Well, he’s wrong. It doesn’t matter if these are close friends (that’s merely a distracting statement — it has no bearing on the law).
Gifts that could influence violate the law. It doesn’t matter if it is a 25 year old friend. It should have been reported AND TURNED DOWN.
Thomas is corrupt. He even admits it.
@TheNewsOwl “I sought guidance from my colleagues and others in the judiciary and was advised that this sort of personal hospitality from close personal friends, who did not have business before the Court, was not reportable” omg
This is called quid pro quo. It is the basis of corruption — get them in your pocket early. He doesn’t HAVE to have business with the court for it to be corruption.
Thomas is PRETENDING the law says “except for close friends” — it does not.
He is making shit up.