We Americans have long prided ourselves on the fairness of our system of justice. It remains the best in the world. But, just like a strong and magnificent bridge across a wide river, corrosion can set in. If not monitored and repaired, the bridge can suddenly collapse. Likewise, if we ignore the warning signs, if we do not address the inequities in our justice system, the public will reach a point when there is so little respect for the law that its enforcement will cease to be effective. The danger is that we might become a lawless society, and that will lead to becoming a failed state. Chaos and disintegration could follow.
Hyperbole? Here are seven warning signs, present today, that we ignore at great peril...
The author is right on all counts IMHO and this is essential:
"What Can We Do about It?
To use the bridge analogy, once a bridge has become visibly and seriously corroded, the need for repair does not require an expert to call attention to it. In the case of the justice system, most of us can recognize its glaring problems and can offer useful suggestions for remedy. The danger signs are obvious and ominous. In many cases, the remedy is suggested merely by identifying the problem and admitting that it is a serious defect in the system. This is the age of "see something, say something," and more of us need to get involved."
I do agree that the author is correct in the 7 signs that he pointed out.... perhaps there are more.... obviously better judges at all levels would be a plus...
But I wonder about how the "see something, say something" works in reality.... most of us only see/hear about these abuses once they are described within some media source... at that point, it seems that something has already been "said."
Perhaps the next step is to "say it again" to someone (like a "representative") that is ideally responsive to our words?
" How America's justice system is beginning to crumble"
This is, in my opinion, the major, fundamental difference between the effects of a republic and a democracy. In a democracy the will of the people IS the law. A republic sets a much higher bar and places restraints on the will and whims of the people.