.
Feedback

Why Would We Want A Police State?

Roggensack sells out to Law Enforcement interests in bid to be re-elected to WI Supreme Court.

State Supreme Court Justice Patience Roggensack is running for re-election to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

She is currently running ads that tout that 62 of Wisconsin's County Sheriffs have endorsed her for re-election.

Again, law enforcement officials are endorsing Roggensack for re-election — and she is proud of that.

I for one do NOT want a Supreme Court Justice to beholden to law enforcement officials, or to pander to them to get re-elected.

When a citizen is charged with a crime, that citizen is entitled to be tried by his or her peers, and to have an impartial judiciary ensuring a fair trial.

And if that citizen is convicted and has an appeal that goes to the Supreme Court, again, that citizen is entitled to an impartial judiciary.

In my opinion, Roggensack is selling out her impartiality to law enforcement in order to be re-elected.

Why would we want our judiciary to sell out to law enforcement, Wisconsin is not some Banana Republic or third world country that is run as a police state, and I think virtually all Wisconsin citizens prefer having checks and balances between law enforcement and the judiciary.

Justice Roggensack — I think you should RECUSE yourself from this election as you are unable to recognize a conflict of interest.

David Tatarowicz February 12, 2013 at 10:45 pm
@JB I do not like to see ANY group make endorsements for Judges.
And I have always thought it repugnant that so many groups do. I also find it repugnant that judicial candidates "pretend" not to be partisan --- I have been at both Democratic and Republican party meetings, and witnessed judicial candidates come to address the groups and "wink - wink" I am NOT a "Republican" - "Democrat" -- depending upon who they were pandering to --------- and then they would go on with something like -- "but let me tell you about my father who worked hard in the (pick one) party for years and worked to get that party's politicians elected ....... yada, yada, yada
David Tatarowicz February 12, 2013 at 10:54 pm
@Greg So because I believe in constitutional rights and protections -- I cannot be an Independent ??
I don't think I would consider myself a "moderate" if that would imply that I am not committed to those things I believe in --- I do not take Moderate Stances on my Beliefs. I know there are a lot of folks who speak of their Constitutional Rights when it comes to the 2nd Amendment --- but somehow they think very little of other Rights -- such as Habeas Corpus, Probable Cause, and Warrantless Searches !!! I am pretty sure that I have written before that I am a supporter of the 2nd Amendment -- I have owned guns since I was twelve, and I do have a ccw permit for when I choose to exercise my right.
David Tatarowicz February 12, 2013 at 10:58 pm
@Mike Your extrapolation of the logic in this blog would make Mr Spock's ears fall off. Maybe I should start writing down to a level that you could comprehend.
Brian Dey February 12, 2013 at 11:10 pm
Let me tell you a story David. When I won a seat on the RUSD BOE, I was endorsed by all of the unions affected back in 2005. My time on the board, I was advocating for the same changes that came in Act 10. I even told them upfront that I didn't want their endorsement and that I didn't believe in public unions. Just because you are endorsed by a group, doesn't mean you owe them a thing, nor does it mean you sought it.
why I think that this is the dumbest post I've read is because jumping to the conclusion that a judge is going to throw out the Constitution just because law enforcement endorses them is absurd. Especially when that sitting judge has a 10 year voting record that completely counters your belief.
Brian Dey February 12, 2013 at 11:13 pm
David- Your paranoia astounds me. Roggensack has a 10 year record to stand on. To believe that a sitting judge would throw away the Constitution to get a few votes is absurd.
David Tatarowicz February 12, 2013 at 11:31 pm
@Brian You are right that just because a group endorses you does not mean that you sought that endorsement. However you are missing the point that Roggensack is PUBLICIZING her endorsements by law enforcement !
By her touting the endorsements, she is at least implicitly saying that she is going to be a Judge who favors Law Enforcement --- and you do not know that she did not solicit those endorsements, you are making an assumption. Now that you have brought up her ten year voting record as proof that she does not lean towards Law Enforcement in her opinions, please share that information with us to prove your contention.
David Tatarowicz February 12, 2013 at 11:32 pm
@Brain Again, please share that record with us to prove your contention.
And since when does being paranoid mean that you shouldn't be afraid?
Brian Dey February 13, 2013 at 12:20 am
David- I really think the onus is on you to provide proof that Roggensack would be in the back pockets of the police. After all, the whole premise of your post revolves around that assumption. I merely suggested that she has a record of 10 yrs on the Supreme Court bench, and you offered nothing but opinion to make such a claim. And Actually, her record dates back to 11996 where she served on the Appeals court prior to the Supreme Court.
