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Friday, October 22, 2010

Future Posts and the Direction of this Blog

When I first started this blog in the spring of 2009, I envisioned an eclectic blog in which I would comment on law, economics, and other subjects that I liked, especially music. (I am pretty hardcore in my belief that music started to go downhill after the death of Henry Purcell in 1695, although I have my doubts that too many people will jump off that same cliff.)

Two things have happened since then. First, I launched my Krugman-in-Wonderland blog late last year in order to concentrate generally on economic subjects and specifically on Paul Krugman's missives from the New York Times and elsewhere.

Second, the Tonya Craft trial and aftermath happened, and things have not been the same since then. Because the trial involved people where I used to live (and where I still have family), and because it was about a false accusation, all of my anger about what has been happening in U.S. "justice" for many years was channeled into that one case. It did not take long for me to see that Tonya was innocent of these charges, and when it became absolutely clear that the witnesses against her, along with the prosecutors, were lying with impunity, I believed that I had no choice but to attack and take no prisoners. I still believe that.

Since Tonya's acquittal, I have heard from many people who have faced similar issues, and right now, Maricopa County, Arizona, has become a favorite target. Think of the DA's office there as being full of Chris Arnts and Len Gregors. Think of the police force being full of Tim Deals and Steven Keiths. Think of the LMJC on steroids, and that is what is happening there.

This only is the tip of the entire morass in this country. When the Supreme Court upheld the immunity given to prosecutors, police, and judges, it created a huge moral hazard that has been very predictable in its outcome. People who face no consequences for lying are going to be tempted to cut corners. Over time, like an embezzler who takes a little bit of this and that until he or she becomes a full-blown robber, prosecutors have found that lies here and there enhance their conviction rates, and even when the lies are discovered, nothing happens.

Judges like Brian Outhouse then ally themselves with prosecutors, and engage in breathtaking amounts of misconduct. (Just Outhouse's ex parte meetings with prosecutors -- none of which were reported to the defense, as the law requires -- were enough to demonstrate that he is nothing but a lawbreaker in black robes and is not fit to be a judge or even a lawyer.)

Thus, we should not be surprised when liars and bullies self-select into the above professions. Yes, there are honorable police, prosecutors, and judges, but because the law protects the wrongdoers, none of us should be surprised when wrongdoers rule.

So, given that I never can begin to cover all of the prosecutorial, police, and judicial misconduct in this country (the supply is greater than I can ever cover in this tiny blog), I am going to concentrate on the subject of misconduct. True, I will make a lot of enemies in the process and, no doubt, will be the target of someone in the future who believes that all of us should bow down and worship these Children of Satan. (If Jesus said in John 8 that liars "are of their father, the Devil," then when Chris Arnt lied in his closing arguments to the jury, he simply was telling the jurors his paternal lineage.)

Nonetheless, someone has to speak out, even if speaking out is costly. So, I will do it. Likewise, I will confine my economic arguments to KIW, although I reserve the right to have a musical interlude, once in a while.

16 comments:

KDaw said...

A warrior for truth. I very much enjoy your blog. I have been given a different perspective about our justice system. It has changed my views dramatically. Not just your comments, but the discussions and opinions of others who join us here. Thank you for your hard work. I know your day job must keep you plenty busy. Your commitment to this topic is admirable and appreciated.

Anonymous said...

I thank you too for continuing the good fight. Remember, the only people who will "hate" you for it are the wrong-doers. You have taken on a tough subject which a great deal of people do not want to accept is happening, but it is very appreciated.

UGA Mom

Q.A. said...

" someone has to speak out, even if speaking out is costly. So, I will do it...."

I am in your camp, Bill.

Carola said...

Thank you, Bill, for speaking out and for everything you do!!!

KC Sprayberry said...

And yet another prosecutor is trying to get into the spotlight. Saw on CNN yesterday and heard much discussion about this on my local radio station. It seems that Kym Worthy doesn't have the funds to prosecute hardened felons but wants to jail parents who don't attend parent/teacher conferences for 3 days. Now, I'm as much as the other guy for a parent staying involved in their child's education but this goes way too far. Another instance of making criminals out of law-abiding citizens is in the works!

Anonymous said...

Of course, the children of the devil matches where the pharisees and teachers of the law are concerned; placing heavy burdens on the people and holding them to technicalities while ignoring the weightier matters. Not to mention applying standards they don't hold themselves to. Plus, offering the state as Saviour if we'd only do what the government tells us and revere them as gods.

Anonymous said...

This is happening not only in the larger cities but also in the small rural country towns. Someone has to stand up for the little people, meaning the wrongly accused. Even in these tiny towns, the DA & law enforcement are willing to throw someone under the bus to get a conviction and be on the front page of the newspaper.

I am willing to take that stand, as I agree with what you are doing. You gave me the inspiration to help those in need.

Thanks Bill!

Trish said...

Thank You!!!!

Anonymous said...

Tilting at windmills

justiceseeker51 said...

Yes! Thank you Bill...I'm with you all the way.

Also I heard on 'Nightline' Wednesday nite 11:30, about a lot of our congressmen(people) being caught taking bribes. I just caught the tailend of it. I think it was college aged journal interns doing this. Anyhoo it was a Great article.

Maybe more people than we know are getting 'sick and tired' of the same-o, same-o.....

Anonymous said...

All I can say is Keep it coming. I love it. We the people that think this could not happen to us, Better wake up it is only a Accusation away... Thanks again Bill.

Volly said...

Thank you, William. I have a loved one out there in the Western Territories and worry about him daily. What he has experienced is first-hand proof that it's becoming increasingly difficult to be just an ordinary flawed person nowadays -- the merest slip can land you in hot water with the law, and "get tough on crime" proponents seem to love the "you're a bad guy, I'm not" mentality. Hard to believe, though true, that a significant slice of the populace thinks the more people behind bars, the better for society. Argh.

maria said...

thank you for telling the truth

Six said...

Keep up the good work! I enjoy the blog and you were the go-to place for updates on the Craft trial. There could be multiple full-time blogs committed to the outrageousness of what goes on in Maricopa County - particularly on the awful Arpaio.

mack520 said...

Dr. Anderson,what you do I think is on a par with Thomas Paine, I am very grateful. I hope you keep doing it.

johnlichtenstein said...

What would be good is to combine the economic analysis and the criminal justice writing.