The f/k/a Gang has always been in favor of full disclosure by
lawyers and law firms (see, e.g., our posts on fiduciary duties,
retainer agreements, malpractice insurance, JD alma maters,
self-help resources). Longtime readers know that personal
injury and class action tort lawyers have often been the subject
of our disclosure lectures and dreams. Last night, however, we
started to wonder about the limits of disclosure — just how much
do we want to know or see?
Our journey into DDS (disclosure doubt syndrome) began quite
innocently last night — simply following a pointer from PoL‘s
editor Walter Olson about the “Harvard School of Public Health
bestowing its Julius Richmond Award on glamour-puss toxic-tort-
chaser Erin Brockovich.” From Michael Fumento’s Town Hall column
on the topic, we came to the law firm profile page of Erin-Brockovich–
Ellis, at Masry & Vititoe, in Westlake Village, California. And saw:
W&V Director of Research
update (May 12, 2008): A post by Scott Greenfield at Simple Justice — “Decolletage or Disaster?” (May 10, 2008) — reminded us of our prior musing in this posting over Ms. Brockovich’s mugshot. Scott discusses the Wall Street Journal column “Risky Business: Decolletage At a Work Dinner” (WSJ, by Christina Binkley, May 8, 2008). If my rattled brain comes up with a useful reaction, I’ll report further in a new posting.
[Your Editor was apparently mistaken when writing this update, as Brockovich’s webpage is back at M&V. Sorry for any inconvenience to our readers.] update (March 17, 2006): Ms. B is apparently no longer affiliated with Masry & Vititoe. Her bio page is no longer available at the M&V website. You can see a picture of Ms. Brockovich similar to the one above at her “official” site and on the cover of her memoirs.
After the eponymous film in 2000 (which won Julia Roberts a Best Actress Oscar in the title role), Ms. Brockovich-Ellis is surely the world’s most famous (and rich?) paralegal.
Just this week, we wrote two posts on selecting law firms. Back in
March, we also wrote about decloaking associates. Nonetheless, a
close look at the Brockovich profile page raises the question: Just
how much disclosure, decolletage and detail is necessary or useful
for the purpose of choosing a law firm? I’ve been a lifelong fan of
feminine buxomness (in the sense of definition 1b, and not 3., in
this dictionary). But, exposure and disclosure start to overlap in
Ms. B’s mug shot. Similarly, I like to know a little about the personal
life of people I might work with, but hearing about two former husbands
and jobs held for a few months, and minor beauty pageants, etc. etc.,
seems a bit much.
memoir, which is available for as little as 23 cents
at the Amazon.com Marketplace. It appears that
the cover photo of the book was taken at the same
portrait session as her firm picture.
unaware of the thief’s
eyes, melons
cooling in water
translated by David G. Lanoue
So, I’m curious: (1) Does Erin Brockovich’s profile page make you
want to hire M&V? (2) Has her style of firm photo started a trend
among p/i or other law firms — among lawyers, paralegals, or other
support staff members? (3) Do Dennis Kennedy, Carolyn Elefant,
Kevin Heller, and Bruce MacEwen, who want more information on
law firm websites about associates, approve of the way M&V has
featured its famous paralegal? and (4) Is this website sweeps month?
I wonder what psychology professor and haiku poet George Swede would think of all this?
through a hole
in the fog billboard girl’s
radiant face
one button undone
in the clerk’s blouse I let her
steal my change
autumn clothesline
his and her pyjamas
frozen together
training bra
on the clothesline
half moon
from Almost Unseen (Brooks Books, 2000)
- by dagosan
fine print on her t-shirt –
she glares at me
for squinting
[Sept. 30, 2005]
p.s. If you came here looking for the meaning of “erin go bragh,”
click on the link for the Encarta definition, which agrees with
other sources that the term is translated “Ireland forever!” but
notes in the etymology that it literally means “Irish until doomsday”
Wikipedia has further details, including the possible Scottish
roots of the phrase.
September 30, 2005
too much disclosure? (erin go bra!)
September 29, 2005
MOJ, please talk about gay priests
Since the news reports a week ago that the Vatican is about to ban
new gay priests, whether or not they remain celibate (see our prior
post), I’ve been hoping the thoughtful contributors at Mirror of Justice
would discuss the topic. So far, there has only been one MOJ post,
which quotes at length from a column written by a gay and celibate
American priest, but offers no commentary.
