This Is Just Weird

This is a curious commissioned portrait of Martha-Ann Alito by Igor Babailov.

Only one book can be identified on the shelf. Note the miniature of the Lion of Saint Mark, the stained glass image of Saint Martha, and the symbolic lillies and irises.

A rabbit hole🧵1/9 pic.twitter.com/uinvhlsaQY

— Lockdown Book Detective (@BookLockdown) May 25, 2024

The really curious part is the least visible here:

Somewhat difficult to discern above Martha-Ann Alito’s head is a quotation from Luke 10:40-42: “Une seule chose est nécessaire.”

Do we infer that Martha may be “troubled about many things”…?

Disturbing yard signs?

The neighbors?

Critics? 2/9 pic.twitter.com/mL1VoTWyxM

— Lockdown Book Detective (@BookLockdown) May 25, 2024

A curiously arrogant reference. Then again, humble people don’t commission portraits of themselves. Apparently the better part she has chosen is to align herself with God. Or, as is more likely, to align God with herself.

I say that because:

'Make her stop': Alito's neighbors say his wife launched harassment campaign after Jan. 6 https://t.co/BducZvCbPa

— Raw Story (@RawStory) May 29, 2024

“In the Baden family’s version, the justice’s wife initiated the conflict,” the Times reports. 

Baden recounts seeing Mrs. Alito lingering outside their home and glaring at the couple after the riots, according to the report. Baden also remembers driving by the Alitos’ home with her then-boyfriend the day of President Joe Biden’s inauguration. 

“Mrs. Alito ran toward their car and yelled something they did not understand,” the Times reports. “The couple continued driving, they said, and as they passed the Alito home again to exit the cul-de-sac, Mrs. Alito appeared to spit toward the vehicle.” 

The following month, there was yet another hostile encounter, according to the Times. 

“The couple were pulling in trash bins when the Alitos, who seemed to be on a stroll, appeared.” the Times reports. “Mrs. Alito addressed the pair by name, used an expletive and called them 'fascists,' the couple told The Times and said in texts at the time.” 

This is when Baden admits she used expletives of her own. 

“She does not remember her precise words, but recalls something like [the following]” the Times reports: 

“How dare you behave this way. You’ve been harassing us, over signs. You represent the highest court in the land. Shame on you.”

She seems nice. And not at all to have chosen the better part.