Tell the FBI that the kidnappers should pick out a judge that Nixon wants back.

In this quote, William O. Douglas, a former U.S. Supreme Court justice, offers a sarcastic and political remark about the influence of Richard Nixon on the judicial system. The comment refers to a situation where kidnappers might be involved in a crime and are given the suggestion to select a judge who would align with Nixon's preferences. This is a subtle critique of Nixon’s tendency to appoint judges who were sympathetic to his political agenda. Douglas, through humor, highlights concerns about the politicization of the judiciary, suggesting that such manipulation could extend even to the selection of judges in criminal cases.

The sarcasm in the quote reflects Douglas’s disdain for Nixon’s perceived abuse of power during his presidency. Specifically, it points to the way Nixon was seen to have influenced the selection of judges, ensuring that those who were appointed to the courts would be loyal to his administration. By suggesting the kidnappers pick a judge Nixon “wants back,” Douglas implies that Nixon had control over the judiciary, undermining its supposed independence.

The origin of this quote comes from Douglas’s critical stance on political interference with the judiciary, a theme he frequently explored during his time on the Supreme Court. Douglas, known for his liberal views, was often outspoken against the actions of the Nixon administration, particularly during the Watergate scandal. This comment fits within a broader pattern of Douglas's critiques of government overreach and his concerns about the erosion of civil liberties during times of political tension.

Ultimately, Douglas’s quote serves as a sharp commentary on the way the Nixon administration was perceived to manipulate the judiciary for its own ends. It highlights the potential dangers of political influence in legal matters, where justice should ideally be blind and impartial, rather than subject to the whims of those in power. Through sarcasm, Douglas calls attention to a serious concern about the politicization of justice and the threat it posed to the integrity of the legal system.