Bloomberg View: Gay Marriage and the Wisdom of Crowds
Nine justices, millions of opinions
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What Do You Care What Other People Think? is a book by the late physicist Richard Feynman, who cared at least a little. If one of the most independent minds of the 20th century was swayed by others’ impressions, it’s no surprise the nine justices of the U.S. Supreme Court are, too.
After oral arguments on the constitutionality of same-sex marriage, it’s clear the court can’t ignore what other people think—and can’t afford to. Support for same-sex marriage has come from politicians, elected officials, professional athletes, and the thousands gathered outside its doors on March 26. Opposition, though declining, is also passionate.