Scott Johnson, the Big Trunk of Power Line is appearing on the radio locally in Minneapolis tonight on a fascinating topic, that of the requirement of continuing legal education for lawyers in bias sensitivity, and one lawyer, Elliot Rothenberg, who is risking his license to challenge this requirement. Minnesota lawyers, like many other professions, are required to take coursework on a regular basis in order to keep up to date in changes and advancements. However, the "elimination of bias" requirement has nothing to do with the practice of law, as the qualifying classes themselves demonstrate:

• A 'rally for credit' for attorney Lynne Stewart, who is under federal indictment on charges of supporting terrorist activities.

• At least 20 courses beginning in April 2002 with titles like 'Understanding Islam,' which Rothenberg says promotes one religion.

• A course opposing military action against terrorists.

• A course condemning capital punishment as a 'challenge to justice.'

• A theatrical performance on race relations by the Mixed Blood Theatre Company called "Presumed Guilty,' which Rothenberg says does not 'even purport to engage in legal education.'

• Another theatrical performance entitled 'Impeach Justice Douglas,' which Rothenberg claims criticized the Vietnam War and the convictions of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg for spying.

So far, this is an interesting discussion. I was the first caller, tossing a question to Scott about the possibility of legislative and/or executive action to squash this political correctness run amuck, and Scott gave a very good answer, a bit more optimistic than the one given by the host, who is also an attorney. Scott is doing a great job on this show. If you're not able to catch this, you should definitely read Scott's posts on this topic at Power Line. Start with the link above and follow his links to the posts. If you're from Minnesota, you should be talking with your representatives about this monumental waste of time and resources that our legal system could use in much more productive ways.

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