Libs Gone Wild

NEWS & COMMENTARY

Capital Scene: Libs Gone Wild

By Cathi Herrod, President, Center for Arizona Policy
Jan. 25, 2006

PHOENIX -- On the cover of the most recent issue of Arizona Attorney, the Arizona State Bar Association's magazine for attorneys, is a depiction of a court building in flames. Why? Because the bar sees our calls for judicial reform as tantamount to destroying the judicial system.

In defense of Arizona’s current method of judicial selection and retention, the feature article sets up a straw man argument and attacks the direct election of judges, which we agree is not the right step toward reform. Only a few paragraphs throughout the magazine refer to our proposal to implement a modified federal model where the governor appoints judges subject to Senate confirmation. Senate confirmation is dismissed as being vulnerable to political whims, and the Founding Fathers’ wisdom in establishing a system of checks and balances between the three branches of government isn’t mentioned.

Perhaps the most outrageous false allegation and attack is the one aimed at values voters. In the author’s misguided and incorrect view, values voters simply want judges who will apply the law in accordance with values that come from a “higher source.” The legal establishment continues to protect its turf and demonstrate an unwillingness to honestly evaluate whether judges are making law rather than interpreting the law. That’s the debate. Judicial lawmaking remains one of our top concerns. Come on, Arizona Attorney – at least take the time to give us a call and learn firsthand about our concerns and beliefs. Let’s have a legitimate and honest discussion about judicial activism, not simply a slam job against anyone who disagrees with the legal establishment’s viewpoint.

One Hundred Geezer March

About 100 people showed up at the State Capitol today for the “Million Geezer March for Human Freedom and Human Dignity.” Demonstrators were carrying signs saying, “Let me Die Like a Dog,” “We Want the Right of Self-Determination,” and “Why do you Want Me To Die in Pain?” The group advocates for Arizona to pass an Oregon-style physician assisted suicide law.

Here are the facts: no one has to die a painful, agonizing death given the state of medical advances today. Palliative care, also known as pain management, is available to anyone in the final stages of life to alleviate pain and suffering. Thankfully, Rep. Doug Quelland, chair of the House Health Committee, and other legislative leaders recognize the duty of government to protect life at all stages and oppose any efforts to allow doctors to legally give medication to bring about their patients’ deaths.

Powerful School Choice Testimony

Today the House Education Committee took lengthy testimony from both sides regarding a number of school choice bills that would create educational choice scholarships for many families in Arizona. A powerful presentation was given by Virginia Walden Ford, director of D.C. Parents for School Choice. Walden Ford is a single mother in Washington, D.C., whose son was given a scholarship to attend a private school. She said his overall outlook on life changed, as well as his academic performance. She encouraged the committee to empower parents to choose the education they want for their children. "When parents have a choice," she said, "our kids have a chance." The committee will vote on the bills next Wednesday.