To the editor:

The AP reported Friday that Congressman Tom DeLay criticized a host of federal judges for refusing to disturb the factual findings of the Florida state courts. The Lawrence Journal-World reported the day before that the Kansas Legislature passed a school funding bill which may force our Supreme Court to shut down public schools. A group of Lawrence citizens last fall attempted to oust a local judge for making unpopular factual findings in a case even though a number of jurors who heard the case agreed with the judge’s decision.

It seems that Congress, the Kansas Legislature and a growing segment of society are going to great lengths to undermine the concept of an independent judiciary. Is there really a judicial activism crisis? Or, instead, are Mr. DeLay and others from both sides of the political aisle dismayed because they believe that issues in the courts should be decided according to their own political or emotional leanings?

It is easy for us to yell at the referee of an athletic event, but rare is the occasion when we have the luxury to view the play as closely as the referee. Even more rare is the occasion when the referee’s decision can be reflected upon and appealed to a higher referee.

If we become convinced that referees are mostly biased, we won’t have much respect left for the game. And worse, we won’t have much respect for an opponent who beats us fair and square.

Terrence J. Campbell,

Lawrence