Letter to the Editor: The Model Code of Judicial Conduct

The American Bar Association has a Model Code of Judicial Conduct. Rule 1.2 states:  “A judge shall act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the independence, integrity and impartiality of the judiciary, and shall avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety.” In his Senate hearing last week, in response to the woman who brought testimony of criminal behavior, Brett Kavanaugh failed to live up to this code. His behavior in response to her and to those who questioned him was abominable. Even with all the power in the room on his side, he chose to lash out at others. Would any of us want to be judged by a man like this?

Regardless of what the FBI finds in its brief investigation, this nomination should be rejected on the grounds that Kavanaugh’s performance on camera, for the American public to see and for history to judge, violated the moral code of his profession. Ron Johnson should join Tammy Baldwin to vote against him.

Further, in the course of questioning, it has become apparent that Kavanaugh lied in his earlier confirmation hearing, casting doubt not only on his integrity but on the ethical judgment of those who supported him. It seems we need a Moral Code like the ABA’s for legislators as well, and while we are at it, let’s have one for Executives who make such nominations.

I am fed up with lies and bad behavior and scorn from those we elect to make the decisions we live by in a democracy. I expect our representatives to meet with us respectfully, and to answer questions about their policies and actions truthfully. I am fed up with those who claim to represent the people when they fail to meet anyone who might not agree with them, and what they mean by “the people” is only the top .9 percent (Mike Gallagher just voted for another trillion dollar tax cut for that tiny group last week).

Aren’t you fed up too? Let’s do something about it in the coming election and express our views before then to those who still adhere to a moral code worth following.

Estella Lauter

Fish Creek, Wis.