Experience

“Is this a good violin?” a parent asked me.

Gulp. How am I supposed to know?

Granted, I am a violin teacher. I have a degree in music. I graduated summa cum laude. That means I play well. I can analyze harmonies. I can discuss the artistic culture of the late 1800s. But college taught me nothing about the quality of student-level violins.

I have learned much since that first frightening experience. I have learned it in the trenches where most learning happens. But the experience makes me think twice about other people’s lists of impressive credentials.

Assistant Attorney General Kloppenburg graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin Law School (1988). She has argued cases in circuit courts, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, and the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

But what have these cases been about? According to Media Trackers, “since 1990 she has only argued seven criminal cases before higher courts.” Media Trackers reviewed the cases Kloppenburg has argued before these courts. The website found that over 75% of the cases involved the DNR or environmental issues.

More importantly, Kloppenburg has never been a judge. Judges must be impartial. Do we have evidence she can do this?

Impartiality is very difficult. I struggle with it. I am sure you can decipher my political leanings from my first two posts on this blog.

When electing someone to a ten-year term on our state’s highest court, I would be much more comfortable with a candidate who has judicial experience and a written record that can be examined.

Prosser Equals Walker, or Does He?

I have an identical twin. She and I are a lot alike. But sometimes we are opposites. I would not want anyone to say, “Jennifer equals Terry.” Why do we do this to politicians?

Many of Justice Prosser’s views are similar to Governor Walker’s. Prosser served as a Republican in the state legislature for eighteen years. If he had to make policy, he might still vote with the Republicans much of the time. But all of the time?

In an interview with The Associated Press, Prosser responded to a question about the budget repair bill. He said, "I don't necessarily agree with the bill. That's all I'm saying. It doesn't mean anything. My personal opinion doesn't mean anything at all." (See "Prosser Questions Budget Repair.")

Judges do not make policy. They are responsible for impartially applying the law to individual situations.

Has Prosser done this? People cite cases in which they do not like the conclusions Prosser reached. But like is not the question. He might not have liked his own decisions.

Showing partiality to the poor is just as wrong as showing partiality to the rich. Judges must be impartial. Did Prosser succeed in this? Did he properly interpret and apply the law?

Those who claim that Prosser equals Walker are responsible for providing evidence. If you believe Prosser misinterpreted the law, you are welcome to comment on this post and give me specific examples. Please be polite. The purpose of this blog is to promote rational discussion, not inflammatory political rhetoric.