John Clark on What Justice Scalia Can Still Teach Us

"Many of the news stories about the recently-departed Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg have highlighted the fact that she and her late colleague Antonin Scalia shared a close friendship. Reporters often ask in bewilderment How could that be? How is it possible that an originalist and a progressive could share anything approaching civility, much less friendship? In our current me-versus-everyone-who-disagrees-with-me culture, it is important that we address that question.

"In her eulogy for Antonin Scalia, Ginsburg quoted him when asked how he could be friends with Ginsburg. Scalia answered: 'I attack ideas; I don't attack people. Some very good people have some very bad ideas. And if you can't separate the two, you've got to get another day job.'

"For a man noted for his brilliant opinions, Antonin Scalia may have never offered us better counsel. So much sadness and misery in our world today could be lessened if we followed his advice. So many worthwhile friendships could be gained."

In a recent commentary, writer John Clark reflected on some of the lessons one might learn from the friendship of Justices Scalia and Ginsburg..

To access Mr. Clark's complete post, please visit:

National Catholic Register: Blogs: John Clark: What Justice Scalia Can Still Teach Us (24 SEP 20)