America needs to post a ‘Help Wanted’ ad for a lawyer. The first who come to mind for me are, Thurgood Marshall, Atticus Finch, and Barbara Jordan.
I concede, Atticus is a “fictional character” from To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, a novel I adored from the moment I read it. Atticus left an impression of being honest, fighting for the voiceless, and having respect for the law. And later, when I saw the film, Gregory Peck, became one of my favorite actors. Although, Gregory Peck was portraying a character, he sincerely embodied the values of Atticus Finch, as though they were intrinsically his own, Harper Lee said, “Atticus Finch gave Gregory Peck an opportunity to play himself.”
Justice Thurgood Marshall, argued for equality and fairness, with Brown v. Board of Education, before the Supreme Court, a court to which he would later be appointed. Barbara Jordan, who made the opening statement in the Nixon impeachment hearings, delivered the historic speech with indisputable integrity, grace, and a devout respect for the Constitution.
To read or watch the news, it seems everyone has a law degree or is a legal expert. In the current reality show Presidency, lawyers are out in full effect, playing twister with the Constitution, in order to protect Donald Trump. In 2018 there were 1.34 million lawyers in the U.S., and according to the May issue of Vogue, Kim Kardashian Esq. will join the legal front, the People’s Elle Woods, ‘Legally Brunette’, yes.
More lawyers should embrace Barbara Jordan and Atticus Finch vibes, especially within the Department of Justice. Watching someone with a law degree say, any variation of, “Truth isn’t truth,” or literally regurgitate Trump’s “spy claims” makes me wish they were fictional lawyers instead of Atticus Finch. At this point, I would actually prefer a fictional lawyer to replace who is currently playing the lead role at Justice. I’m open to, Annalise Keating, Diane Lockhart, or even bringing back Ally McBeal to fight the good fight.
“When I was a boy I was told that anyone could become president; I’m beginning to believe it.” Clarence Darrow