Viewpoint Sept. 17
Poisoning the soil
Editor,
If you listen to the radio you have probably heard the ads being run against Sen. Tammy Baldwin. In fact, you have probably heard them many, many times. I’m to the point where I’ll switch the station when they come on.
The negative ads say they are being paid for by “America’s PAC.” I tried researching the group to see who they are. As usual with these types of obscure groups, they are pretty much anonymous. They have been around a long time and have funneled many millions of dollars into our election process in many states. However, the only identity they show is one officer who happens to be a multi-millionaire in Kansas.
Why is this group running these negative ads in Wisconsin? Sen. Baldwin will not be up for reelection for over a year. But already we are being hammered with negative, misleading ads. Imagine what we will have to put up with when the election is near.
I think we all agree there is too much money in our politics. But these anonymous groups will keep spending it as long as they think that we are listening. They believe they are influencing our opinions and changing how we will vote. And, unfortunately, they may be correct. The money they spend may influence voters and may contribute to the most negative aspects of our current politics. I believe they are poisoning the soil of our political process.
Jeff Wallace, Rhinelander
Jurors serve justice; justice serves us all
Editor,
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has designated September as Juror Appreciation Month.
Thomas Jefferson once said, “Trial by jury is the only anchor ever yet imagined by man by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution.” The right to a jury trial is a fundamental component of the American and Wisconsin justice systems. It is also the duty of those citizens who live in Wisconsin to help the courts in preserving this right.
Each circuit court works to ensure that the jury system meets the needs of modern courts. Clerks monitor the administrative procedures used to create a jury list and summon individual jurors for a trial to make sure the process is fair and efficient and that jurors are made as welcome and comfortable as possible. Judges monitor the trial process to ensure that jurors are treated with respect, that their time is used wisely and that they are provided with the clear description of applicable law. Trial attorneys strive to present with clarity the issues and evidence of each case so that jurors have the information they need to be confident of their decisions. Much preparation and involvement by many individuals is required to support the jury trial process. None is more important to the success of the endeavor than the work of the jurors themselves.
Whether you serve in September or at any other time, the courts appreciate the work of jurors year-round and this is the legal system’s chance to call attention to the contribution of every prospective and sworn juror and to say thank you.
The judicial system cannot work without willing jurors, supportive family and employers.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all Oneida County jurors for their service.
Clerk of Court Brenda Behrle
Hon. Patrick F. O’Melia
Hon. Michael H. Bloom
Oneida County Circuit Court
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