Can America's legal system survive another week like last week?

Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over former President Donald Trump's first criminal trial in New York, made a $15 campaign contribution to President Joe Biden's presidential campaign on July 26, 2020. The inconsequential donation has opened the judge up to attacks of bias by those in the legal community. At least one former Manhattan prosecutor commented how it was a "bad look" when the news broke last Thursday.  That's right. A $15 donation is a bad look, even by some on the left.  Just to keep the contribution in context, IssueOne.org reported in December of 2020 that $4.9 billion was spent on the 2020 Presidential Campaign by all campaigns and outside groups, averaging to about $22 per voter.  On Wednesday, Pro Publica reported extensively on Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and a pattern of unlawful failures to disclose luxury travel accommodations and financial benefits given to him by Republican megadonor, Harlan Crow. These undisclosed gifts were a little pricier than Merchan's measly gesture. One trip alone is estimated to have been worth $500,000.  That's right. There is a luxury trip to somewhere on Earth that is worth half a million dollars. I would have guessed for that kind of money, SpaceX could have sent Justice Thomas to Jupiter.  As Gene Autry sang: "The stars at night, are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas!" The Lone Star State's disdain for the rule law was bigger and brighter than anywhere last week. Connect with Michael Leppert Visit michaelleppert.com to read the full post and links to any resources or articles mentioned. Twitter @michaelleppert  Facebook at Michael Leppert