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December 15, 2008
Where's the "So"?
Justin Katz
No doubt, we're in for a string of news stories describing the essential work that this group or that group does with government dollars. Today's, dealing with the Office of the Public Defender, includes a statement that oughtn't be allowed to remain standing in any instance:
"I just don't see how we can cut budgets on that type of service," [District Court Chief Justice Albert] DeRobbio said. "They need representation and they need representation every step of the way." He plans to work with Hardiman to make changes to accommodate the office.
The I-don't-see-how approach to consideration of government funding is one contributor to our current problems. Every group and expenditure functions in a way that somebody considers to be critical. From here on out, advocates are going to have to begin offering arguments about what ought to be cut instead.
5:47 AM
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Judge DeRobbio isn't some Kate Brewster clone.He is referring to an organization that provides a required service that ensures criminal defendants have representation-they are entitled to it as a constitutional right.I don't really see a way around it.
Posted by: joe bernstein at December 15, 2008 6:16 AMAny cuts in the PD office should be matched by cuts in the AG office.
Posted by: thinkaboutit at December 15, 2008 9:21 AMAny cuts in the PD office should be matched by cuts in the AG office.
Posted by thinkaboutit at December 15, 2008 9:21 AM
And the Judiciary, state and local police, prison guards, probation, etc.
Posted by: Mike at December 15, 2008 9:32 AMHell, legalize drugs you can cut ALL of the above in half-or more.
Of course that solution is too sensible for the police-state fans of both the "progressives" or the self-styled "smaller government conservatives".
To the contrary Mike, most true "smaller government conservatives" wil agree that the way to deal with the failed "war on drugs" is to look at it in a financial light instead of a social one. Since Nixon declared his "war" we have spent 1 Trillion dollars and all we have to show for it is more potent drugs, cheaper, and more easily available.
I agree with Joe, the PD's office is neccesary and with the new President's National Police Force coming soon to a home near you...
They could cut their caseloads (as could probation and parole and the ACI) in half if we "legalize it". For more information, check out Law Enforcment Against Prohabition (www.leap.cc).
JPS
Posted by: Jon Scott at December 15, 2008 2:10 PMWow. Shoulda' run spellcheck. That's obviously "Law Enforcement Against Prohibition" at www.leap.cc. Sorry
JPS
Posted by: Jon Scott at December 15, 2008 2:13 PM