Did the AOC lobby against son-of-ab1208 against the Chief’s wishes?

Most, if not all, of us know who the liar is.

Long live the ACJ.

Sadly, all that we see going on within the Judicial Branch in California is but a small reflection of a much greater problem facing our representative democracy. When the founders of this Nation got together, everyone should remember that they were all afraid of the potential powers of government and the abuses that could occur from the powers bestowed upon the government. For these reasons, a representative democracy was created that provided for limited powers of government and checks and balances within the branches of government. Whenever possible, the greatest powers were relegated to the government that was the closest to the People.

The premises underlying the State Trial Court Funding Act of 1997 were based upon a belief that there should be a steady income stream for all trial courts within the 58 Counties of California. At the time, some smaller counties would routinely run out of funds near the end of each fiscal year and would scramble to borrow money from the State. There is nothing contained within the Act, nor did the authors ever intend, to create the behemoth monolith envisioned by Ronald George, Bill Vickrey and the rest of the henchmen/henchwomen at what became the Crystal Palace.

Ronald George was a megalomaniac when he was a trial judge in Los Angeles. Given his personal history, no one should be surprised by his adventures as Chief Justice, especially when none of the checks and balances then available were ever exercised upon him, and/or the Branch, during his first 8-10 years in the Chief Justice’s office. As has been true of so many leaders in our Government in the past few decades at all levels, Ronald George’s actions demonstrated that he held a belief that people are fundamentally stupid and need to be “cared for” by the government. Hence, we had the “advancement” of countless programs built upon the premise that the then existing system was broken and he (Ronald George) need to fix it. During his tenure, the Judiclal Council and AOC embarked upon journeys never imagined by the founders of California’s government. They took power that was never allocated to them and everyone stood silent. But for a few voices in the wilderness, no organized opposition occurred until the creation of the AOC Watcher, Judicial Council Watcher and Alliance of California Judges.

The task and role of those contributing to this forum is a vitally important one. It is frustrating at times, when it appears that policy-makers in Sacramento may not seem to “get it” and we continue to see “business as usual” within the walls of the Crystal Palace, but we all must remain focused and continue to provide logical and factual questions/information/alternatives to the drivel espoused by Pravda.

As a student of history and someone living about their 10th life since the formation of this Country, I have serious doubts that our system of government will still exist during my next life time. We are facing an unsustainable future. Nearly one-half of all households receive a salary from or benefits from the government. Half of adults pay no income taxes. Those paying no taxes are receiving countless benefits from those who do pay taxes. Taxes are involuntarily extracted from half the population by a bureaucracy that always seems to feel it necessary to spend more money than they take in, regardless of party affiliation. Recipients of this “wealth transfer” rely upon these payments for their existence, so they have a vested interest in continuing that system. This system of wealth transfer is not sustainable. Those in charge of the administration of our Judicial Branch, Ronald George and Tani Cantil-Sakauye, operate upon the basis of this same unsustainable bureaucratic outlook.

As written by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence states that our rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are part of our “humanity”. Natural Law serves as the basis of our personal freedom, not the government. Thus, our rights come from our humanity, not the government.

We need to remember that to operate effectively, the Judicial Branch needs to remain close to the people. Judicial officers should adjudicate issues that are raised by members of the public and/or government who raise those issues before the court. We should not be affirmatively soliciting business and telling people how they should run their lives. The other two branches of government already do too much in that regard and judges should stand up and tell the executive and legislative branches that is not the fundamental premise of our system.

Understanding all of this, there can be no question but that the size of the Administrative Office of the Courts should be reduced by 70% +. The Judicial Council should be reminded that they are not the “policymaking” body within the courts, rather they simply recommend policy to local trial courts. Money budgeted to the Judicial Branch should flow directly to the trial courts. That money should then be used to provide access to those seeking justice from our courts. We cannot perform our charged duties if our doors are shut, lights are off and/or there is no staff to perform these fundamental services.