A m e r i c a n P o s t – G a z e t t e

Distributed by C O M M O N S E N S E , in Arizona

Like most of us, I am very concerned about the appearance of the “circle the wagon” mentality going on in the courts, Maricopa County and by the Arizona Bar (an arm of the Supreme Court (mostly liberal trial attorneys). There certainly appears to be a culture of corruption. When folks feel our courts are above scrutiny, we run a great risk to the checks and balances of power by anyone branch.

The appointment of Former Chief Justice McGregor: While I have worked with Former Chief Justice Ruth McGregor and I like her and feel she is very competent, she certainly has the appearance of conflict, she was who appointed Superior Court Presiding Judge Barbara Rodriquez Mundell (a focus of the investigation) to her position and worked with her for the past several years. (By the way phantastic she is a Democrat).

“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.” –Thomas Paine

I also know County Attorney Andrew Thomas and know him to be a man of integrity and passion for justice and fairness. Even that being said, I am glad we have a system with proper checks and balances to ensure justice. Like most other folks I am greatly concerned about what is going on in Maricopa County.

I am concerned that Judge Mundell created a court to hear “Spanish speaking cases” in violation of the Constitution of the equal protection clause. Especially if there is evidence that the sentences are more lenient than those for English speaking defendants.

I am concerned that the Maricopa County Courts refused to enforce Proposition 100 a Constitutional Amendment passed by 78% of Arizonans to deny bond to illegal aliens who commit serious crimes in Arizona and pose a flight risk and public safety concern to all Citizens.

I am concerned that Judge Mundell handpicked judges to sit on cases where there was evidence of bias and prejudice.

I am concerned (nothing illegal perhaps) that in a time when we are cutting critical public safety positions the Maricopa County Board proceeds with a $350 million capital construction project.

I am grateful that we have a system with checks and balances. We do not live in a ‘Judacracy’ or a police state. One of the greatest threats is a Judiciary that treads into law making or policy setting modes. None of them have ultimate power and should not and we the people should always recognize our ability to remove those who violate public trust or abuse of power. We should elect our Judges as we use to and as we do in Arizona’s other 13 counties. Then “We the People” can and should be in charge of government and those that serve us in these critical positions of public trust.

That is why law enforcement investigates, a Constitutional Office called County Attorney reviews and decides if “probable cause” exists and if so files a complaint that must be signed by a Judge. Then there is a hearing to decide if indeed there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial and then a trial by a jury of our peers is critical to final justice.