Clarence Thomas is the best example yet of why lifetime appointments need to end. The GOP knew that Thurgood Marshall's days on the bench were coming to a close, and they knew that his replacement would have to be an African-American to avoid them being called racist. Finding African-American conservatives, especially in a judicial capacity, was not as easy bill to fill. Enter Clarence Thomas. Black. Conservative. Young. He was groomed for Marshall's seat for years before his appointment, and has now been on the bench for almost 30 years. Thurgood Marshall must be rolling in his grave.