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This article were originally published as the Editor's page in The Beverly Hills Bar Journal, during Mr. Shacter's tenure. ELECTION MANIA (Summer 1988) Every four years, we in the United States experience presidential elections with all of their hoopla and attention-grabbing efforts. Our caucuses, primaries and political party conventions are reported extensively by the print media and brought into our homes by radio and television. And yet, this year the pollsters tell us that the American public has lost interest in the political process, as evidenced by declining ratings. What could be the cause? Could it be that the candidates are so similar? Or equally lackluster? Or are the party platforms considered largely irrelevant in predicting the course of any future administration? Could it just be that we long for a simpler time . . . a time with less delay, less expense, less bureaucracy, fewer impersonal contacts, genuine collegiality, traditional values, and the sanctity of one's word as his bond. Individually, each one of us decides how he will deal with his fellows. It may be interesting to learn from a recent biographer how one of our most famous lawyers-turned-president chose to do so.
Lincoln's own words in his second inaugural address ring out, clearly defining his priorities and agenda:
If Mr. Lincoln lived today, what would he say about our society, our election campaigns, the legal profession, and such contemporary professional issues as state bar dues and discipline, lawyer advertising and the need for mandatory continuing legal education (including ethics)? One can only wonder. |