If there's a lesson to be learned from the current economic crisis, it's that we can either pay attention to what our government is doing, or we'll pay the price for not paying attention.
In Jefferson City, our state legislators are considering House Joint Resolution 10, which is a proposal that is not receiving much attention. So? What does this have to do with you and your day-to-day life?
House Joint Resolution 10 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would change everything about the way Missourians select all the state's appellate judges and the trial judges in the major metro areas. Basically, what it would do, is turn an excellent system that has served our state well for 75 years, and turn it into a mediocre system, controlled by politicians.
I'm not going to get into the details -- but if you care to learn more about Missouri's Non-Partisan Court Plan, and what's going on -- listen to this brief interview with Missouri Bar President Tom Burke.
Most of us aren't political junkies -- keeping track of bills progressing through the Missouri legislature. The truth is, few of us care at all about our state courts -- unless we're involved in a lawsuit. Most of us have more pressing demands on our time and attention...crying children, soccer practice, paying the bills, grocery shopping, watching a bit of TV when you're too tired to do much else, etc. Real life is demanding enough without trying to figure out what state politicians are up to.
But, if we don't, we're left hoping others will be looking out for our good. And...sometimes, as the current economic crisis demonstrates, that just isn't a good idea.
