[mturmon]

I’m a government contractor. Every year I take a training course on just this topic. If I don’t take the course, my direct supervisor will personally ensure that I do.

I may not accept gifts from anyone that I (or my spouse) have business with, or might have business with, as part of my job. The dollar threshold used to be $10. They raised it a few years ago to $25. So now I can accept a coffee mug from SpaceX, but probably not a polo shirt.

If I have any questions, there is an ethics office that I can (must) talk to about whatever situation arises.

This setup is pretty common for people who are paid by the government, and it was instated for very good reasons that we’re all aware of.

I have nothing but contempt for this behavior on the part of Clarence Thomas. He is so far over the line. It’s outrageous.