Wednesday, October 01, 2003

Have you noticed that we've moved from the age of the culture wars to the age of the presidency wars?

--David Brooks in yesterday's New York Times

Uh, no, David, I haven't noticed that -- because we haven't. Obviously you missed the recent unpleasantness in Alabama; now here's the latest guerrilla attack:

GOLDEN, Colo. - A county treasurer is handing out booklets to potential jurors saying they are answerable "only to God almighty" and not to the law when it comes to deliberations.

Jefferson County Treasurer Mark Paschall, a former state lawmaker known for his anti-abortion and pro-gun views, said the booklets are "my personal gift to the people." He said the booklets, many stamped with his name and elected title, were bought with $500 to $600 of his money and that of two political allies who work in the treasurer's office.

The 61-page booklets promote "jury nullification," a concept promoted by conservative groups that say juries have the right to not only decide guilt or innocence, but also whether laws are just and adhere to God's law.

"You are above the law!" the booklet says. "As a juror in a trial setting, when it comes to your individual vote of innocent or guilty, you truly are answerable only to God almighty."...


--AP

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