Two days ago, a self-proclaimed “serious Catholic” sent me a link
to this article from a website called Spirit Daily, which was apparently written
by its editor Michael H. Brown — “If the Church Gets Tough — Very Tough —
with DEVIANCE, Pope Will Make His Mark.” The sender declared that
“it is an excellent article, written with honesty and a clear understanding of
the Church’s teachings.”
The message of the article is, to my mind, quite remarkable and sad. After
declaring that homosexuality is a “deviance,” caused by “demonic” forces,
the article states
“the truth is that those who are homosexual grapple with a
disorder that requires deliverance. It is a spiritual issue. And
while they struggle with that disorder they do not belong in a
position of any spiritual authority.”
After recommending a purge of homosexuality from the clergy, it concludes:
“We must purify the Church at all costs. Nothing else will work. A gay should
not become a priest. He should seek out a good priest for help and deliverance.”
To me, this message is hateful and not the least bit “Christlike.” Jesus, who
loved sinners, surely loved non-sinners who merely had tendencies — biological
urges and preferences apparently given to them by their Creator.
As a Catholic grammar school pupil, I was taught by nuns and priests that any
sin of a sexual nature — including “impure thoughts” not immediately purged
from our minds — was a mortal sin (leading to eternal damnation if not confessed
before death). I guess the Vatican believes that gays can never win the fight
against such impurity, and that merely abstaining from acting on the impulses
is not enough. I would hope that this kind of thinking is quite worrisome to the
thinking Catholic, even those who pledge their obedience to their Pope.
It’s estimated that perhaps as many as 30% of
priests are gay. For generations (centuries?), an adolescent
male’s lack of normal teenage interest in girls was seen by his
Catholic family and clergy as a sign that he might have a
“vocation” from God to enter the priesthood. Ironic, huh?
As a former Catholic, I know my perspective may not be clear or objective
enough. That’s why I hope to hear from practicing, serious Catholics on
this subject. Help me understand. Better yet, help your Pope avoid the
turning of an ancient form of fear and discrimination into a policy that should
have no place in the Church that claims to speak for Christ on earth.
risking a cartwheel
leaves drift
into the gorge
I pick one to follow
autumn wind —
trying to keep myself
under my hat
soft earth
I might risk
a cartwheel
from Upstate Dim Sum (2005/I)
potluck
“inconsistent” for Federalists to look to the federal government for solutions
on particular topics. He distinguishes between federalism (which says that
the central government has the authority to act in certain situations, and the
states in others) and localism (which wants all issues settled at the local level),
and notes:
“One can certainly argue that federalists are mistaken about where
the line should be drawn, or even inconsistent in drawing that line.
But one needs to do that by concretely explaining why the line should
be drawn in a particular place, or why two things must in any event be
on the same side of the line — one can’t just point to the federalist’s
supporting national solutions in some situations and state solutions
in others and say “Aha! Inconsistency!” Federalism is all about supporting
national solutions in some situations and state solutions in others. More
broadly, I suspect that good judgment, left, right, center, or libertarian is
all about supporting national solutions in some situations and state
solutions in others.
Prof. V also observes that “we need to be careful in allegations of inconsistency
(and especially of hypocrisy). Often the inconsistency is more illusory than real,
or at least demonstrating it requires a lot more argument than critics actually provide.”
(via Bainbridge) Personally, I don’t know what’s more disturbing: that so many people
are willing to brand opponents as inconsistent because they truly cannot think
through these issues, or that so many people know better but are willing to make the
charges simply to gain political advantage.
“traffic cop SF”
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September 28, 2005
closer to the grill
Distractions have kept me from drafting
either poetry or punditry so far today. But,
you still deserve some good haiku:
shutters thrown open
a fly
straight in
autumn chill . . .
we scootch our lawnchairs
closer to the grill
first kiss
deep in the woods . . .
sunbeams filter down
from School’s Out (Press Here, 1999)
potluck
Prof. B is Freeped out! The folks at DailyKos have tried to
“freep” the results of Prof. Bainbridge’s poll “What’s Up with
some Right-Wing group will pile on from the conservative
perspective, to help (1) balance things out, and/or (2) pump
up his numbers.
