I grew up near an outdoor film lot and was able to watch the production of all types of movies. With first-hand observation of how motion pictures were constructed, it was obvious that cameras were skillfully used to produce the illusion of cities, buildings, streetscapes, landscapes and even the weather. In fact, a large billboard, high above a studio, would periodically change – a, bright sunny sky one day and stormy weather the next.
Peeking behind building facades of a movie set reveals the extent of this illusion as typically all semblance of a solid structure disappears if viewed from a different angle. Seemingly solid, three-dimensional buildings are revealed as one-sided veneers. Meticulous planning and acting complement the deception to create digital or celluloid substance. Skillful manipulation of the senses heightens emotions and guides an audience toward a preferred perception – the stock-in-trade of the arts.
Many aspects of the political scene can be compared to a cinematic presentation as well. Although well-choreographed, a façade of respect, care and deference to constituents is often abandoned following a successful fundraising and campaign victory… until the next election cycle. Financial and political stakes become paramount, leaving promises and ethical considerations as secondary priorities. Unfortunately, this dynamic follows an inverse relationship to the scope of representation and responsibility. As political position increases in stature and scope, the lure of fame and fortune create a vacuum of independent and courageous space.
Along with the executive and legislative branches of our government, the judicial system is not immune, infected by the same malady. Current controversies regarding decisions of lower courts, even the Supreme Court, have denigrated and disparaged the image of justice, exposing a serious flaw of our legal and governmental system. For those who have witnessed judicial courtroom behavior through a variety of courtrooms and judges – I have! -, it becomes obvious that our system, while possibly better than others, is far from fair or even-handed.
Some judicial antics are overtly political and painfully pathetic. Judges rule their fiefdoms with absolute authority, no matter their psychological stability or political proclivities. It appears that this pattern, while broken by the few qualified and sane, does not improve as some rise in authority. Stripping away the façade of a black robe, may reveal something odious beneath. If the stench of incompetence, cowardice and/or corruption lingers, so too does a tendency to dismiss serious flaws that weaken the fabric of democracy and order.
Every organization depends on adherence to a set of rules and acceptable behaviors by agreement, whether voluntary or not. When this bond of trust or enforcement is broken, chaos reigns and what has been called “transactional” relationships become paramount. In this scenario, a balance is achieved by gains or losses. If one party wins (gains), a corresponding and equal loss or payment is suffered or surrendered by another to stabilize the equation. An opposite view would surmise that if all agree to submit to a set of rules, each will gain from stability and common commitment. No matter which view prevails, the goal of a fair and equitable result is dependent on substantive justice beneath what appears to be, and hopefully extends beyond, a façade of civility.
In respect to our system of government, much has been said [“The ballot is stronger than the bullet” – Abraham Lincoln], satirized [“Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of congress, but I repeat myself” – Mark Twain], and disparaged [If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert, in 5 years there’d be a shortage of sand” – Milton Friedman] about politicians and elections, but it’s the best we have. Without our participation, the future of our democracy and the ideal of justice for all is tenuous at best. Is it all a grand façade? I hope not.
If we do not maintain justice, justice will not maintain us.
-Francis Bacon