Dark Money in the Michigan Supreme Court?

 I like to keep up on the political news and find out what is going on around the state. I read an article entitled "How dark money is permeating Michigan’s Supreme Court race" by  Lauren Gibbons. The article is well written and provides some political fairness when discussing the topic. What I like most is that she is able to cover the topic from a neutral standpoint of how money influence politics and even our legal environment. Reporting and discussing these issues helps us stay focused on the meaning and purpose of justice beyond its political ends. 

It should be remembered that we have two major parties within this country and that each of them has their own deep philosophical and social roots. It means that there are people and parties all connected together. Deep divisions between these two parties causes some of our current problems. The way in which people now see their world seems radically different even though both parties essentially want similar things when it comes to their country's health.

The court is where we want as much neutrality as possible. The media have a responsibility to discuss topics fairly and objectively to highlight areas needed for improvement. While "dark money" may or may not be an actual problem...discussing it publicly helps us think about how money and influence do flow through the system. Highlighting and being transparent ensures that the money doesn't become a problem down the road if it isn't a problem yet.

Our legal system is an important institution that is central to the basic trust in society and the government itself. We do know we have people protesting and some are questioning the logic of the system and its fairness to some members of society. Good or bad, right or wrong, Right or Left, these discussions are helpful to ensure that punishments fit the crime and are based in sound reason and moral purpose. We still associate with that higher order when we use the Supreme Court phrase, "Sat Cito Si Recte" which means "Soon enough if done rightly."

That motto gives an indication that true justice comes from taking the time and energy to understand a situation before making rulings and judgements. The end result is truer Justice which comes from deep reflection, insight, and awareness of truth as it relates to people and institutions. Judge too quickly and you become part of the problem...judge too far out and justice isn't served. Having an objective, non-partisan media, helps our court system fulfill a higher duty of disseminating "justice" in society.