MMMM #75 - Eye in the Court

     There may finally be a chink the wall of separation that has long kept TV and  still cameras out of Federal Courtrooms. Frankly, it is about time. The arrogance of the Federal Court system in banning cameras, while allowing print journalists to carry the tools of their trade, pens and paper, has been stunning.
     Now the 9th Circuit out West is going to "experiment" with allowing cameras in.
     Welcome to the 18th Century, Mr. and Ms. Justices.
     The Times article linked above quotes U.S. Supreme Court Justice Scalia as describing video cameras in the courtroom as "entertainment". I think he's been watching too much Judge Judy and Company.  And where, pray tell, are all of the "open and transparent government" conservatives on the issue? What could be a better way to make government more transparent than showing it at work?
     It would have meant people could have watched the Bush vs Gore case live in 2000, to see for themselves if justice was served when the Florida recount was halted.
     High Def video cameras are now pocket-sized...any argument about "disruption of court proceedings" no longer applies. No argument against the presence of video cameras in ALL court cases makes sense. The courts, including those without cameras, have upheld all kinds of intrusive "security" measures that Americans put up with. Now its their turn. Let the cameras in!