Samuel Alito has refused to recuse himself from an upcoming case related to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. The associate Supreme Court justice told Congress earlier this week that Democrats were unreasonable in insisting that he do so, saying, “It is therefore my duty to deny your request to recuse myself.”
Why did so many Democratic politicians and media figures decide that Alito would sit out the January 6 case? They believe he has proven he is sympathetic to former President Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election – and they cite two flags flying on Alito’s property as evidence.
One is an inverted American flag, the other is a pine flag with the words “Pray to Heaven” written on it. Much of the media suddenly decided that both sides had reached a telegraphed agreement with the right-wing pro-rebel camp. CNN called the Call to Heaven flag “a symbol of former President Donald Trump’s supporters.” New York Times pointed out that during the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, rioters raised two flags. MSNBC insisted that the pine flag was not only a flag of support for the insurrection but also of Christian nationalism and suggested that Alito should also recuse himself from abortion-related cases.
However, the idea that Trump’s election-related malfeasance could be supported anywhere, anytime, whether it’s a pine flag or an upside-down American flag, is absurd. The American flag is often flipped by activists representing a variety of issues, often representing dissatisfaction with the country’s current status quo. The “prayer” flag has an equally wide range of uses; it originated during the Revolutionary War, quoting the philosopher John Locke to defend resistance to unjust authority. Protesters have used it for their own purposes throughout American history. Just weeks before January 6, the Black Lives Matter movement was using it.
Indeed, some of those who smashed the windows of the U.S. Capitol and argued with police carried that flag, the Gadsden flag and other symbols of freedom — including the American flag itself. This does not mean that these flags should be viewed as exclusive symbols of the far right. In fact, people should boycott cede Pro-liberty portraits of the far right.
Alito said the flags had nothing to do with him and were put up by his wife during a dispute with neighbors. It’s certainly possible that Martha-Ann Alito was a supporter of the Stop the Steal movement. (Ginni Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, is certainly sympathetic.) The flags, however, are not compelling evidence of this. Nor does it necessarily mean Alito should recuse himself from such cases. If liberal judges fly the pride flag, are they expected to recuse themselves from cases related to same-sex marriage? Or that criminal justice related cases would occur if they had a Black Lives Matter sign in their front yard? No.
For decades, San Francisco City Hall has flown the “Ask Heaven” flag and other treasured patriotic banners. In response to Alito’s controversy, the city announced this week that it had removed the flag. This is crazy. Re-reconnaissance in progress. That picture of a pine tree is not a symbol of right-wing hate; Cowards are turning it into one.
I’m back with Amber Duke to discuss Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s EV push, MSNBC’s pricing chaos, Trump’s interview with Tim Pool , Robert DeNiro’s stunts, and more.
I’m playing a new video game! Nintendo releases remaster Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for the switch. I originally played this game in college and it was just as much fun as I remembered. this paper mario The series combines typical Mario platforming action with role-playing combat strategy and a surprising amount of hilarious dialogue and complex storytelling. If you own a Nintendo Switch, this game is well worth buying.
