[NoControllingLegalAuthority]

We have all heard the theory about how some levels of the judiciary "need to be isolated from the whims of public pressure, so they'll make the right- rather than the popular- decisions."

The problem with isolation is judges can become isolated from reality and their own fellow citizens. Rulings can then eventually undermine faith in the entire judicial system.

In this Pledge of Allegiance case, the beliefs of the vast majority of the citizens are being mocked by two of a panel of three judges. The result is massive and justified contempt of court.

[backhoe]

You'll get no argument from me. I do think there needs to be a more elegant way to remove judges who are abusive, too activist, corrupt, or otherwise unfit than impeachment.

I'll give you a personal example.
An old and dear friend & neighbor of mine was a Federal Judge here in Brunswick for many years... and in his younger days was a fine lawyer and a very considerate, thoughtful judge. But in his last years he was senile ( we didn't even know about Alzheimer's disease back then ) and the tales I heard of his abuses of lawyers, clients, and others were hair-raising. He really did not belong on the bench those last 5 or so years he lived, but no-one could figure out how to get him off the bench short of impeachment-- which no-one had the heart to suggest.

There just needs to be a better way.