Mac Parsons is absolutely right, provided judges use certified treatment providers in facilitating their drug courts. We currently have real problems with judges sending people to any available “treatment” facility, regardless of whether that facility meets the standards laid down by the state. But, when they’re done right, mental health and drug courts would be a huge improvement to the status quo in the Alabama criminal justice system.
Sen. Roger Bedford, D-Russellville, speaking in support of the motion said: “We’re talking about a grown adult elected to the Alabama Senate walking up and striking another grown adult serving in the Alabama Senate in the face. And we’re going to say that’s OK? That’s all right? Well, I say that’s not all right, and that’s not OK.”
Bishop walked off the floor without senators barring him. “Yes, I’m going to walk out of here this afternoon. I don’t want my colleagues voting on this,” Bishop told other senators.
“But I can tell you, when I come back, and you call me a son of a …, then yes, I might whup you again. I’m not going to lie to you. And I would hope that you would, if you’ve got any gumption or you have any respect for your mother.
If Mr. Bishop really believes this is the appropriate response to a verbal insult, then how does he expect children to behave in school or kids on the street? Does he believe it’s allowable for students to beat on each other, provided the insult is bad enough? If so, then why hasn’t he proposed legislation to that effect, because it is certainly not the way things are now or the behavior that is expected. Mr. Bishop should be barred from the floor until he acknowledges his behavior was inappropriate, which he has yet to do.
© 2007 The World Around You
