Comes a judge, Michael Kwan right here in Utah, who launches into comments ridiculing President Trump during a trial. The state's supreme court then suspends him six months for his conduct.
I wonder on this. I wonder if as long as his comments do not impact his ability to judge, we ought to allow him his free speech. How did his opinion affect the decision before him, or affect any other decision that might come before him? I have grave doubts his negative thoughts on Trump impacted his ability to judge fairly.
We should be cautious when we curb free speech and dissent, even when it is that of another, such as a judge, instead of our own free speech..
One could argue that Trump's daily comments cloud his ability to act impartially. If we want an impartial president, we should limit his freedom of speech.
I wonder how many judges have expressed opinions against presidents, even ridiculed them as Kwan did Trump. Or, how many have expressed opinions on political issues. Right now, since Trump is president -- and a controversial one at that -- you would be most likely to find comments against him, as opposed to past presidents. Has Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg criticized Trump? Should we kick her off the bench?
I am still thinking on this issue, and on whether it shows a lack of decorum we should be concerned about. For now, I say that I am concerned when we incur into free speech, when we limit anyone's right to dissent and expression of dissent.
No comments:
Post a Comment