WHEN? At what point, exactly, thousands of American citizens must be wondering today, is it legally possible to oust a man from public office – a man who has been duly set apart to be a “judge” among them; one who by verbal statements and by his official actions, demonstrates he does not believe in the very principles on which his official status is founded, how long should be allowed to continue in office?
The specific case is current news from the State of Vermont, a site of frequent oddities in political matters. Now, in addition to having a screaming governor who, when under stress, startled the nation - and actually frightened more than we know by giving forth with a frantic, soul-depth cry which has yet to be examined for ultimate meaning or roots. We are now hearing a cry from another quarter of governmental powers - the judicial side. When is it time for the people to exercise restrictions on authority when such power are mis-used or improperly applied.
In this case a judge has handed down a sentence of six months in jail for a convicted sex offense against a minor, and a second man charged in the same crime has been placed on parole. The Judge, explain in his strange actions has stated that he does not believe that punishment prevents crime. Are judge on their own? Are they above the bodies of men who made the laws he vowed to uphold when named to be a judge who would empower t
This case involves but a single judge in one state, but it also suggests that it may be time for all of us to become aware of the tremendous changes which may well be taking place in our form of government. I have, purposely, omitted any mentions of those concerning the accused, the specific judge or the court involved. All that is the proper business of the people of Vermont, not of my area. In cannot act in the matter. I can be concerned, but it up to the good people of the State of Vermont to decide what, if anything, is to be done in this rather unusual manifestation of weaknesses in our system. We all have such irresponsibilities regarding other aspects of sound governing. For example, a number of states voters need to step on a few congressional toes to urge the elimination of some of the comedy routines some members perform so well during acts they call “Hearings” which are often more like “Tellings”, “Pointing's” and
political playthings.
This is wake-up time for many of us.
A.L.M. January 14, 2006 [c446wds]
