Appointed justices in Wisconsin?

July 7th, 2010

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel thinks we should appoint our state’s Supreme Court judges:

Appointing Supreme Court justices rather than electing them can more effectively distance these candidates from the corrupting influences of politicking, generic cialis pharmacy raising money and appearing to all the world as just another layer of partisan politicians, except with black robes.

Hell, no.

Exhibit #1: Louis Butler. He was appointed and the first chance we had, we voted his butt off the court. If Wisconsinites feel that Justice Gableman is a scumbag, we can vote his butt out, too.

Personally, I’d like to see us elect our U.S. Supreme Court justice, as well. Right now, they lie their rear ends off in confirmation hearings and then thumb their noses at us after they get their lifetime appointment. I’m sure people on the right AND left would love the opportunity to cast a vote for or against certain justices.

And I’m sick of hearing how electing justices politicize the court.

The courts ARE and always will be political institutions.

Anyone who says otherwise is naive…or lying.

Entry Filed under: Observations

2 Comments Add your own

  • 1. John Foust  |  July 8th, 2010 at 11:52 am

    We could have a civil discussion about what qualifications we’d want to see in a SC Justice. This is independent of whether they’re elected or appointed.

    We could also have a civil discussion about the influence of campaign contributions in the election of justices to our state’s highest court of review. This is independent of the state’s present restrictions, or the introduction of new restrictions, or whether you think those are good or bad.

    We could have a civil discussion about the value of a highly politicized SC, to the citizenry, and to those people with deep enough pockets to fund the placement of justices. Or what a less politicized SC would be like.

    We could even have a civil discussion about Gableman’s advert.

    Do you want to have those discussions? Or is it easier to declare all your opponents to be naive or liars?

    We won’t have a chance to un-elect Gableman until 2018.

  • 2. Elliot  |  July 8th, 2010 at 11:59 am

    I’m always willing to talk, but none of that changes my point that the courts ARE political. Their judicial philosophies are political. Their impact on our lives is political. And since they are political, I’d rather vote for them directly rather than indirectly through my vote for Governor or President.

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