In a guest editorial in today's Spokesman-Review, Justice Richard Sanders slaps Mrs. Gregoire for trying to influence the state Supreme Court races
when [Mrs.] Gregoire involves herself in judicial campaigns, she is undermining the court's independence by sending an unmistakable message to members of the judiciary about which side their bread is buttered on. Stand up for private rights against government encroachment and she'll raise big bucks to replace you, and vice versa.Conclusion:
I think you've already had plenty of influence over who sits on the courts. Hands off these elections. This is the time the people decide who sits on our courts, not the governor [sic].Posted by Stefan Sharkansky at August 25, 2006 11:45 AM | Email This
That is a very troubling statement for those of us who follow the Libertarian path. My biggest problem with the Democrats is their trampling on private prpoerty rights. The recent SCOTUS decision approving the taking of private land so that the assets could be sold to greedy developers represents the triumph of Democrats destroying individual property rights.
Apparently Queen Chrissie has put our Supreme court on notice that they'll be "turned out" if they don't go along with bigger and bibber government (all for the glory of egotistical leftist, like Gregoire). The trampling upon the rights of indiciduals to enjoy their private property is an abomination against the Constitution.
At least Stefan's blog is calling attention to our autocratic governor. On Goldy's blog, they can't get enough of Gregoire and her arrogant mindset. One particular rodent over there even went so far as to dictate to me that private property rights were merely an illusion. This harebrain's contention was that property rights could be taken asay at the discretion of the government. He saw nothing sacred about ownership.
Private property rights are sacred. When neo-socialists like Gregoire imply they'll punish judges who agree with this law we all have a lot to worry about.
The sooner crackpots with Chrissie's views are replaced, the safer we'll all be to enjoy our property rights.
Posted by: Libertarian on August 25, 2006 12:11 PMA real Supreme court, untouched by democrat party influence, would never let Deanron's shenanigans in the King County elections department stand.
By telling Queen Christine to get her hands off the WASC races, he's also pointing out how we the people can get her grubby hands off the other races.
Posted by: Steve_dog on August 25, 2006 12:19 PMMakes for an interesting contrast with the former AG, doesn't it? It's the rule of law and what's best for society as a whole, rather than pecuniary machinations.
Gregoire offends on so many levels that it's difficult to grasp the enormity of the problem.
Posted by: scott158 on August 25, 2006 12:45 PMBy jove, you've got it. Private party interest groups - like the trial lawyers and BIAW - are 'diffrent' from the head of the Executive Branch of government. Whew. Thanks. I was confused there for a second.
Posted by: jimg on August 25, 2006 01:38 PMStefan has become the scourge or the lightning rod for every election related item emanating from the Queen and her royal court (Sims- the court jester). He is looked to by the meek and the masses (like me) as the Robin Hood of crooked elections. He steals votes from the Democrats (which they stole in the elections) and gave them back to the poor. It is a neverending battle for truth, justice and the American way.
Sanders has taken on the Queen much the same way.
Posted by: swatter on August 25, 2006 02:02 PMhttp://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2003118486_judgespac11.html
Posted by: danw on August 25, 2006 02:35 PMThe judiciary *is* up for sale in this State by virtue of the fact that members of the Court are directly elected. If anything, the Governor is trying to remedy the disadvantage both incumbents face given the manner in which their opponents have conducted themselves.
Frankly, I think it's ridiculous that we directly elect justices for the simple reason that they too must now pander to the electorate like politicians. When we force judges to act like politicians the integrity of our system -- the checks and balances of our government -- is broken.
Posted by: Mens Rea on August 25, 2006 03:53 PMI particularly laugh at this line.......
"If anything, the Governor is trying to remedy the disadvantage both incumbents face given the manner in which their opponents have conducted themselves."
The INCUMBENTS have a disadvantage?????????????
INCUMBENTS NEVER HAVE A DISADVANTAGE YOU KLOWN!
Bad Try====No Sale
Either you are fine with politicizing judicial races or your not. You can't be ok when one side does it and not when the other side does.
Once again, I haven't actually READ the Washington state constitution, just been told (by a reliable source) that's what the scoop is in these parts.
Whine about perfectly legal contributions to candidates she doesn't like; while effectively using the power of her public office to raise huge sums of money for PACs that will support left-wing liberal incumbent judges to her liking.
Posted by: Methow Ken on August 25, 2006 10:55 PMbecause of recent history, i trust no one--count your change--after the last election, attempts to kill our initiative process, 90+ 'emergency' bills, votes found post-election, 2-3 election recounts--i simply don't trust Olympia; THEY have to re-earn my trust; given the right forces and money, anything can be done or changed by Olympia; we can only be vigilant;
Posted by: Jimmie-howya-doin on August 25, 2006 11:42 PMThat is not among their priorities. Matter of fact...it's actually antithetical to their mindset. Theirs is an agenda of pecuniary interests with brass knuckle sensibilities. The things that you care about are seen not just as speed bumps along the way, but rather represent the enemy.
Posted by: scott158 on August 26, 2006 12:30 AMThanks for calling a spade a spade.
I weigh in with Jimmie. If wanting an election process I can trust, judicial impartiality, the right to own property and do with as I please (within reason), freedom, liberty and the persuit of happiness - than PLEASE call me a rightwing crank. I will wear the title proudly!
I also concede that Olympia doesn't give a rat's a$$ about guys like Jimmie and I.
Posted by: Jeffro on August 26, 2006 08:24 AMOlympia only cares about me to the extent that I continue to pay my "tributes". No quid pro quo, no accountability, not even breakfast in the morning ;'}
Fraudoire's conduct is typical - crass, craven, and shameless. The scummiest of political hacks - no wonder giffy is so taken with her!
Posted by: alphabet soup on August 26, 2006 08:47 AMSo what do we do? We play by the rules the game demands - even when they are unwritten.
Quit whining about the other side and pony up like the Builders and others who support conservative judges.
Posted by: deadwood on August 26, 2006 10:06 AMtell me as a voter to f-off for logical, sensible or well-thought reasons and i'll respect you; just don't jack me around with lots of crap about how illegals should vote and how over 90+ bills need to be 'emergencies'--like used-car salesmen, olympia legislators do it to themselves and then wonder why they are the skunks at the wedding;
Posted by: Jimmie-howya-doin on August 26, 2006 12:56 PM