SJR5 - Stealing Judicial Oversight

[BlueToTheBone]

I just received this email today.
Dear MoveOn member,

Lynn Lisk recently created a petition on SignOn.org entitled "Stop SJR 5 - Usurpation of the Justice System"—and we'd like to know what you think of it.

The petition is addressed to The Arkansas State House, The Arkansas State Senate, and Governor Mike Beebe, and reads:

The citizens of Arkansas implore you to abandon the idea of stripping the Judicial Branch of our state system of government of their inherent rule making powers and regulation of the practice of law in the courts. We view SJR 5 as nothing more than an attempt by some in the legislature to strip away our right to a fair and impartial justice system and replace it with one that favors monied business interests and lobbyists with the ability to influence legislators to vote in protectionist laws shielding wrongdoers from justice at the hands of an impartial judiciary. The Legislature has no business telling Judges what is and is not acceptable as evidence, under what circumstances aggrieved citizens can sue or setting dollar amounts on the damages catastrophically injured people are entitled to recover from those who have destroyed their lives. An impartial Judiciary serves the interests of justice. A politically influenced and controlled legislature does not.

Here's what Lynn wrote about it:

Calling all Arkansans...your Constitutional Rights are in danger!

Have you heard about SJR 5, This proposed Constitutional Amendment would take rule-making power from the Arkansas Supreme Court and give it to the Legislature. The separation of our government into 3 branches was done on purpose, but the legislature wants to take back the power given to the courts and gut our justice system.

Can you click to let us know what you think?

I want to sign this petition.

I don't think MoveOn should support this petition.

We'll decide whether to send this petition out to additional MoveOn members in your area based on your feedback.

In case you haven't heard about it, SignOn.org is a new website where anyone can start an online petition and share it with friends and neighbors to build support for their cause.

Thanks for all you do.

–Steven, Manny, Rosy, Elena, and the rest of the team

[sinkingfeeling]

1. Nothing is going to stop the GOP destruction of Arkansas.

[BlueToTheBone]

2. I fear you may be right.

I thought we might have a chance but the Democrats are so eaten up with "their way" that we have nothing left. They destroyed any chance of a party. Old farts who hate youth and new ideas.

[sinkingfeeling]

3. I'm sorry to say this, but we're living in a state where only 18% accept

gay marriage. When I moved here 21 years ago, Arkansas was the one bright diamond in the South. Balanced budget, Democrats in all state offices, and taking steps to improve education and health care. Now it's in reverse and I don't intend on staying.

[BlueToTheBone]

4. One day I told a party official that I was getting

my passport and she replied, "What state are you moving to?"

I wonder what will happen this week with the spill and nuke event. It's being covered on Democracy Now.