Uncool? Yes, we’re so uncool that we just learned
the term “freep” today. It seems the conservative
activists at FreeRepublic.com perfected the online
practice of slanting polls and attempting to influence
website polls in an organized manner. Creepy. Bleepy.
for “Detroit Free Press” and “Free Republic.com”.
Who knew?
“lipsG”
Comments Off on closer to the grill
September 27, 2005
fine print? schmine print!
Yesterday’s discussion of Missouri’s new lawyer advertising rules
raised the issue of how consumers choose lawyers. Today, I want
to tell you about a wise consumer who knew which lawyers not to pick.
A reader who found this weblog when Googling about contingency fees,
wrote to tell me about a firm with whom she was discussing a case
potentially worths millions of dollars. Here are her own words
(emphases added by me):
I had met with these attorneys a month ago about my case.
They were with me for five hours learning the details and asking
lots of questions. Upon my leaving, they presented me with a
contract to review and sign.
One of the attorneys was putting lots of pressure on me to hurry
and sign, and at that point, I just needed some time to really think
about my decision and my motivations.
I finally decided I was ready to proceed forward, and called them last
week. We sent up a meeting for this past Monday. I had brought with
me a copy of the first contract they had given me to make sure things
were the same.
Once I was there, they presented me with the contract and things had
been changed. Big things…like the percentages and also their attorneys
fees had gone up. I immediately questioned the percentages, and he
said that it was a mistake and was quick to correct those. As far as the
higher attorney’s fees, he said it was to my benefit, since it applied to
the other side having to pay. Needless to say, I was taken aback.
One of the attorney’s said to me this morning, “It’s like you are
purchasing an airline ticket. You don’t ask all these questions about the
fine print on the back of the ticket…you just buy it!” I said to him, “If that
ticket was going to cost me $5 million dollars I most certainly would ask
a lot of questions!”
Anyway, I went and picked up my materials today. He had told me if I didn’t
have something ready to sign by tommorow at 5:01 I could come pick my
things up.
I’m glad she walked out. Personally, I’d love to file a grievance against these
lawyers — or give them a little infam-e. Am I being too critical, impractical,
or naive?
“Fiduciary/Schmiduciary” is not an acceptable attitude for a law firm.
time in finding a lawyer, should consider reading Jay G. Foonberg’s
Finding the Right Lawyer. (even its table of contents is helpful) The
author sells it for $19.95, but the Amazon.com Marketplace has
copies for as little as $1.14 today. Also, legal reform group HALT
has an online brochure, “Before Your Hire a Lawyer,” that lists your
rights as a consumer of legal services and the kinds of information
and treatment you should expect from a lawyer.
first snow falling
I trust in his hand…
bridge by the gate
entrusting it to young folk
I sleep…
cozy wood fire
trusting its fate
to the autumn wind…
duckweed
translated by David G. Lanoue
“EyeChartN”
Comments Off on fine print? schmine print!
kinkytoon #1: “I Looove Texas”
Political and humor junkies better head right over to catch the
first online animated campaign commercial in Kinky Friedman’s
2006 independent race to be governor of Texas. It’s called I Looove Texas,
As the weblog post launching the ad explains:
Narrated by Friedman, “I Looove Texas” features
endangered cowboys, sexy cheerleaders, and stereotypical politicians
proclaiming their love for Jesus. It shows Texas through the
unconventional eyes of Kinky and reminds Texans they have another
choice for governor next year-a true Texas independent.
“I grew up in Texas, I played music in Texas, I wrote my mystery
novels in Texas, and I have traveled the world, but Texas is my home,”
Friedman says in his KinkyToon(TM).
Not having a giant campaign warchest, the mystery-writing-ex-country-rocker
says, “We’re asking our supporters to distribute the ad to friends and family
so that it spreads like a bad rumor.” It left me smilin’, so pass it on.
How I Was Born in a Manger, Died in the Saddle, and Came
Back as a Horny Toad (St. Martin’s Press, 2005), here.
a flea jumps
in the laughing Buddha’s
mouth
autumn’s first geese
crapping on people
fly on
translated by David G. Lanoue
Comments Off on kinkytoon #1: “I Looove Texas”
exploring the cave
abandoned still–
broken mason jars
sparkle in the moss
exploring the cave . . .
my son’s flashlight beam
disappears ahead
morning calm . . .
heavy with frost the leaves
continue to fall
closing-out auction–
the farmer clenches the muscles
in his cheek
from Fresh Scent: Selected Haiku of Lee Gurga (Brooks Books, 1998)
by dagosan
three-years’ worth
of cobwebs — first,
he dusts off his Swiffer
[Sept. 27, 2005]
potluck
mentioned on the radio this morning, I thought it must be about a lawyer
of admirable character. Instead, I learned that it’s Michael Connolly‘s entry
in the legal thriller genre, and features a criminal defense lawyer of less-than-
sterling character named Mickey Haller. who runs his practice from the backseat
of his Lincoln Town Car, as he travels between the courthouses of L.A. County.