Brian Dey February 13, 2013 at 12:22 am
David- I have made no claims, but you have. Please share with us why you believe that after sitting on a bench be it the Appelate Court or Supreme court since 1996, that she would favor a police state as you claim.
Brian Dey February 13, 2013 at 12:24 am
par·a·noi·a
/ˌparəˈnoiə/Noun 1.A mental condition characterized by delusions of persecution, unwarranted jealousy, or exaggerated self-importance, typically worked... 2.Suspicion and mistrust of people or their actions without evidence or justification. I believe number 2 applies in this case.
CowDung February 13, 2013 at 01:36 am
Guilt or innocence is determined by the jury, not the judge. Having a 'tough on crime' judge doesn't mean that the trial will not be fair, it means that the guilty will receive a proper sentence.
CowDung February 13, 2013 at 01:41 am
David:
One cannot prove a negative--it's basic logic. You are the one making the claim here--if anyone needs to provide proof, it would be you. Roggensack has a long record as a judge--have we been in a 'police state' since she was on the bench?
Steve ® February 13, 2013 at 01:47 am
It's all been said but this is a joke right? If not I think the left in this state has gone even more insane than I thought was possible.
Man Walker is your kriptonite. Don't bite anyone I don't want any more Walker zombies around.
J. B. Schmidt February 13, 2013 at 02:07 am
@David
Then who are you supporting?
Born Free February 13, 2013 at 02:24 am
@ Dave T.: Since when does a Supreme Court in the U.S. seat one and only one judge? Last count there are 7 of them checking and balancing on Wisconsin's Supreme Court bench. All of them have an opinion and voice not just the one you don't like.
If any one of those judges had the audacity to issue executive orders like they were belt fed through a machine gun then yes that would be a banana republic government. That would in fact be tyranny. You failed to point out just how she's providing/facilitating a police state even though you did point out there are 62 Sheriffs offices already in existence (actually there are 72 and all of them (Democrat or Republican) are elected by the people (Democrat or Republican) not the courts). Looks like checks and balances there too, Bubba. Your beef is with the Sheriffs in that they took an oath to defend the people of the state of Wisconsin and it's boarders from a tyrannical federal government! THAT'S CHECKS AND BALANCES and your having a major problem with that. You and your liberal friends got it in your heads that state boarders are just lines on paper just for the purpose of state tax collections. Big, big, big mistake!
NObama 2012 February 13, 2013 at 02:42 am
Why do Progressives hate the police so much?
The Anti-Alinsky February 13, 2013 at 03:18 am
I think we can agree that it is the stupidest blog David as ever written.
David, that is a HUUUUUUUUUUUUGE stretch. I know you can't believe any of the tripe you just wrote above. When you go out and hire someone, you want someone that is going to get the job done. The 62 Sheriffs that have endorse Roggensack want someone that will uphold the law. When they and their Deputies go out and make an arrest, spend time transferring them to jail, and fill out a ton of paperwork, they want to know that the charge will stick. No, they know not everyone will be found guilty, but they don't want to see the bad guy let off on a silly little technicality.
GearHead February 13, 2013 at 03:44 am
Wow! Of the many things to be concerned about regarding activist judges, that one is 999th on the list. Have you stumbled through the rabbit hole? I mean, channeling your inner Jason?!
GearHead February 13, 2013 at 03:51 am
David, you must be mixing your headlines with some another article. Isn't the title of your article is better suited to an argument that supports gun control? Because a police state is what you will end up with when you lose your 2A rights.
Terry February 13, 2013 at 09:09 am
OK, as I speculated above, the real test here will be the test of time. We are well into the second day of this blog posting, and it has attracted NO supporters.
In this day and age of polarized opinion, and the politics of hate, I am pretty sure I could post a blog calling for clubbing baby seals, puppies, and girl scouts selling cookies; and still get at least someone to climb in the boat with me. When you can't even get the lunatic fringe on board with you, you know that you are truly walking your path alone.
David Tatarowicz February 13, 2013 at 03:31 pm
@CD Many trials --- probably the vast majority of them, do not include a jury --- any lawyers out there who have information better than my anecdotal observations, please speak up.
And even with a jury, it is the judge who decides what can or cannot be brought into evidence, and who instructs the jury about what they should or should not consider from the proceedings. The judge oversees the trial and can influence it in a many ways. Lastly, it is the judge who does the sentencing --- and also the judge who decides if a plea bargain can be made. The judge has the control --- and if the judge is impartial, great -- but if the judge is biased -- all bets are off.
