It’s not every day that one liberal Supreme Court justice publicly undercuts another—but here we are. In a stunning 8–1 decision striking down Colorado’s ban on so-called conversion therapy, even Elena Kagan felt compelled to call out the shaky reasoning of her colleague, Ketanji Brown Jackson. That’s not just a disagreement—that’s a flashing red warning light.
Jackson’s dissent didn’t just miss the mark; it revealed what critics have been saying all along: a troubling lack of grounding in longstanding legal principles.
And yet, on cue, the political defense squad rushed in. Enter Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who insists Jackson is “flexing her brilliance on the bench.”
Crockett’s response veers into familiar territory—suggesting that criticism of Jackson must be rooted in race. She writes:
“Please note that by the time a black woman ascends to a powerful position, she Definitely Earned It… if you have any questions… let’s talk about Senator, now Secretary Mullin… or please pull the resumes of some of the other justices before entering this chat… actually just don’t, it’s not a debate, these are FACTS (alternative facts = LIES).”
FACTS, in all caps, no less. Case closed—except it isn’t.
This is the problem with identity-first politics: it demands immunity from criticism. Jackson’s defenders would rather shout down dissent than engage with it. But the Supreme Court isn’t a participation trophy—it’s the highest legal body in the land. If your reasoning doesn’t hold up, it doesn’t matter who you are or how you got there.
And let’s talk about that résumé argument. Crockett takes a swipe at Markwayne Mullin, still trying to reduce him to “just a plumber.” Here’s a reality check: many Americans would gladly take practical, real-world experience over Ivy League theory that collapses under scrutiny. At least a plumber understands how things are supposed to work.
“Definitely Earned It,” Crockett insists. Maybe. But earning a seat doesn’t guarantee performance once you’re in it.
The real issue isn’t how Jackson got to the bench—it’s what she does on it. And if this dissent is any indication, the results are underwhelming. Saying she’d make a good junior judge might be the highest compliment available at this point.
When even your ideological allies start correcting your homework, it’s time to stop blaming critics and start doing better.
