the overturning of Roe, one struck out in particular. The decisions this year have been more about culture than about the particular issue before it. Much of that culture can be seen, not just in last Friday’s decision but in the many other decisions, many of which are under the radar for people who do not look at the several dozen decisions by the Court.
A number of free speech decisions came out of the court, two unanimous. The City of Boston could not refuse to fly a Christian flag at City Hall if it had permitted other groups to fly their flags, most notably a LGBT flag. And the Court ruled that an elected body had the right to censure its members for public statements just as the member had the right to make his or her statement, even though outrageous.
The Court also ruled that the State of Texas violated religious freedom in denying an inmate facing execution the right to have his pastor pray with him aloud in the chamber. Although vaccination rules in broad workplaces could not be required those rules could be required in health care facilities. CIA “black sites” need not be disclosed, but former presidents had no right to executive privilege and had to release White House records on the January 6 riots. It should be noted that Thomas was the lone dissenter.
Prayer for the Day
We pray, O God, for courts that dispense justice and mercy,
For we know the two are intertwined in our lives;
We pray for judges who look beyond the immediate issue
And see the long range implications of their decisions.
Grant, God of righteousness, that we have honest judges
So that laws are used to free the oppressed.
In the name of the One who is your instrument of righteousness,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
If you want to know what justice is, let injustice pursue you.
- Eugenio Maria de Hostas, Puerto Rican activist (1839-1903)
Since when do you have to agree with people to defend them from injustice?
- Lillian Hellman, American playwright (1905-1984)
You must not distort justice; you must now show partiality;
And you must not accept bribes, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise
And subverts the cause of those who are in the right.
Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue…
Deuteronomy 16: 19-20