By Tom Hubbard
News marches on, but one facet of the Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich affair deserves more attention: The Chicago Tribune risked losing a $100 million tax break by not firing one employee. Blagojevich threatened to withhold the tax break if they did not fire the guy.
(Some reports say it was several employees.) I call that integrity.
The Tribune values its editorial freedom so much it would risk $100 million to maintain it. The Tribune took the ethical stand while facing corporate bankruptcy.
I sat in a barbershop in downtown Bowling Green, Ky., Saturday and listened to patrons talk about the Jaycees’ Christmas Parade the week before.
Not nearly the number of people attend anymore, said the shop’s matriarch.
You cannot throw candy anymore, her colleague behind chair No. 1, said.
“Someone complained about throwing it, so you have to hand it out now,” she said.
“You’re lucky you can even hand it out,” I said. “Many cities don’t allow that anymore — safety issues.”
Have you ever feared receiving a jury summons? Do you think others should participate, but not you?
Paula Hannaford-Agor, J.D., Director of the Center for Jury Studies, with the
National Center for State Courts, believes jury service helps democracy. See if you agree.
The U.S. court system historically leads the way when it comes to transparency in government. The Constitution established the right to a jury trial and with it came the longstanding belief that perhaps no part of government deserves more public scrutiny than the courts.
In the U.S., only one court operates in almost total secrecy — no access to its records, deliberations or rulings.
