An Expression of Thanks

Thursday, July 17, 2008
I recently sent a note to Judge John E. Jones III, who is a U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. He was the presiding Judge for the Kitzmiller v Dover case, which effectively made the teaching of Intelligent Design illegal under the establishment clause of the Constitution.

After doing my research for my ID argument paper, I felt compelled to thank him for his service. Here's what I wrote:

"Dear Judge Jones,

"I am an adult student attending the University of Denver, and I am currently taking a course in effective communications as part of my curricula. In this course, I am required to select a controversial topic on which to perform analysis, research, and argument, and I chose the controversy of including Intelligent Design in public school high school science curricula.

"Naturally, my research brought me to the Dover case, and the Nova PBS report surrounding it.

"While I recognize your position as a U.S. District Judge requires you to interpret the law in accordance with your education and conscience, without regard to public opinion, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your courage and conviction in deciding as you did.

"In many circles, the inclusion of Intelligent Design in science curriculum is a political issue, and I’m quite sure the Discovery Institute and the Thomas More Law Center thought they had “hit the jackpot” when a Republican, Bush appointed Judge was assigned to hear the Dover case. Thankfully, your dedication to the Constitution was a stronger influence than any political obligation you might have felt. For that, you have earned my respect and admiration.

"I am a seventeen year veteran of the United States Navy and Naval Reserve. As such, I, too, have taken an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States, and so consider you my brother, if not in arms, then in spirit.

"Thank you, and best wishes for your future career and happiness."

I write a lot of letters like this. If something pisses me off, I bitch and moan to the person I think is responsible. If someone does something I think is admirable, I congratulate and thank them. And typically, I don't receive a response to either type of correspondence.

Well, what should arrive in today's mail but a hand-written note from Judge Jones. I decided against scanning it and posting it here, because I don't have Judge Jones' permission. It also contains some personal information about his family, and I don't wish to compromise his privacy.

But he was gracious and kind, and downplayed his performance in this case. He thanked me for writing, and also for my service.

What do you know...people do enjoy being thanked for their work, and my small expression of appreciation for Judge Jones' difficult decision made his day.

I'm going to keep on writing letters. Thanks, Judge Jones.

2 comments:

Tania said...

That is indescribably kind, conscientious, and classy of Judge Jones. **applause**

The Mechanicky Gal said...

YOU GOT A REPLYT???!!!! I am soooooo jealous! I am envious! I wish I could get my shit together enough to notice when people do right and then follow through with some kind of thanks.
You represent, Janiece! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!