John, I’ll cut to the chase: I’m furious that yet another Supreme Court justice has now been linked to the violent “Stop the Steal” movement – with recently-released photos of Justice Samuel Alito flying multiple pro-insurrection flags at his homes after January 6th. [1]
Common Cause is preparing our next steps, and we want to hear directly from members like you – what do you think should happen in response to Alito’s actions? Click below to record your vote, and if you’d like, tell us why once you've voted:
Justice Alito is reported to have flown an upside-down American flag and the “Appeal To Heaven” flag outside of his homes, both of which are overt symbols of support for former President Trump’s efforts to overthrow the 2020 election. [1]
And John, Justice Alito had a choice. By actively deciding to fly these flags, he violated his oath to the Constitution and sent a clear signal to the insurrectionists – and all Americans for whom he is supposed to serve – that he supported that deadly attack on our democracy.
All nine justices agreed to a weak, non-binding code of conduct last year because they knew public trust in the Court was at an all-time low. [2]
They promised to refrain from doing anything that would cast doubt on their ability to rule impartially – but clearly Justice Alito did not take this seriously. Now, what happens next will be the first major test of whether they really meant it.
John, what do you think? Take our quick poll to let us know how we should respond to this issue and share your thoughts if you’d like.
In a democracy, people are going to disagree with each other – and I don’t expect every public figure to agree with me on every issue. That’s why I’m grateful that we have a democracy where We The People can come together and resolve those differences.
John, Justice Alito holds one of the highest offices in our democracy – one which he himself was not elected to but can serve for life – and it is his duty to interpret and uphold our Constitution.
So when he instead openly sides with those who took up arms against our democracy, and who want to destroy our ability to choose our own future, how can we ever trust him again?
I’m glad to hear from Common Cause members like you in this moment. Thank you for all you are doing for our democracy.
Virginia Kase Solomón, President and CEO
and the team at Common Cause
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/22/us/justice-alito-flag-appeal-to-heaven.html
[2] https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/07/21/favorable-views-of-supreme-court-fall-to-historic-low/
