Toledo Blade: Question of ethics

http://www.toledoblade.com/Editorials/2011/06/26/Question-of-ethics.html

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ failure to report gifts, as well as his dealings with Dallas real estate mogul Harlan Crow, raise troubling questions that deserve answers.

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Supreme Court justices must follow laws that forbid conflicts of interest by federal officials, and must report the gifts they receive. Justice Thomas stopped disclosing his gifts in 2004 — the year the Los Angeles Times reported he had accepted $42,200 in gifts in the past six years, more than any other justice.

Justice Thomas’ unusual relationship with Mr. Crow shows why he and all other justices should adhere to the same ethical standards as other federal judges, and why annual gift disclosure by justices is a necessity. Preserving the court’s integrity is paramount; that means avoiding even the appearance of impropriety.

Supreme Court justices interpret the law of the land, but they have no right to behave as if they’re above it.

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Do you feel that, Clarence? The turning tide?