David Tatarowicz February 13, 2013 at 03:41 pm
@Gearhead I am happy that you are concerned about our rights --- and that you would not want a Police State.
Logically I assume that you are very concerned about the Patriot Act and all the rights that it has stripped from citizens. I would hope that you are actively working especially against the New Power that has been given to Law Enforcement Authorities to execute a "Secret Search" of your property --- and Never Even Tell You About It !!! If you come home some day and your place is torn apart --- Law Enforcement may have ransacked your home with a secret search warrant --- and you will think perhaps burglars --- after all if it was the police, they would have told you ?? If they "think" you "may" possibly be a Security Risk -- or anyone else in your household, or someone that you are friends with --- Law Enforcement can tear your place apart and never tell you. Hmmmmmmm --- I guess that they can do that now because the courts let them ??? What do you think?
David Tatarowicz February 13, 2013 at 03:45 pm
@Terry Guess I am obviously not preaching to the choir --- what has surprised me the most about the comments made to this post is that almost everyone is looking at it as a Partisan based post, or make their comments based upon Partisan Politics.
I wonder where all the Libertarians have gone ? Do you think Ron Paul would dismiss this concern ?
CowDung February 13, 2013 at 03:47 pm
At the supreme court level, you are probably correct. Their arguments are more toward the constitutionality of legislation and reviewing appeals rather than trying suspected criminals.
That does bring up the question though--where exactly are the unfairness and partiality, David? It would seem that police are biased toward enforcement of the laws. Endorsements from law enforcement should indicate that the candidate is thought to be the best at enforcing the laws--convicting the guilty and protect the innocent. There is nothing inherently unfair about the laws of our state being enforced, is there?
Steve ® February 13, 2013 at 03:50 pm
The National Association of Police Organizations endorsed 3 time loser Barrett in 2012 for the recall. Where was David's blog about a police state then?
http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/153607105.html The Police union did the same http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/148666115.html
David Tatarowicz February 13, 2013 at 04:11 pm
@Steve You make a very good point. I don't think that police or military, as a group, should endorse any politician.
They all have their individual rights to contribute to and vote for candidates as private citizens -- but their job is to carry out our laws and provide for safety and service --- not to make laws or influence them --- a dangerous precedent as we have seen all too many times in too many parts of the world. I even feel queasy when some former military leaders have run for office. So far we have been lucky, for instance Eisenhower was definitely one of our greatest presidents --- but could you imagine someone like MacArthur --- one of the pettiest and self centered people to ever wear a uniform !!
DICK STEINBERG February 13, 2013 at 04:18 pm
Police unions were exempt under Act 10 and have awesome power to arrest and endorse. There is no need for local police unions to exist in order to endorse candidates for public office and then be neutral in serving the general public.
Terry February 13, 2013 at 08:24 pm
Why would I assume this is Partisan? Because you are David. Frankly, your claims to come from the middle are somewhat suspect if examined under the scope of your posting history. You are far from moderate, and I have been around long enough to know that.
And don't be disingenuous about the audience here. There are enough divergent opinions monitoring this site, that it is telling that no one is supporting this.
GearHead February 14, 2013 at 09:43 pm
Actually, it used to be when law enforcement endorsed a judge (or candidate) it carried a lot of weight because most folks like the idea of a conservative judge who is tough on crime, and upholds the Constitution. It still does now, which why you might be upset, David.
But what is the alternative? Would you prefer the criminals and moocher class endorse her? Those would be the type the ACLU jumps through their shirt to defend. Ahhh, that is the endorsement her challengers are seeking; The left wing of the WI Supreme court is the best gift criminals and moochers could ask for. Let's keep it in the minority.
GearHead February 14, 2013 at 09:55 pm
BTW, your concerns about the Patriot Act overreach aren't without merit. And I'm no fan of Homeland Security that prefers pretend security measures like feeling up elderly women and little kids, to getting serious and profiling real threat. Still, to say law enforcement endorsing a judge is somehow advocating a police state is a reach.
Concern yourself instead with how the police (all forms of civil and military forces) will react when the EBT grocery cards stop paying out, and the looting and rioting begin. Can you say martial law? Isn't that another fancy name for police state?

