A Hero of Sorts

Lord knows there's no love lost between me and attorneys. For the record, judges are just attorneys without a private practice. No better, no worse. (Like an emergency room doctor.) They put on their robes and go to work every day, preside over their courtrooms and most base their decisions on the law as they know it to the best of their ability. Most are fair and honest... naturally there are those who interject their personal beliefs and seem to favor one side over the other. But for the most part, I think they have learned the law and interpret it and apply it honestly.

There is a judge here who has done that. For years he's had to make decisions regarding another human life based on law. Not emotion, personal belief, religious belief or politics. Just the law. I'm sure he's had many sleepless nights over his decisions. A woman's life literally has hung in the balance. One side begging him to rule she be kept alive and the other pleading for her right to die. One claiming she would want to be kept alive no matter what because of her religious beliefs. The other supplying evidence to the contrary. It's been a long, hard legal battle. One man has heard it all and had to base his decisions on his expertise of the law in the State of Florida.

This man is in a no win situation. Some are going to be happy about his decisions and others angry. He's doing his job, as best he can. Judges in a higher position have been asked to review his decisions and decide if he has made the right ones. So far, all have vouched for his interpretation of the law. The Governor tried to override him, the State Legislature, even he President of the United States, his Senate and Congress. In the end, the local Judge's decision stands as the rule of law.

This man is now getting death threats and has the need for personal security. He's even had to leave his church and it may distroy his career, but he'd doing what he feels is fair, honest and right. In this country one shouldn't fear for one's life because they are doing their job. Oddly, it's the folks who are one the "right to LIFE" side making the death threats. What's up with that? It's something I'll never understand. This judge could have copped out, passed the buck, decided not to decide. But, he didn't, he did what he is elected and paid to do. The dictionary says the definition of hero is:
he·ro n

somebody who commits an act of remarkable bravery or who has shown great courage, strength of character, or another admirable quality.
somebody who is admired and looked up to for outstanding qualities or achievements

This judge certainly shows some heroic qualities. While scores of others protest his decision, I pray for his safety and that he is at peace.