A road trip to save democracy? These judges say it's worth a shot
A bipartisan group of judges is taking a stand against the politicization of the judiciary, traveling by bus across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan to speak out about the importance of an independent judiciary and the rule of law. The judges, including former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Michael Donnelly, are concerned about the growing threat of a president who personally attacks jurists ruling against him, and members of Congress who accuse judges of making political rulings and threatening to remove those who don't issue decisions they like.
The judges' trip, funded by nonpartisan pro-civic engagement groups, served as a test case for whether Americans are concerned about challenges to the judicial branch's powers. The judges spoke with elementary and high school students, lawyers, activists, and concerned citizens about the importance of an independent judiciary and the rule of law.
One of the judges, former Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor, fears what could happen if Americans lose faith in the courts' ability to apply the law without regard to politics, party, or social standing. She believes that making people know their local judges and what their job is is a place to start.
The judges also addressed the growing threat of physical attacks on judges, with some judges describing how these attacks have changed their lives and affected their families. The judges hope that their trip will inspire other judges to stand up for their profession and that it will be duplicated nationwide.
In conclusion, the judges' road trip to save democracy is a significant step in addressing the growing threat of the politicization of the judiciary. Their efforts to raise awareness about the importance of an independent judiciary and the rule of law are a testament to their commitment to the protection of democracy in the United States.