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from Shorewood Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Steve ® June 10, 2013 at 03:55 pm
So? What was used and what harm does it cause? Although ironic this may provide more good thanRead More harm. What is written on the application sign?
Cricket June 11, 2013 at 01:31 pm
The bluff and other areas need to be planted with things that will snuff out the weeds. They areRead More harmful to animals and possibly birds, of which there are many at atwater. Obviously not many animals but there are squirrels and rabbits and other native mammals. Not to mention the kids at the play area. Most adult humans can handle an occasional wiff of a pesticide but not children or animals. I have held several pesticide licenses in my day so I have had much course work on this. I am surprised the village has done this but I know restoration is about to begin - again - on the bluff and perhaps they are trying to rid the bluff of all the weeds. It is a shame that the 15+ kids they hire every year can't be up there weeding instead. I don't know what else they could be doing as the village has reduced the amount of annual flower beds that need to be maintained.
PaulRevere June 10, 2013 at 12:40 pm
The liberal minded Patch had it going their way for some time. Then, the contrary opinions became aRead More "voice to be heard". So, like all liberal media, just shut down the "free speech". Speech that educates the people is a NO-NO in the world of "public education". Have no fear, other avenues to educate the public is on the way.
CowDung June 10, 2013 at 12:53 pm
Given the amount of liberal propaganda that is posted around here, one does have to wonder if PatchRead More intended to make it more difficult to reply to comments (and set the record straight)...
Mike Stevens June 14, 2013 at 07:20 am
Wow, PaulRevere, AKA the hardest working person in America, who only takes 1 day per month off andRead More who believes all evil is related to public schooling, has time to not only comment on St. Louis area Patch sites, but on Milwaukee area sites as well? Paul, perhaps you should go back to school to check your grammar--other avenues to educate the public ARE on the way, not IS on the way. Oh, you must be too busy working 20 hours a day (but finding tons of time to comment on several Patch sites) to check grammar
Walker celebrates after defeating the liberal unionista blue fisters
Steve ® June 6, 2013 at 12:10 pm
Sure Keith. I am sure every time you use the term Tea Bagger it is not vulgar. The symbol for yourRead More failed recall movement was a Blue Fist. No one wants to be ruled by a fist and I don't see how that is vulgar when your own logo was a blue fist. Try again.
Keith Schmitz June 6, 2013 at 01:03 pm
Are you assuming we're stupid Steve? Don't. BTW -- you called yourselves Tea Baggers. We're onlyRead More using the term you selected. What a great PR roll-up for this group of Neanderthals. You're problem with that any fister reference is usually the speaker feels it is where his head should be.
Greg June 6, 2013 at 01:10 pm
OHHHHHHHHHHHHH, that is why their fists are blue, OUCH!
Bob McBride June 6, 2013 at 09:04 am
I think if you look at most of the sites still running the older version, you'll see the sameRead More messages of impending doom we got just before the change...
Bob McBride June 6, 2013 at 09:15 am
I got the name wrong, it was "Bellmore", not Belmont. It was part of rollout of what atRead More the time was being referred to as "Patch 2.0" in the press. It was rolled out to five towns in the Long Island, NY area in September of last year. I'm going to attempt to post a link to an article:: http://www.poynter.org/latest-news/mediawire/189296/aols-redesigned-patch-websites-make-a-play-for-neighborhood-groups/
CowDung June 6, 2013 at 09:30 am
"I think if you look at most of the sites still running the older version, you'll see the sameRead More messages of impending doom we got just before the change... " | I think that's true, Bob. I poked around at a number of Patch sites around the country and the 'Welcome to the New Patch' articles were full of the same complaints we are seeing here. | This Patch redesign seems to be the 'New Coke' of websites...
Greg June 4, 2013 at 03:38 pm
Starting at ONLY $70,000.00 Time to cash in your aluminum cans.