The Value of Independent Judicial Systems in Preserving Democracy [A Time to Remember Those Freedoms]

 Fair and impartial courts are the bedrock of American democracy and are central to the long term interest of the nation. As Americans we should support independent judicial functioning and limit partisanship and bias within our court systems to the best of our ability to ensure not only that democracy stays strong but also that people have trust in judicial decisions. While it may not seem at first apparent, fair and impartial justice aligned with our Constitution and the spirit of the law is central to the next generation and the health of our future democracy. Intentionally violating that would normally be considered illegal and immoral; a lack of moral conscious and lost moral authority. The long term implications possibly profound and could be irreversible in the damage it causes.

Hypothetical Example: Let me give you a hypothetical example for learning purposes only. A family (Catholic, Muslim, Jewish- pick any religion) of mixed race (pick a race of any type) was targeted by corrupted officials to help enrich a homogeneous clan using threats of violence. Some of the members of the clan worked in positions of authority and tried to harm people on religious holidays to show which races and religions were allowed to live and work in the area (cleansing). They were given political cover for these misdeeds, other victims that came forward received street justice (retaliation), and the perpetrators were provided a free pass despite overwhelming evidence (judicial break down). No correction was forthcoming thereby further highlighting extreme disparities in justice. Hate chatter continues today in order to dehumanize/minimize targets, ostracize, damage reputations, and block targets from public service and other employment opportunities in a way that creates two different pseudo societies. Civil rights are openly mocked and intentionally undermined among some officials. 

In this example case, it doesn't matter the race or religion, people's rights were violated and the break down in law and order was caused by political and religious bias. As we move into a new election year keep in mind the importance of our fundamental American rights, how no candidate of any side has the right to manipulate those rights, and how freedom is supported by the sacrifices of many generations. Having independent courts and encouraging non-partisan judges is central to long-term health and success of the nation. We can improve in this area. 

As we celebrate today think of the importance of these oaths and what they mean to the the health of the nation. Let no politics, corruption or partisanship change that. 

Oath of Allegiance, 

U.S. Senate, "I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God." 

and 

Pledge of Allegiance, 

US Department of Veteran Affairs, "I pledge allegiance to my Flag and  to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all."

Protecting Independent Fair and Impartial Courts

*This article is a hypothetical example of a thought experiment for learning purposes only and should be taken with a grain of salt.