Sunday, July 30, 2006

Jessica Makes a Point

Every once in a while, it's good to be reminded of some things.

Just because you've got a tough case that might not be won in front of a jury, doesn't mean you shouldn't make the best case you can and bring it to a jury, even if you will be personally crucified because of it. This is especially true when a public figure is involved. Sometimes just making the case - a determined prosecutor issuing charges and saying I am going to toss everything I've got at holding you accountable - is enough to draw a societal line. It certainly would make the public figure in question think twice about engaging in similar behavior again. It certainly would make others inclined to such behavior think twice. The Milwaukee DA's office always sends the opposite message: That the community will draw no line.

In this instance, Jessica is making a larger point without stating it; the lesson applies to parenting, being the school principal, or to those who are passers-by, and it's been said before.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil in America is for good men to do nothing."

Edmund Burke.

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