The recent assassination attempt on the life of a US Supreme Court Justice should send shivers through our nation. The judiciary is a vital pillar of our constitutional republic. Shameful enough that someone violated the privacy and integrity of that third branch by leaking a draft court opinion. An act of selfish disregard of an institution of contemplative and congenial endeavors. That act also sullied the reputation and potential careers of fellow employees. No spine exists in the leaker’s character to step forward and self-identify. (At least until a book/promotional deal is funded.) No honor for the special interest/idealogue/group who publicaly posted home addresses of justices.
Armed with a gun, knife and implements for burglary/hostage taking a young man upset by the leaked opinion arrived at the home of a justice of our Supreme Court. Luckily, US Marshals were on duty to provide security. The assassin apparently walked away at the sight of armed protection. Initial news reports indicated that the would be killer then called 911 and turned himself in. Calling 911 while blocks away from his sighting of law enforcement didn’t quite make sense to Papa. Run away or come back to strike another day or seek out a different target. Hard to know with a dearth of news; especially from a few major news sources that didn’t judge the story big enough to get near the front page.
However, as an old time news broadcaster used to say, there’s always the rest of the story. The potential assassin’s strike to the heart of the rule of law met up with the intercession of his Guardian Angel. Thankfully, after seeing security at the justice’s home, the wanna be killer texted his sister. His subsequent call to 911 was apparently made at her urging. An act of sibling love that may have prevented untold damage our country. A lesson that in tough times, contact with a sibling is a good idea. A small portion of good news on this Flag Day.