Judicial hoot: OMG, what will they think of next. And, see why judges are important?

There is so much that is so serious to talk about it seems almost criminal not to opine about the mess that has become Washington, D.C.

But don't worry, we will get to sex scandals, petitions to secede from the Union and who knew what when later this week.

But today, let's talk about possums -- and why you should pay a little closer attention to whom you put behind the bench.

This one is just funny. A judge in western North Carolina has declared that possums have the right to, and we quote: "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

Okaaaaayyyy.

Now, this would be funnier if it were a bit on "Saturday Night Live" or a goofy stunt. But the facts are that this is a man who has been charged with making decisions about the law and justice in this state -- and someone elected him to office.

Judges' races are often a mystery to voters. Some close their eyes and just pick because they have no idea who is whom.

But stories like the call for possums' rights remind us that sometimes the people we put in the robes are as important as those we send to Washington and the White House.

Think about that the next time you are in front of a ballot.

Published in Editorials on November 14, 2012 10:42 AM