Connolly’s a favorite of mine and I find the rave reviews for “The Lincoln Lawyer“
to be quite credible. His well-defined characters, realistic dialogue and procedures,
and tight plots should set the standard for legal thrillers. It’s available on
Oct. 3rd at your bookstore, and appears to contain a lot of good ethics hypos
for criminal defense lawyers.
Can anyone tell me why books are given different
covers inthe UK than in the USA? Compare the two for Lincoln
Lawyer here. The Lincoln Town Car speeding by in a blur in the
USA edition, but looks stationary for the UK.
the wreck of a poet” today, and I was pleased to see that the first result was for
an f/k/a post that blurbed about his birthday last April. Of course, we say:
“Inside every lawyer is a heck of a poet!” (potentially)
Comments Off on exploring the cave
lawyers and spouses
Thanks to Todd “Mowabb” Chatman and Blawg Review #25, my newly-discoveredweblawg of the week is the two-day-old Law Spouse weblog.  It’s hosted by law-schoolwidow (and mother of two) “j spaulding.” Law Spouse‘s tagline is “a blog communityfor those who love a law student.” The editor notes:“If you’re married, law school and its attendant headaches affect BOTHÂof you, for good or for ill. It’s compounded by trying to work while youattend law school — even more so if you have children (no matter whattheir ages).                                                                                              “This blog is meant to not only relate my experiences as a law schoolÂwidow — what works and doesn’t, fears and victories — but to act as aventing place for other law school spouses who sometimes feel likethey’ve earned the right to have that “Juris Doctor” tattoed on their behinds,as well.”This weblog is a very good idea and I hope it will attract a broad following — withthe “community” offering a lot of “what works” and not just “what irks” whentrying to share a life with a law student.still no wife
his voice grows hoarse…
katydidKobayashi Issa      translated by David G. Lanoue ÂFinding Law Spouse, reminded me that I’ve been meaning to mention two booksthat could be helpful for those who are trying to love a law student or a lawyer: (1) Should You Marry a Lawyer?: A Couples Guide to Balancing Work,
Love and Ambition, by Fiona Travis, PhD (Niche Press 2003). A promotional piecefor this book (for which I cannot vouch) says:“You will learn …
The secrets behind the lawyer personality.
How lawyers differ from the rest of us.
How to love your lawyer without losing yourself.
How to argue with your lawyer … and survive.
How to build intimacy with the lawyer in your life.
How lawyers can be better, more loving parents.
How to keep billable hours from destroying your marriage
How to help your spouse find career satisfaction in or out of the law
“So, whether you date, live with, are engaged to, workfor … or are already married .. to a member of the bar, this book is for you! “(2) Living with Lawyers, by Frances M. Weiner, et al. (Quarry Publishing, 2001).This book “explores”:– The Lawyer Personality – the traits successful lawyers share Â
Â
– What the lawyer has learned in law school that changes him/her forever
– The unique stresses of the legal professionLiving with Lawyers will empower people and help them improve yourrelationship with a lawyer by revealing:– The 7 Secrets to Living with Lawyers
– The most effective techniques to communicate with a lawyer
– How you and your lawyer can manage your stress
– How to love a lawyer without losing yourselfBoth books are under twenty bucks. The life you save may be your own.hey big cat
shake a leg!
