Times They Are A'Changing Again
In the elections of 2004, there was a total takeover by Democratic candidates, who swept the judiciary of Dallas. Since that time Dallas County has been remarkable for many things, and among those is the high number of convictions that have been overturned on DNA evidence. The return of justice is not a coincidence.
From the past more than seven years in high office, the right wing has shown that it does not like, and will not promote justice. Our nation's Department of Justice has been thoroughly politicized, with Monica Goodlings placed in positions that should have been reserved for responsible public servants. With functionaries who placed only political cronies in what should have been positions of trust, the justice system has been hideously compromised. Some remain on the bench to this day, as Diane has recently pointed out in immigration cases.
It would be encouraging if such transgressions against the rule of law were the impetus for a massive flight out of the Republican party by public officials. Of course, that flight actually is occurring. The motivations are not those of shame at the criminal nature of the party, though. The real motive is electability.
The depressing truth is that party labels will be meaningless if dishonest public officials just change parties and run for election as if they had any real allegiance to the party that did the right thing. When civil rights legislation drove racists into the Republican party throughout the South, it did the Democratic party a great favor by cleansing its ranks. A reversal of that trend ought to be guarded against as economic disasters and war crimes make the right wing ever less attractive to its members - because of electability.
Is it beyond the realm of the possible to refuse party membership if a review of the candidate's record shows a high incidence of malfeasance? I would be much better inclined toward the Democratic party if it used this occurrence to impose high standards on its candidates, and to refuse membership to those who have proved they do not respect the public interest.
There is a time of opportunity now, one that should be used to keep dishonest and venal people out of public offices. This would be a great way to put the Democratic party on record as absolutely uncompromising, in establishing its own principles.
From the past more than seven years in high office, the right wing has shown that it does not like, and will not promote justice. Our nation's Department of Justice has been thoroughly politicized, with Monica Goodlings placed in positions that should have been reserved for responsible public servants. With functionaries who placed only political cronies in what should have been positions of trust, the justice system has been hideously compromised. Some remain on the bench to this day, as Diane has recently pointed out in immigration cases.
It would be encouraging if such transgressions against the rule of law were the impetus for a massive flight out of the Republican party by public officials. Of course, that flight actually is occurring. The motivations are not those of shame at the criminal nature of the party, though. The real motive is electability.
As Texas Republicans gather for their national convention, GOP members back in Dallas are preparing to bolt the party.
Monday, Dallas County Court at Law Judge Mark Greenberg plans to announce at a Democratic Party Labor Day picnic that he's leaving the Republican Party, said people from both parties familiar with his decision. The judge, who next faces re-election in 2010, could not be reached.
At least two other judges are expected to leave the GOP before November.
"They are looking at the numbers and the demographics and realizing that they can't win by running as Republicans," said Darlene Ewing, chairwoman of the Dallas County Democratic Party.
Last week, Dallas County Republicans lost another when county Criminal Court Judge Elizabeth Crowder said she's switching to the Democrats.
It's the latest political shift since the 2004 elections, when Democrats started to make inroads in county offices held firmly by Republicans since the Reagan years.
The depressing truth is that party labels will be meaningless if dishonest public officials just change parties and run for election as if they had any real allegiance to the party that did the right thing. When civil rights legislation drove racists into the Republican party throughout the South, it did the Democratic party a great favor by cleansing its ranks. A reversal of that trend ought to be guarded against as economic disasters and war crimes make the right wing ever less attractive to its members - because of electability.
Is it beyond the realm of the possible to refuse party membership if a review of the candidate's record shows a high incidence of malfeasance? I would be much better inclined toward the Democratic party if it used this occurrence to impose high standards on its candidates, and to refuse membership to those who have proved they do not respect the public interest.
There is a time of opportunity now, one that should be used to keep dishonest and venal people out of public offices. This would be a great way to put the Democratic party on record as absolutely uncompromising, in establishing its own principles.
Labels: Democratic Gains, Dirty Tricks, Election 2008, Justice, Racism
posted by Ruth at 9:00 AM
4 Comments:
The local party leaders *should* encourage primary challenges against ex-Republican judges that don't measure up to the party's standards. I wouldn't vote for a turncoat if there was a real Democrat running.
In any and all primary challenges, the date when the "former" Republican became a Democrat must be publicized extensively.
this is a wonderful idea. unfortunately, it will never happen -- too many incumbent dems themselves would end up off the rolls. much as i would like to see that happen, it's about as likely as pigs flying.
Is it beyond the realm of the possible to refuse party membership if a review of the candidate's record shows a high incidence of malfeasance?
Can I vote for you, or at least this proposed screening process?
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