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Review: My Grandfather's Son: A Memoir 7/20/2008 8:02:12 AM
Below is my review of "My Grandfather's Son: A Memoir". Written by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas Reggie Johnson's sales training programs, audio cds are available at http://www.success-tapes.com
This book moved me to tears; I become emotional when exposed to all things of beauty. It touched me because it proved to me, once again … there is fairness, truth, and justice … in this land called America.
Prevalent among memorable dates in history are the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the murder of President John F. Kennedy, and the slaughter of Martin Luther King. Days that shall live in infamy with me ... are the confirmation hearings of Judge Clarence Thomas.
I am writing this review on the day of the Republican primary (in South Carolina). Being seriously considered in the Democratic primary; are a black man and a white woman … as they walk through doors opened by Clarence Thomas and other pioneers in our country’s rich history.
It is also two days before the birthday of Martin Luther King. There is a certain irony (as I digress) because I remember thinking, while watching the confirmation hearing of Judge Thomas … this should be a day of joy, hope, and celebration for all Americans … regardless of ethnic background … for surely this man represents the essence of the ideals promulgated by Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, W.E.B. Dubois, John F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King.
Yet he was being castrated, castigated, and crucified … by cowards with hidden agendas. I thought if ever a time was needed for so-called leaders to step up … this was it. Instead, some of them joined the fray … and threw stones of damnation, demagoguery, and defamation … for personal and political gains.
My Grandfather’s Son vividly captures the anguish; Judge Thomas’ family and friends had to endure. His sister was among them. Like many others kissed by the sun; she had been a life-long Democrat … only to watch her party disparage her brother and call him: “Every name but a child of God.”
A steadfast supporter was the most powerful man in the country; President George H.W. Bush. The opposition did not have truth on their side. However, this did not prevent them from denigrating Judge Thomas.
Political advisors counseled expediency and withdrawal of his nomination. President Bush unwaveringly stood by this obscure, proud, black man, from Pinpoint, Georgia. Reading My Grandfather’s Son; highlighted the gratification I felt after witnessing profiles in courage, fortitude, and conviction.
I encourage everyone to explore this marvelous memoir. It is well documented, intriguing to read, and covers an important time in our country’s history. Purchase it not because the author is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court … get it because he is the personification of a grandfather’s son, an American hero … and God’s child.