the wife callspretending not to see
his wife’s face…
defeated wrestlerKobayashi Issa      translated by David G. Lanoue     Â Lawyers Choosing a Spouse:  When drafting his recent sermons
advocating self-assessment by law school applicants, students and lawyers, aswell as keeping one’s options open (and budget under control), Prof. Yabutavoided an important topic that needs to be mentioned — who you choose tomarry.  This may sound obvious, but sometimes it is lost in the blush ofyoung love and lust, or inertia: marrying a spouse who, for all your good traits,is also highly invested in the expected lifestyle and respectability of a financially-successful lawyer, can greatly (1) limit your future career and life choices;and (2) exacerbate forces within the profession that so often lead to a focuson profits, power, and prestige rather than service to society.ÂWhich is to say: your spouse could be the one snapping on those goldenÂhandcuffs — or at least be an enabler or cheerleader as you attach that ball‘n’ chain. So, while you’re finding out your own values and priorities, makesure you also know those of a prospective spouse (including once childrenarrive), and she or he knows yours.  Â
spring rain–
in the wife’s sleeve
coins jinglea wife, a child…
foretelling my fate?
blossoms scatter toobecoming beautiful
Buddhas, butterfly
husband and wife      translated by David G. Lanoue     Â
              [Sept. 27, 2005]
                                                                                 Â
September 26, 2005
Missouri newsflash: legal consumers are really stupid
Add Missouri to our ever-growing list of states with “we’re just protectin’ them simple-and here for Florida; here for South Carolina regarding lawyer nicknames; here and there for Kentucky; and here for New York]2005 and effective Jan. 1, 2006, has amended Rule 4-7.2, adding a newsubsection (f). The rule will require that each lawyer ad “contain thefollowing conspicuous disclosure:“The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.”
Proving that the Court thinks lawyers are pretty simpleminded, too, a newSupplemental Missouri Comment states: “In the case of television, thedisclosure . . . may be made orally or in writing. In the case of radio, thedisclosure must be made orally.” (emphasis added)“The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and shouldnot be based solely upon a recommendation from your Bar’sLawyer Referral Service.”hardly an improvement.]The article also notes that the new rule will:“[S]top lawyers from advertising for a specific type of case if theyhave no experience in that area. Ads must state if a lawyer routinelyrefers an area of practice to other attorneys. Another change requiresthat if a lawyer touts damage awards or settlements he has won, healso must state that past results are no guarantee of future outcomes.“The rules also expand restrictions for direct solicitation of clients, such
as advertisements sent through the mail. Among new prohibitions is onethat stops lawyers from vilifying or disparaging a potential defendant.[Mark] Levison [who headed the MoBar committee that sought the newrules] cited the example of a mailing that depicted a doctor behind bars.”In my opinion, Missouri lawyers and courts are really reacting to their own
dislike of all lawyer advertising — to uphold the profession’s supposed “dignity” and preventAlabama Supreme Court makes some important points (see the Press Release):“[I]t is best for consumers if concerns about misleading advertisingare addressed by adopting restrictions on advertising that are tailoredto prevent unfair or deceptive acts or practices. . . . [I]mposing overlybroad restrictions that prevent the communication of truthful and nond-eceptive information is likely to inhibit competition and to frustrateinformed consumer choice.” As the Commission staff noted in a 1994comment to the American Bar Association’s Commission on Advertising,“research has indicated that overly broad restrictions on truthful advertisingmay adversely affect prices paid by consumers, especially for routinelegal services.”As to the “dignity of the profession” concern, the FTC’s Alabama Letter concluded:“[B]road rules to enforce criteria of ‘dignity’ may prevent the communication of useful,nondeceptive information and thus inhibit competition and consumer choice. Strictrules to enforce ‘dignity’ may not give consumers enough credit, for consumersapparently respond more positively to advertising that would be considered ‘dignified.’And consumers appear to be less offended by certain supposedly undignified methodsthan professional themselves are.”
update (Sept. 27, 2005): Evan Schaeffer, who practices in Missouriand Illinois, doesn’t think the new disclosure will be effective, but won’tmind adding it to his Missouri ads. He wonders, however, about corporatedefense firms, whose ads target a more sophisticated crowd but will nowneed to include the confusingly irrelevant bit of “information.”If you’re feeling over-protected by your legal profession, letme suggest a haiku break. W.F. “Prof. Bill” Owen neverunderestimates your intelligence:
waxing moonwe take turns crankingthe ice cream makermorning belldew spinsfrom the kickballautumn morningtwo veteransshoulder their broomslast bale of hayone strap holdshis overalls “last bale of hay” – Frogpond XXV:1 (2002)“autumn morning” – Modern Haiku XXXIV:1 (2003)
not quite October:holly wreaths fillthe sweet corn bins[Sept. 26, 2005]“soldSign”
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what IS up with GW?
