Jun 20 2008
Good Answers to Questions about Merit Selection
The Wisconsin State Journal has an excellent editorial answering readers’ comments about its recent endorsement of Merit Selection. The editorial addresses many of the recurring arguments and myths we hear from opponents of judicial selection reform. For example:
Q. Why do you want to take away our right to elect our justices?
A: A better question is: Why should we use elections, designed to cater to partisan views and to reflect the will of the majority, to select justices who are supposed to be impartial and to protect the rights of the minority?
Think of it this way: Do you believe football fans should vote on who referees Green Bay Packers games? What happens when the Packers play the Bears? Will Chicago fans outvote the Wisconsin faithful?
Or should the National Football League select officials based on league evaluations of their expertise, impartiality and previous performance?
The piece addresses other common Merit misconceptions, including the roll of politics in Merit Selection, and the non-existent conspiracy to end elections for all government officials. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about Merit Selection.
Tags: editorial, Merit Selection, Opinion, other states, Wisconsin
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