Clarence Thomas and Horatio Alger

The New York Times has a long article (gift link) about Clarence Thomas’s relationship with the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. New revelations — and more vacations!

The Horatio Alger Association describes itself as dedicated to “the simple but powerful belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles.” The Times article describes the organization as dedicated to a “defining ethos of meritocratic success — that anyone can achieve the American dream with hard work, pluck and a little luck.” But anyone who’s read an Alger novel knows that success requires more than hard work and a little luck. A steady supply of luck is necessary, beginning with a chance encounter with a wealthy potential benefactor. The Alger success story is, really, a story of patronage. One might even call it a story of affirmative action, practiced not by institutions but by individuals.

If you haven’t yet seen it, the Frontline documentary “Clarence and Ginni Thomas: Politics, Power and the Supreme Court” is well worth watching.