Day 15. BRANDED? The Honorable thing to do.

Do you remember the old TV show BRANDED, starring Chuck Connors? The underlying story of an honorable man figuratively falling on his sword, suffering to protect the dignity of his dead commanding officer, doesn't apply here in Judge Hinson's case. But the opening title and theme song should.

In the title and song we see Chuck Connor's character, a U.S. Calvary Captain, being dishonorably discharged in shame in front of his fellow soldiers. Quoting from the TV acres website,This included the humiliation of having his hat, Captain's rank and buttons ripped from his uniform in front of the presiding troops and his sword snapped in half and thrown out of the fort into the dirt.

"As McCord exited the fort, the stockade gates were closed behind him in a final act of banishment.

One of the lyrics in the song talks about being "scorned."

I was wondering why there isn't that type of response from the Judiciary now that Judge Hinson has admitted to the charges against him.

Shouldn't he be banished entirely from the Judiciary? Dis-fellowshipped? Excommunicated? Ostracized for violating his oath? His vow? But instead, keeping the Western theme, they seem to be circling the wagons, trying to protect him, as I've shown before.

Changing metaphors, I know that one rotten apple doesn't spoil the whole bunch. But if you're a judge, ask yourself: When the troops won't disdain someone who (repeatedly) broke one of their highest vows, what does that ultimately say about Your Honor?