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Published: Wednesday, December 2, 2009
POLICE SHOOTINGS


Blame this state, not Arkansas

Where is the Washington state judicial system? The Seattle Times chooses to blame Clemmons’ release and parole from the Arkansas prison system on “then-Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.” Clemmons was released from our judicial system “just six days ago.”

Clemmons had eight felony charges against him in the state of Washington, and he was being held on a felony charge of child rape against a 12-year-old relative. If convicted, he would have been facing a life sentence under this state’s “three strikes” law. Why are we granting bail to someone charged with child rape? Who was the judge that granted the bail? We need to hold that judge accountable. The responsible judge granted bail after a prior judge ruled “no bail.”

The ultimate blame here should not be with the Arkansas judicial system, or with “then-Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.” The blame should rest squarely on the backs of our Washington state “judicial” system. It is time to hold our judges accountable!

Ronald Czarnecki
Everett

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Herald Editorial Board

Bob Bolerjack, Opinion Editor: bolerjack@heraldnet.com

Carol MacPherson, Editorial Writer: cmacpherson@heraldnet.com

Kim Heltne, Assistant to the Publisher: heltne@heraldnet.com

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