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

Talk to us

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, Sept. 26

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Sen. June Robinson, D-Everett, left, and Sen. Mark Mullet, D-Issaquah, right, embrace after a special session to figure out how much to punish drug possession on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in Olympia, Wash. Without action, Washington's drug possession law will expire July 1, leaving no penalty in state law and leaving cities free to adopt a hodgepodge of local ordinances.  (Karen Ducey/The Seattle Times via AP)
Editorial: Robinson smart choice to head Senate budget panel

A 10-year legislative veteran, the Everett senator displays a mastery of legislation and negotiation.

School buses need seat belts and limits on capacity

My name is Grace Davis and I am a seventh-grade middle schooler… Continue reading

Congress must reauthorize funding act for Alzheimer’s research

With more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 120,000… Continue reading

Comment: Democrats have nothing to gain by backing Menendez

Unlike the loss of Al Franken, encouraging the New Jersey senator to go doesn’t cost the Democrats much.

Comment: Amid union victories, labor still faces big challenges

Federal regulations, such as the Taft-Hartley Act, have long stymied labor’s efforts to gain members.

Comment: Desantis’ $2 gas pledge should terrify Texas

He can’t get there unless oil is trading below $55 a barrel; nobdy wants to revisit those days.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Monday, Sept. 25

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Randall Tharp’s month recovery coins after battling a fentanyl addiction.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Fentanyl crisis should force rethinking of approach

A continuum of care, that includes treatment in jails, is imperative, says a journalist and author.

Most Read