Avast ye! A judge be blastin' Alito for messin' with trust and playin' favorites over a flag quarrel. Arrr!
2024-05-26
Arrrgh! Judge Michael Ponsor, a landlubber appointed by Bill Clinton, be talkin' 'bout the Justice Alito flag debauchery and claimin' it be dishonorable! Ye best be watchin' yer manners on them seas, lest ye be walkin' the plank!
In a comical 17th-century pirate language, Judge Michael Ponsor, a federal judge appointed by Bill Clinton, scolded Justice Samuel Alito for flying an upside-down flag at his home, labeling it unethical and dumb. The flag, a symbol used by Trump supporters questioning the 2020 election results, was seen at Alito's residence following the Jan. 6 riot. Ponsor criticized the Supreme Court, stating that judges should not take sides to maintain public trust.Alito claimed it was his wife who hung the flag in response to a neighbor's insults. Ponsor emphasized that judges and their spouses should avoid actions that could embarrass them or complicate their professional lives.Another Trump supporter symbol, the "Appeal to Heaven" flag, was also spotted at Alito's New Jersey beach house. Ponsor stressed that ethical behavior should be intrinsic to judges, regardless of laws or regulations. He previously called for a formal ethical apparatus for the Supreme Court in a 2023 op-ed.Democratic lawmakers and media members are urging Alito to recuse himself from Trump-related cases due to the flag controversy. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez demanded a Senate investigation into Alito's ties with Capitol rioters, emphasizing the need to defend democracy.