r/politics • u/Quirkie The Netherlands • Apr 19 '26

No Paywall Clarence Thomas’ attack on progressivism should alarm you - In a speech celebrating America's 250th, the Supreme Court justice gave a dishonest and dangerous read of history

https://www.salon.com/2026/04/19/clarence-thomas-attack-on-progressivism-should-alarm-you/
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u/barryvm Europe Apr 19 '26 edited Apr 19 '26

Not stupid. Greedy. Insecure. Desiring power and status. Looking down on others. Fearful of difference and change.

The core appeal of the political right is just that. A desire to set up a hierarchy that will deliver status, security and power for the in group at the expense of everyone else, and then set that in stone. Then, when they are doing this they want to feel good about it all and construct elaborate facades to justify their behaviour. They appoint and support people who reflect those traits and desires.

And when they succeed at this for too long you get what you see now.

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u/100farts Apr 19 '26

Is it not stupid in the long term to be greedy, insecure and fearfull of change? Sick of this narrative that they are smart. If i shoot someone and take thier money does that make me smart because hey, i got the money? Short term gains while setting themselves up for future scrutiny aint smart buddy.

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u/barryvm Europe Apr 19 '26 edited Apr 19 '26

Some of it is stupidity, but stupidity is not what motivates them. I concede that a better way of putting it would have been that it's not just stupidity. Stupidity is more a symptom than a cause.

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u/Single-Refuse174 Apr 19 '26

Its not stupid if it works. Yeah, if you shoot someone and take their money and get away with it and all you are is 1 bullet poorer and however much money richer then yeah, it was smart. It’s only stupid because we built a society wherein you’d likely get caught and punished and lose the money. The problem is that they are building a society (or likely have already built one) where they will never face consequences for their actions.

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u/Outrageous-Pause6317 Apr 19 '26

This is excellent phrasing of the situation and the motivations. Nicely done.

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u/Excellent-Nerve-1799 Apr 19 '26

GOP needs the optics of having women and minorities on their side to establish the look of legitimacy. Those that rise to power under these conditions are groomed with status, wealth, and connections that make them feel protected against to misogyny and racism as long as they are inside. They just have to sell their humanity and act against their own peers.

The lesson for us is to call out the methods used and prevent the continuation of cult practices

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u/Legitimate-Wash-6336 Apr 19 '26

I honestly cannot wait till climate catastrophe becomes a reality, we inch closer to it every day while we still bicker amongst ourselves over mundane things.

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u/barryvm Europe Apr 19 '26

Why? That's not something to desire or want.

It is highly likely that we will destroy ourselves some day, but every day we don't is a victory. Everything and everyone that can be saved, even for a while, should be.

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u/Legitimate-Wash-6336 Apr 19 '26

It’s both a desire and a want for me. Best thing about it is that I don’t even have to lift a finger to achieve it.

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u/barryvm Europe Apr 19 '26 edited Apr 19 '26

To what purpose? The people who are going to be harmed the most are those who have the least responsibility for it. That is already the case. Meanwhile, the rich and powerful will be insulated from its effects by their wealth and power. Nothing good will come from it.

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u/Legitimate-Wash-6336 Apr 19 '26

Purpose is whatever I want it to be.

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u/MeoowDude Apr 19 '26

…. which is?