Equality, unity, and peace

Generally, I am not inclined to respond to absurd, inaccurate, inflammatory opinion pieces, but in this instance, I believe it is important for Montanans to hear from me so they can form their own opinions as to my service on the Montana Supreme Court. He is wrong.

Mr. Koopman takes issue with yard flags I have displayed, somehow characterizing them as “partisan political flags.” Over the last decade or more, I have proudly flown flags promoting the ideals of our Constitution — equality for all, co-existence for all beliefs, celebrating the 19th Amendment providing women the right to vote.

I have also flown other colorful flags — flowers, rainbows, gnomes, Welcome, Happy Anniversary, Happy Birthday, happy face, the American flag, Montana’s flag, etc. These do not represent any partisan group or faction but instead represent the American values instilled in me as a child. I was raised to treat all others with dignity and respect. I was raised to celebrate women having the same rights as men – all people being treated equally under the law. At church we regularly wish each other peace- “peace be with you, and also with you.” I am proud to wish my neighbors peace, as at times the burdens of life feel too heavy.

I, again, would like to thank Montanans for electing me by a wide margin in 2022 to serve on Montana’s highest court. As many of you know, I served as a District Court judge for 14 years before serving for nearly seven years on the Montana Supreme Court.

Throughout my judicial career, I have worked hard to uphold our Constitution and interpret our laws guaranteeing everyone equal protection under the law. I am not, and never have been a partisan politician. I believe wholeheartedly in a fair and independent judiciary that is not beholden to any partisan group.

When running for reelection, Montanans repeatedly told me they want non-partisan judges who just call the balls and strikes as they see them. I also repeatedly heard that Montanans value their constitutional rights and their expectation for courts is to uphold the provisions of Montana’s Constitution. In my near 21-year judicial career I have worked hard to do just that.

As a Judge and Justice, I have taken my oath to uphold the constitutions of Montana and the United States seriously. These constitutions safeguard individual rights against the tyranny of the majority. Courts uphold these rights such as freedom of speech and freedom to exercise religion. This criticism of me and on Courts, is really an attack on our Constitutional rights.

My expressed beliefs in equality, unity, and inner peace, if anything, remind me of my solemn judicial mandate of liberty and justice for all.

And of course, I will be flying Old Glory on the Fourth of July!