Washington Portraits

In Agnes Ernst Meyer’s piece, “Washington Portraits,” Katherine Graham’s mother outlines her encounter with three Supreme Court Justices in the 1930s, Justice Louis D. Brandies, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and Benjamin Cardozo. Meyer describes Brandeis as a man who self-imposed restraint on life’s comforts, Holmes as a justice more interested in the substance of literature rather than its form, and Cardozo as a man who embodied “soul,” which she defines as daily striving towards a higher quality of being.

Although these three justices had different lives, personalities, and religions, they were all remarkable men in their own right. They pushed the boundaries of law, and possessed the mentality to strive for truth during their time with the High Court. In light of our recent visit to the Supreme Court and short visit with Chief Justice Roberts, my beliefs have only been reinforced. Oral arguments showed each justice's own style to find the truth. I used to believe that experience on the bench defined the justice, that John Marshall solidified his character through the Marbury vs. Madison case. But now I believe that these justices come to the bench with these values instilled in them. While congress members often act upon legislation differently, I believe that they are, ideally, fighting for the same goal, to do what is best for America. All of these men represent a portrait of Washingtonians, individuals who strive to create change for the better.

Meyer’s describes her Washington as a place where “one knows personally all the public figures that stalk across the news and one’s life takes on a breath that is not possible in any occupation.” In today’s Washington, the divide is very evident between the public figures on the tv screen and the average citizen that lives in the district. The economic crisis has only heightened the distinction between “Wall Street” and “Main Street.” Yet walking around the monuments and listening to oral arguments still instills a breath of knowledge and political excitement. Today’s Washingtonians may not all have Cardozo’s soul, yet there are too many District residents, such as Chief Justice Roberts, who are still an example of a Washington Portrait.