Hitting the Nail

Bad writers never figure out that real writing is mostly about thinking clearly, fitting the pieces together in a graceful way. Its not about flowery writing or complex words.

Occasionally, a writer puts it all together in a way that works. Whatever you may think of Michael Kinsley or his position on Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, the following phrase is tight and hits the nail on the head:

The standard for becoming chief justice ought to be a bit higher than the standard for staying out of jail.