Seven Days recently ran a story entitled “Conservative Senator Peg
Flory to Hang Up Her Spurs.” https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/conservative-senator-peg-flory-to-hang-up-her-spurs/Content?oid=14090480
In the article, Flory was portrayed as outspoken, prepared, skilled, tough, fearless, logical
and detail-oriented. As VBA Past-President, Dan Richardson, pointed out
on his Facebook page, one of the most compelling quotes in the article was in
reference to how Senator Joe Benning described his dealings with Peg on highly
charged debates, stating that “his relationship with Flory remained
respectful throughout, which he credits to the fact that they’re both lawyers.”
We should all pause to let that sink in. In spite of
the insults and jokes people make at the expense of our profession, it’s high
time we all recognize that we are trained to engage in meaningful civil
discourse. With all the finger-pointing, internet trolls and low-brow
fighting that takes place on television and the web, it is easy to get sucked
into the realm of destructive discourse.
We are trained professionals who
are skilled at respectful debate and we spend our days helping others,
upholding the rule of law, and working within an adversarial system that
respects the right to disagree and to give each side an opportunity to put its
best case forward. So be proud. Reach around, and pat yourselves, and
your colleagues on the back. Let’s recognize the skills and promise that we
bring to the table of civil discourse. Together we can raise the public
perception of the profession, all while we tirelessly assist our clients.
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