Prof. Bainbridge wants to know what the heck is up with G.W. Bush lately.
Is he drinking, emasculated, a socialist, or still on course for greatness?
Go vote at Prof. B’s poll. But, first check out last week’s edition of cartoonist
Tom Tomorrow’s This Modern World, where he explains it all — “Deep Undercover”
(Sept. 20, 2005).
click for original
the great lord
forced off his horse…
cherry blossoms
the great lord’s wood fire
rises
first
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September 25, 2005
sleep late and often
Spending a cloudy Sunday alone can have its
melancholic moments. However, there are some
very nice advantages: napping at will; lazily going
through the newspaper; and picking a few newly-
discovered poems by Jim Kacian:
repotting the jade . . .
regretting
that I am childless
bees drunk on my wine this flower-filled day
night fishing
bailing the moon
out of the boat
whiskey I sip it till I love it
“KacianSelf” Jim Kacian
“repotting the jade” – Modern Haiku (Winter 2002)
“night fishing” – World Haiku Ass’n bio
“whiskey” & “bees” – World Haiku Ass’n bio/p.2
from dagosan:
they change color and fall off
the grandkid explains
leaves and hairs
[Sept. 25, 2005]
potluck
are causing those terrible hurricanes. It’s part of John’s
new Sunday Spoof project. (via Legal Underground)
We hope it’s funnier than our infamous Weakend Specials.
Hricik, over whether we need laws to protect law school
applicants from deceptive marketing by the schools, reminded
me of my post last November on school taglines. I wonder what
Prof. Hricik thinks about the slogans chosen by the schools in
the list we presented from The Great Stamats Tagline Repository.
Google raises some very interesting and important issues. This
afternoon, I finally checked out a few weblogs dealing with the
topic. There’s a good discussion at Lessig’s Blog, and see EFF,
and madisonian.net.
voting against Judge Roberts’ nomination are not persuasive.
However, it’s only fair to point out that it is George W. Bush
who is always telling us that he’s looked into someone’s eyes
and seen his soul or his good heart. Obama gets to make
similar assessments.
Thanks to the Score Bard at the Humbug Baseball Toaster
(hey, I don’t name ’em!), for linking to our baseball haiku page and
reminding me to remind you about it. Consider yourself reminded.
first red leaves
i swing late
on a change-up
September 24, 2005
haiku harvest journal — easy pickings
I didn’t get out for apple picking on this lovely late-September
Saturday in Schenectady. But I did make my first visit to the
online haiku journal Haiku Harvest, which is published and edited
by poet-author Denis M. Garrison. Here’s how Garrison describes
this source of fine, modern haiku and related forms:
HAIKU HARVEST Journal of Haiku in English is
dedicated to publishing and promoting haiku, both in
the western tradition of classical haiku and in all related
forms. We give generous space to poets so they can
demonstrate the range of their haiku and we promote
innovative ku by providing a showcase for poetry in new
forms that are serious attempts to assimilate the haiku
tradition in forms within the English poetic tradition.
A number of f/k/a‘s Honored Guest poets have been featured at
Haiku Harvest since it began publication in 2000. Here are two
poems each from three of them (you’ll find several more from
each haijin by clicking the links below):
Sunday drive —
we lift our old dog
into the truck
sunny morning —
pink tulips in bloom
on the preschool’s walls
first time on the river
i fish the spot
the heron fished
moonless night
we follow the glow
of a texaco star
the flood’s wake—
driftwood bison
and dinosaurs
rose-colored dawn—
taillights disappear
in the parking garage
Barry George from Haiku Harvest (Jan-Feb 2003)
by dagosan
Riverside Faire
one white balloon
floats past two brown ducks
[Sept. 24, 2005]
potluck
can be excellent preparation for running a city. She quotes Fairbanks
soloist and City Council candidate Mary Beth Smetzer:
“I think I can be a help and have considerable business acumen
having run my own business since 1978 with tight budget constraints.
You have to say ‘no’ more than you can say ‘yes,’ regrettably when
it comes to financial issues.”
