The Chrisitan Coalition and Politics: A Myopic View of Justice

The Christian Coalition of Alabama has recently attacked the blasphemous trial lawyers because some political donations of trial lawyers are deemed to undermine traditional Christian family values. I'm just one trial lawyer and I'm active in politics. I believe in the separation of church and state. I believe that the the overriding spiritual law that supersedes all religions relates to truth, kindness, reaching out to the needy and respecting the personal beliefs of all citizens.

Within that framework we have a governmental system that was founded in part because of the need for freedom of religion and we have a bill of rights that establishes some of the fundamental precepts of our government and our society. Unlike most countries we enjoy the freedom of religion, the freedom of assembly, the freedom of speech, the right to bare arms, the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, the right to counsel (and that does mean the right to your very own trial lawyer), the right against self-incrimination, the right to due process of law, the right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment.

Interestingly, many of these rights neatly dovetail because the right to counsel would be meaningless if it was unaccompanied by the right to due process of law and the right to due process of law means that in a courtroom, the the legal battle is on a level playing field.

One of the great fears that people knowledgeable about the law have is when the power of the judiciary is not independent but somehow ends up being controlled by religious institutions or religious beliefs. That will quickly undermine our true democracy. Interestingly, the Republican party is quick to embrace our nations greatest president, Abraham Lincoln. How often have you heard about the party of Lincoln. Well, I just finished reading an outstanding and enlightening biography of Lincoln entitled Team of Rivals : The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin. The author shows in striking detail how a man of humble origin grew into a giant among leaders, full of compassion and tolerance. The real Lincoln would not be a member of today's Republican Party.

Furthermore, the Christian Coalition attacks trial lawyers in the most foolish and biased manner. For every case in court there is a trial lawyer on every side. Does the Christian Coalition intend to absolve the trial lawyers that fought in Florida for George W. Bush to win the 2000 election? Does the Christian Coalition wish to condemn the trial lawyers who have contributed generously to conservative causes - who have aided the Skillings, the Lays, the Libbeys and the Roves?

I totally respect your beliefs. I only ask that you not pretend that you are somehow better than anyone else and you demonstrate the same respect back to me that I show to you.