Most everything in life is defined either by the rule of law: the principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced in strict accordance with well-established and clearly defined laws and procedures; or laws of nature: principles that are considered to be inherent in nature and have universal application in determining whether human conduct is right or wrong. It is when we operate within these parameters that we serve to protect the principle of law.
While it is commonly held that “no one is above the law,” the rule of law requires that government treat all persons equally under the law; implying, “no one should be treated beneath the protections of law.”
What has transpired in commissioner meetings over the past few weeks has been nothing more than a “process” in which the principles of law and justice have been disregarded or perverted. A “process” characterized by irresponsible, unauthorized, or irregular procedures. Decisions have been made outside of legal procedural due process.
Trust, our most precious resource due to its scarcity, is, regrettably, becoming more rare. We should all recognize that trust is fragile and, therefore, can be lost instantly. What little trust we may have had has quickly evaporated.
Public servants are obligated to protect principle. What we have witnessed is politics in place of principle; believing the end justifies the means. We knowingly have abandoned integrity in pursuit of a set course of action. There are those who do not see this–more egregious–there are those who see it and are fine with it.
According to past decisions of the Supreme Court, the primary reason for establishing procedural safeguards is to prevent inaccurate or unjustified decisions exercised through cunning calculation. It has become evident there are elected officials who believe “necessity” should not be bound by law.
I can and am willing to speak directly to the issue for those who do not see the present perversion of power. If due process, under the provisions of the 5th and 14th Amendments, Cook County’s Personnel Policy Handbook, Robert’s Rules of Order; and individual moral integrity–apart from the protections of law–can arbitrarily be abandoned in pursuit of orchestrated “gain,” no one is safe!
As a commissioner I am not elected to protect certain individuals; neither am I elected to serve certain individuals. I am entrusted with upholding the rule of law as it applies to all individuals.
When we, as elected officials, take the oath of office and affirm that pledge before every commissioner meeting, we, in essence, lay down our “right” to serve ourselves or special interests. In other words, our promise is not arbitrary in nature . . . optional, subject to interpretation; rather, it is a conscious commitment to constituents that we are agreeing to be held to our word. It is a matter of personal integrity.
Outcomes, that result from procedures that are fairly applied and enforced in strict accordance with well-established and clearly defined laws may not find public acceptance; however, the demonstrated integrity of process speaks to justice. Outcomes that result from a “process” in which the principles of law and justice are disregarded or perverted, “processes” characterized by irresponsible, unauthorized, or irregular procedures, speaks to injustice.
I, for one, seek justice . . . and I am feeling alone.
“Wisdom ceases to be wisdom when it becomes too selfish to seek other than itself.” –Kahlil Gibran
Garry Gamble
Commissioner
Cook County-District 2
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