The rule of law should transcend political skullduggery
By Derek Joy
Interesting how the world of sports offers a much needed respite from the mad rush of political campaigning leading up to the Nov. 4, elections.
Sure enough, after starting preseason competition winless in four games, the Miami Heat notched two wins by defeating previously unbeaten Golden State and the reigning NBA Champion, San Antonio Spurs.
Throw in how the Miami Central Rockets throttled the Miami Northwestern Bulls, 55-21, and you have reason to look at an overlooked issue on the ballot in Miami Dade County.
That issue is the raging debate over funding the much needed renovations to the Miami Dade County Courthouse.
It is definitely an historic site, having been built in 1926 as the tallest structure in South Florida. The courthouse remained the tallest structure in Miami Dade County until the construction industry boomed in the late 1970’s and beyond.
Now, that once heralded structure looms as a dilapidated eyesore where civil matters of law are contested. The Courthouse long ago ceased being a local jail as it once was, in addition to serving as the courthouse.
Funny how so often the past elected officials eagerly catered to the wealthy professional sports franchise owners. Gave them all sorts of incentives such as tax breaks and more.
That trend was slowed to a point when then Miami Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez was recalled by voters. He was done in, among other things, by public anger over his support of financing Marlins Park.
Regrettably, no City of Miami elected officials were ousted for their roles in spending taxpayers’ money so a rich sports franchise owner could get richer while services to the residents dwindled.
Now, when it comes time to ante up to renovate a county owned landmark, those same career politicians who support doling out public money for private enterprises are conspicuously silent when it comes to the courthouse.
So, here where justice is meted out, the beacons of justice are expected to labor in squalid, less than safe or heal-thy conditions. Instead, they readily put the onus on the voting public.
Hence, some ask, where is the justice? Is this likened to the myriad injustices that Black Americans have come to know as routine?
Matters such as Trayvon Martin having committed no crime, but was stalked, confronted, then shot and killed by a self- proclaimed neighborhood volunteer who was acquitted of murder charges based on Florida’s controversial Stand Your Ground Law.
Or is it equal to the travesty of justice that’s seen in the extremely lengthy sentences given to those convicted of drug offenses, while white collar criminals, including elected officials who violate the public trust and their fiduciary responsibilities?
Well, the rule of law has its flaws. So, too, does the Miami Dade County Courthouse. The voters know it.
The question is, what will the voters do about it? In the process a demand should be made to tighten the reigns on the corrupt career politicians.