I was just about to pipe up with one of my Yabuts, when I noticed Carolyn
made my point in the immediately prior post, “You Gotta Know When to
Fold. . .” It’s the tale of a solo who took on cases (small ones) at a time
when he simply could not give them the needed attention, and ended up
losing his license. In my experience, far too many solos — both the very
busy and the underemployed — say “yes” to new cases and clients, when
the ethically appropriate action would be to say “no.” (See our prior post)
“NoYabutsSN”
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September 23, 2005
don’t ask, don’t tell — Jeeves’ aborted vocation
What’s the world coming to? Ask Jeeves is about to fire Jeeves the Butler
(BBC, “Ask Jeeves decides to axe Jeeves; Inquirer; “Butler gets the bullet,”
Sept. 23, 2005). And, just as I was going to suggest a possible late-life
priestly vocation for the unemployed manservant, I learn that the Vatican is
about to post a “No Gays Need Apply” sign on all of its seminaries. (see
BBC, “Vatican ‘to ban new gay priests’,” Sept. 23, 2005; Mirror of Justice,
Gay priests and the Vatican, with a lengthy excerpt by “Fr. Paul Michaels,”
from The Tablet; NYT, “Gay Men Ponder Impact of Proposal by Vatican.”)
According to TimesOnline:
“The Roman Catholic Church is about to ban men who are even
suspected of latent homosexual tendencies from training as priests.
“Vatican sources said that the Pope will recommend mobilising all
the resources of modern psychology to weed out those with homo-
sexual thoughts.”
The Guardian explains:
The proposed move, a clear shift away from earlier church policy
of condemning homosexual acts but not homosexual orientation,
is being seen as another example of the hardline approach of the
deeply conservative new Pope, Benedict XVI.
“JeevesG” Although I wish they’d keep the updated Jeeves search engine icon,
I have no idea whether that newly-purchased enterprise needs a fresher and
more expansive image to compete with Google and Yahoo!.
On the other hand, I’m almost certain that a ban on gay priests will greatly
hurt the Church’s image and its institutional soul. It will both worsen the drastic
shortage of priests and greatly burden gay men who have been serving their
Church faithfully and are now being told they really should never have been
ordained. (It has been estimated that between 20 and 30 pecent of American
priests are gay.) Branding all persons with a homosexual preference as unsuitable
for the priesthood is both unjust and unholy. I urge you to read the Tablet
column mentioned above, which was written by a celibate, homosexual priest
with an active ministry in the United States.
Just as Martin Grace recently wondered whether the American Catholic “JeevesN”
Church is getting good advice from its lawyers, I have to wonder whether the
Vatican is getting good advice from the Divine Counselor, who is purportedly
the source of the Church’s “Truth.” More accurately, I wonder whether any
one in the Vatican still has the ear of the Holy Spirit and whether they really
listen to the Divine message of love and compassion.
At my Jesuit high school some forty years
ago, the principal (a male priest) ran off with the female head of
our Parent-Teacher Association. Do you think we should check
out seminarians for heterosexual tendencies? What the Church
apparently needs is a whole lot of good eunuchs.
Meanwhile, Old Jeeves might have to look elsewhere for new employment.
Don’t Ask. Don’t tell. And watch those bad thoughts!
[Tom Toles “explains” it all in this editorial cartoon (Wash. Post., Sept. 23, 2005)]
he stows his fan
behind his neck…
little priest
quite remarkable
being born human…
autumn dusk
translated by David G. Lanoue
“JeevesLogo” don’t tell!
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no intro needed: hotham & ness
sun blocked by clouds
mile after mile
in silence
mourning –
a piece of birchbark
peels
Landing on the lintel
a pigeon and its shadow
become one
“sun blocked by clouds” The Heron’s Nest (Jan. 2002)
“mourning — ” The Heron’s Nest (Nov. 2002)
“landing on the lintel” – the haiku sequence “A Flutter of Wings” (2003)
under us —
water that roared
in the waterfall
on every step
dead cicadas —
a day’s list of things to do
home early –
your empty coathanger
in the closet
“under us” & “on every step“ – The Heron’s Nest (Sept. 2005)
“home early” – breathmarks: haiku to read in the dark
potluck
for two whole weeks now. Would someone please tell him that
preparing for and handling a trial is not a good enough excuse —
even in California.
much, according to the 6th Circuit in Rendon v. TSA. Over at
Crime & Federalism, hoping for an en banc, Mike Cernovich offers
to do all the grunt work (drafting of pleadings) for any lawyer
willing and able to handle the oral argument pro bono. Also,
check out First Amendment at the Airport? at Appellate Law &
Practice.
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