Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas this week warned that progressivism — a political ideology pushed by left-wing politicians — threatens the country and American ideals.
“Progressivism seeks to replace the basic premises of the Declaration of Independence and hence our form of government,” Justice Thomas said.
He issued his remarks Wednesday at the University of Texas at Austin, intended to mark the significance of the country’s 250th birthday.
Justice Thomas, the court’s most senior member, said there is a spirit of “cynicism, rejection, hostility and animus” within the country.
As an example, the George H.W. Bush appointee said the Declaration of Independence has “fallen out of favor” with Americans.
“[Progressivism] holds that our rights and our dignities come not from God, but from government,” he said. “It requires of the people a subservience and weakness incompatible with a constitution premised on the transcendent origin of our rights.”
Justice Thomas, while speaking broadly, urged Americans to return to founding ideals rather than follow the direction politics is taking. He also pushed for discourse to be civil.
“In my view, we must find in ourselves that same level of courage that the signers of the Declaration have so that we can do for our future what they did for theirs,” the justice said.
Justice Thomas has served on the high court for 35 years.
With the midterm elections approaching, court watchers have pondered whether he — or Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. — will retire. Justice Thomas is 77 years old. Justice Alito, appointed by President George W. Bush, is 76.
