Legal disgrace

Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Patrick McFalls is offering to give up his judgeship, and the people's guardians that ensure an honest legal system — the Court of Judicial Discipline — must say all is forgiven and give McFalls a hearty farewell.

The judge won't go cheap. The judge says he isn't going without disability payments for alcoholism. I'm always suspicious of diseases you can buy by the glassful for about $2.50.

A jury makes a decision within hours or days about a criminal who may face the death penalty. The Court of Judicial Discipline has pondered Judge McFalls' guilt or innocence since Dec. 6. Since then, the accused and suspended judge has collected a mere $90,000, plus the perks, while using this time, if reports are true, to drive drunk and drop his pants.

But let's not forget this disease has taken over Judge McFalls' life in just over two months. On June 11, McFalls. in his filing before the State Court of Judicial Discipline said, "The respondent is alcohol-free, clear-headed, cogent and is capable, willing and eager to do his judicial duties."

Are we to believe that since June 11, McFalls is now so consumed by alcoholism that he must be considered for total disability?

If Judge McFalls walks with a billfold full of taxpayers' money, let it be a lesson that justice is in the hands of lawyers to be twisted for the sake of the privileged few. We have been taught this lesson time and again, but honest citizens never seem to learn.