Political Quotes

“Mr. President, Sue Lantto is an advocate of victims of domestic violence. She often visits a local courthouse in suburban Minneapolis to help her clients obtain protective orders. Last month, she wrote an editorial in which she acknowledged that ``[m]ost of us who work at the courthouse have had moments when we were frightened'' because cases sometimes ``become volatile.'' Patricia Buss handles family court matters in Dakota County, MN. She says she ``personally think[s] of the risks every time [she] walk[s] into the courthouses.'' John Baker is an attorney in Maplewood, MN. He is also a retired marine. He concurs with Sue and Patricia. He says: I am not saying that we need to create fortresses in our courthouses, but basic security screening and training can go a long way. That is not being done. The local courthouse is a workplace for many people, for secretaries, custodians, and clerks who clock in and clock out every day. It is also where justice is administered. It is where we report for jury duty and fight traffic tickets. It is where adoptions are processed, divorces are finalized, and misdemeanors are adjudicated. But as Sue, Patricia and John explained, local courthouses can be dangerous places--stakes are high, tempers flare, victims confront their assailants, defendants confront their accusers, prosecutors argue with defense lawyers. A rash of incidents in late 2011 raised concerns about security at local courthouses, especially in rural and suburban communities.…”