BENTON COUNTY — Last week for the first time as far back as I can remember, I endorsed a candidate for an elected office in this column. The first article I submitted to The Times was in January 1996 and I have tried to help the readers of this newspaper better understand the political process as it appeared to me. Endorsing District Judge Brad Karren for the Circuit Judge, Division 2, in this newspaper is a result of the actions being taken by the opposing candidate’s supporters to defame Judge Karren for the very reasons he is worthy of everyone’s support. He did not benefit in any way from the very actions they are condemning.
In another state, my older son and his family are benefiting from a compassionate, caring judge who is doing everything possible to help my oldest grandson through a very trying time.
The police department in that city and the county court system have literally done for us and our family,many of the same things that Judge Karren is being condemned for in Benton County. When you have a person go far beyond the required effort to assist someone who is too young to fully understand the ramifications of his actions, you owe them a debt of eternal gratitude, not try to destroy them and the caring they have brought to their position. When juveniles are concerned, we all lose if they end up being abused by the system, or become a victim of the very system that needs to help them. Judge Brad Karren has never met my son, nor my grandson, and I have not met the judge in Wisconsin that is handling my grandson’s situation, but I can tell you without one moment’s hesitationthat I thank God for their guidance through the court system.
In their exuberance to help children and their families, they too might make mistakes in court protocol in Wisconsin, but if that is what it takes to keep the system helping those who don’t understand the process, so be it.
Without the empathy of the court and the law enforcement staff, our family problems could have resulted in some serious and long term consequences. Fortunately, the right decisions are being made there by compassionate judges who are going out of their way to help - not hinder - a young man and his family. Brad Karren has tried to do thatfor families here in Benton County and certain parties are trying to condemn him for his actions. It would be interesting to hear the views of the two families who supposedly received the benefit of the preferential treatment. I imaginetheir comments would be similar to mine and the situation in Wisconsin.
Retired Circuit Judge Tom Keith’s comments about the timing of the reporting - repeated reporting actually - speaks volumes about the reason for rehashing experiences that have been a learning experience for Judge Karren. These are the kinds of things that make us question the political system as a whole and that is unfair to the best, fairest judicial system in the world.
We are truly blessed to live in America and I do not fail to give thanks daily for my presence here. May we continue to elect compassionate, understanding judges in every court in our land.
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Editor’s note: Leo Lynch, a native of Benton County has deep roots in northwest Arkansas. He is a retired industrial engineer and former Justice of the Peace. He can be contacted at prtnews@ nwaonline.com.
Opinion, Pages 4 on 05/02/2012