Calamity threatens our nation; we need to ‘free our inner Ali’ to find justice

The Kentucky Bar Association Annual Convention could not have come at a better time. Its focus on the law as an impartial, nonpartisan pursuit of fairness for all provided an oasis of reason and humanity in the desert of America’s discontent.

Calamities threaten our nation, but none are more perilous than denial, indifference, and irrationality. Take the Jan. 6 insurrection. Many underestimate, deny, or ignore the enormous magnitude of this rebellious attack on our democracy. They either don’t know or care that the inciters of rebellion are guilty of violating 18 U.S. Code § 2383 and “shall be fined …or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both, and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.”

And yes, the former president incited the insurrection. As Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said, “There’s no question, none, that President Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of the day.” While this was as clear as the blazing blue skies along Owensboro’s fabulous River Walk, Senator McConnell and most of his Republican colleagues failed to convict Trump on his impeachment, essentially endorsing Trump’s actions and leaving him eligible to run again.

Then, as I was arriving at the Convention another absurdity shot a hole in my soul, my sense of reason, and my lifelong understanding of what America stands for, and what it must stand for if we are to continue to don the crown of world-enlightening leadership. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine just promoted the arming of teachers as the answer to school shootings. Bad enough, but the new law only requires a mere 24 hours of training. This was in line with Donald Trump’s push for a federal program to arm teachers, and recent calls to arm teachers nationwide.

But by militarizing Miss Landers and turning Mr. Rogers into Rambo the Buckeye governor put a bullseye on the backs of every teacher and student and shredded the rule of reason in the process. The quest to arm teachers stems from irrational, distorted thinking held prey to propaganda and pro-gun ideology, not sane, level-headed analysis.

First, proven methods of school security include the locking of all doors. But the Uvalde shooter entered the school and the classroom through unlocked doors.

Second, teachers must feel free to teach, mold, and inspire their students. They should never have the distraction of guns or what to do with them if the rare event occurs. Most teachers will rightfully shun guns and no amount of training can, will, or should change that. Even then, unintended consequences will lead to more carnage, more stress and anxiety, and more vulnerability, not less. The very idea of arming teachers destroys teachers’ peace of mind and thwarts their ability to focus on their heartfelt mission to educate and develop our children. Instead, it places these genteel souls both literally and figuratively in a quasi-military war zone.

A reasoned solution will also address the root causes of mass shootings (failing students and bullying) by providing early childhood education for all and catching failing students early to give them hope.

Finally, a resort to weapons is a surrender to the forces of fear and futility, and away from truth, reason, and humanity, the qualities that make America “America.” Fittingly, the KBA featured two Kentuckians famous for their promotion of these high values. First, Muhammad Ali, whose and his courageous stand for truth and justice led to his victory in the Supreme Court and for equal justice around the world.

Ali was famous for boldly speaking truth to power. In that he echoed another famous Louisvillian, Justice Louis D. Brandeis, who decades before said that the answer to bad speech is “more speech, not enforced silence.” So, in honor of the law and these two famous sons of the Commonwealth, may we free our inner Ali and champion the truth, cherish reason, do justice and walk kindly. Stand for truth and justice.

Speak we shall, as speak we must.

Richard Dawahare is a Lexington attorney.