The Carrot

When it comes to Supreme Court reform, John Oliver is tired of just talking about term limits and ethics codes. Instead, the late-night talk show host said he’s taking a page out of the playbook used by the rich and powerful, who the comedian said routinely lavish gifts on public servants to curry favor.

“If we’re going to keep the bar of accountability this low, perhaps it’s time to exploit that low bar the same way billionaires have successfully done for decades,” Oliver said on Sunday’s episode of HBO’s “Last Week Tonight,” before announcing the offer he had for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas: $1 million per year if he steps down from his post immediately.

Oliver is also throwing in a brand new, $2.4 million motor coach that’s outfitted with a king-size bed, four televisions and a fireplace — a potential deal sweetener for Thomas, who has come under fire for receiving significant gifts and favors from a network of wealthy friends and patrons. [WaPo]

It’s sort of the way of capitalism, isn’t it? But it’s confusion of one sector of society with another: money in the legal system, used to buy favorable outcomes, is generally labeled corruption when it heaves into public view, isn’t it?

I’m sure no one on the right will suggest seriously that Thomas take the … it isn’t a bribe, is it? Well, anyways. Maybe Warren Buffet can step into the breach and battle side by side with Thomas to offer even more.