Dignified Public Servants: Judiciary Edition

Hey, at least he didn't shoot anybody:

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia used an Italian hand gesture when questioned by a reporter after attending church this past weekend.

The Boston Herald reported Monday that the justice made "an obscene gesture under his chin" -- which prompted some online reports that Scalia had used his middle finger.

Untrue.

"It was a hand off the chin gesture that was meant to be dismissive," Supreme Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg said.

Scalia, 70, is Italian and known for wisecracks in and out of court.

What a joker! Boy, I sure am glad Ms. Arberg cleared up that pernicious bit of slander about Nino. I believe her, too -- using the middle finger would improperly encroach upon the prerogative of the unitary executive branch.