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Civil Politics: We are enveloped by childish demagoguery.
The political equivalent of the World Wrestling Federation
permeates the airwaves. “Food fights” blare daily on cable news. Guests representing two diff Negative partisan political attack ads are
the ultimate polarizing tool. Stereotyping
and using half-truths and innuendo to demonize one’s opponent provides
short-term political gain. Presidential
campaigns are some of the more egregious offenders. Those holding or seeking the highest office
in the land set the standard for civility and good manners with 60-second
spots. The bar is low. What difference does it make and why should
our association become involved? One
needs only to look back over the last few legislative sessions to
understand the tremendous impact the legislative process has on our
profession. Budgetary constraints have increased pressure
for adequate funding for legal services, the court system, and more
recently, the public defender’s office.
The Legislature has power of the purse, and at times, it appears
that the Court, an equal branch of government, is treated akin to
a department for funding purposes. Currently, The solution is Draconian staff cuts with
significant negative impact. Already,
individual public defenders are handling twice as many cases as recommended
by Now the good news. A
laudable bipartisan initiative offered the Board of Public Defense
a kind of iou with the promise of pushing for
restored funding early next year.
The governor supports $7.6 million in stop-gap funding and
the legislative leadership — Senators Dean Johnson, DFL, and Dick
Day, Republican, and Representatives Steve Sviggum,
Republican, and Matt Entenza, DFL, joined
the governor in urging the Board to reconsider cutting the staff.
On the strength of those assurances, the Board agreed not to
lay off staff at this time. They
will spend down their budget at a more rapid rate in anticipation
of receiving funding sufficient to match the deficiency during the
next legislative session. The immediate crisis is averted. Nothing compelled these leaders to take
bold and courageous bipartisan action.
There is nothing in it for them.
Pledging monetary support for a system that defends individuals
charged with criminal conduct is not a hot button voter-attracting
proposal. Lawyers appreciate the importance and impact
of the public defenders on the people they represent and on the court’s
case-processing ability, but indigent defendants who are directly
benefited don’t storm the polls on Election Day.
This is simply the right thing to do and rising above the political
fray is a noble act. Bipartisan support for the measure is equally
encouraging. Without fanfare,
but with quiet dignity, leaders from both major political parties
pledged their support for fair administration of justice. Just as unseemly conduct by those in government
should be discouraged, positive conduct deserves encouragement. Positive reinforcement is a powerful motivator.
Take a couple of minutes and thank these leaders for their
support of the public defender system. All that is necessary is a short “thank you”
by email. The following are
the addresses needed: Gov.
Tim Pawlenty — tim.pawlenty@state.mn.us;
Sen. Dean Johnson — sen.dean.johnson@ Want to contribute in other ways that will
accentuate the positive? The
Legislative Relations Committee chaired by John Dornik
and formerly chaired by Sue Holden is developing a grass-roots network
including attorney constituents from each legislative district. The purpose is to educate legislators on issues
important to the profession through contact with constituents they
know and trust. Join the effort
by contacting the MSBA office or the committee chair directly. Get acquainted with your legislator or the candidate
seeking that office. Take time
to help their campaign, and in the event the contest becomes ugly,
be prepared to go positive. Good government flourishes in a culture
of civility; civility, like charity, begins at home. Each of us needs to do our part in our own community.
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