I've been thinking about the Alito flag story. It occurred to me that there may be a deeper issue.

[TomSlick]

11. I disagree fundamentally with most of his opinions but that isn't your question.

Written appellate decisions are not a useful diagnostic tool for the simple reason that Alito would not actually write the opinions. The clerks write the opinions. At best, Alito would give his clerks a broad outline and then edit the drafts. Loyal clerks would have a lot of opportunity to protect Alito from himself.

Paranoia and inappropriate anger as diagnostic signs or symptoms is your lane, not mine. However, from my layman's view point, both are apparent.

Everyone has bad days and does stupid things. However, the flag nonsense was just so over the top as to suggest something has gone bad in the wiring.