Judges of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC), have reserved their decision in the dual citizenship election petition case involving Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and his education minister, Petter Saint-Jean.
This, after a grilling day of arguments for the appellants and the respondents in the matter on November 13, 2012.
The United Workers Party (UWP), is appealing a decision in January this year in which High Court judge, Gertel Thom, rejected petitions by UWP election candidates, Maynard Joseph and Ron Green seeking disqualification of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and Education Minister, Petter Saint-Jean, as election candidates because according to the petitioners, they were in breach of the electoral code, having held French citizenship on nomination day ahead of the 2009 December 18 general election.
Lead Counsel for the Opposition United Workers Party (UWP), Trinidadian Douglas Mendes, argued before the ECSC on Tuesday, that Justice Gertel Thom had erred and denied the appellants a “fair trial” in accordance with the law when she dismissed the subpoenas which were issued on Skerrit and Saint-Jean and ruled that “they did not have to testify.”
He told the court that “the trial judge took the wrong position. She confused the two separate sections of 67 of the House of Assembly Act,” Mendes told the court.
He asked the court to find that section 67 of the House of Assembly Act and Section 4 of the Elections Act which deals with the subpoenaing of witnesses was applicable and ought to have been the focal point of Justice Thom.
In response Senior Counsel, Anthony Astaphan, representing the respondents, charged that “all election matters turn on pleadings” and said it is the petitioners who are to perfect their pleadings at all times.
On the issue of French law, Astaphan stated that expert evidence was needed in dealing with the matter but the Appeals Court judges did not agree with that notion.
He called on the court not to overturn the decision of Justice Thom.
Speaking to the media after the hearing, Astaphan admitted that he was “taken aback and surprised by the questions posed to him by Justice of Appeal Don Mitchell as it relates to French Law.” He said that though both sides were questioned “repeatedly” he still was “seriously surprised”.
While he did not want to predict the outcome of the case, Astaphan said he is hoping for a well written and good judgement. “I will expect them to take their time and deal with it in a careful and thorough way,” he concluded.
Lawyers for the UWP did not wish to comment on the matter.
since inherent jurisdiction is on the discretion of the court. And in the first hearing at the high court the judge did not use such authority. I believe that in the appeal at the C.C.J. the judge need not be too inclined to use such authority nor rule in favor of United Workers Party.
since inherant jurisdiction is on the discretion of the court. And in the first hearing insdtant the high court judge did not use such power. I believe that on the appeal the judge need not be too inclined to use such power or rule in favor of United Workers Party.
While we await the judgment of the Court of Appeal, the responsible politicians, talk show hosts, attorneys of law and civic minded citizens should urge all Dominicans to be patient, tolerant and respectful of the court- irrespective of the decision.
Those senior counsels, who are political advisors, party advocates, loyalists and talk show host should promote honest dialogue so that people can view the court with professional respect and not through their political lenses.
In the words of Mr. Astaphan S C in addressing the people of Skitts on the Observer Radio in 2011.
“We cannot have confidence, love and respect in the court depending on the victory we have had or the loss that we have suffered. We have to respect the courts … our Court of Appeal has done yeoman service over the last 40 to 50 years, while I represent politicians, I cannot take political positions on any judgment in any court.”
Mr. Astaphan joined with other officers of the court, including the Attorney General of Antigua, Hon. Justin Simon, in expressing support for the acceptance of the CCJ as the final arbiter for the region. He said;
“We claim to be politically independent and we claim to have moved away from colonialism, and imperialism, all these wonderful left-sounding phrases and catch phrases and so on, and the CCJ is part of our total process of liberation and emancipation,”
“It is outrageous; it is absolutely outrageous to seek to suggest some impropriety of the Court of Appeal …when the Court of Appeal is now being recognized in CARICOM and the Commonwealth as setting a high standard for jurisprudence and the development of the law.
“The time has come for politicians (their supporters and especially their legal advocates) to stop playing games with the Court. Stop dragging the Court into the political arena. Stop disrespecting and bringing the courts into public disrepute because it promotes, secures, and assists you in seeking some cheap political points. It is a shame that once again another political leader in the opposition has stooped so low in order to score political points,”
We should all take heed of the wise advice of Mr. Astaphan SC and take our judicial system serious. We should not lie to the court or hide evidence from it when it seeks to make just decisions in implementing the provisions of our constitution.
Respectfully
Roseau Valley
The time is come for you to be told that a caveat needs to be placed on your misguided approaches. There still remains a body of very highly respectable members of the Roseau Valley Constituency who are reasonably unsettled at some of your arrogant and highly subjective positions.
SENIOR COUNSEL ASTAPHAN is amongst one of the most highly decorated Legal Luminaries of his generation in the region. And by the way TONY was born and bred in Dominica. he played Football in Windsor Park and bathed UNDER-POWER . He even made TWO BARK ! We are very proud of him and look at how he started as a lawyer. Doing alot of PRO BONO WORK especially for the ghetto youths in Roseau and environs. Could you remember when YOU FOLLOW almost sent him up STOCKEY ? I guess you were busy elsewhere. I hate it when some fellow Dominicans show absolutely no respect for our nationals . Tony continues to fly the flag of Dominica so proudly all over the region and beyond. The implication of your statement is consistent to rubbish. Herein are your direct words ” We should not lie to the court or hide evidence from it…..”. I and many have read between your lines. This is a cowardly attempt on your part at casting aspersions on the SC. There is such a thing in law as obstruction of justice, innuendo and defamation of character. DNO must be mindful of the subtlety of such well disguised attacks ( I said well abd not cleverly ). DNO you refused to publish my rebuttal of ROSEAU VALLEY and I do hope that this presentation from me does not suffer a similar fate.
LET JUSTICE SEEN TO BE DONE
ADMIN: Your rebuttal was too long. Read the disclaimer.
You are such a loser
You are such a loser. Be original.
What a load of utterrubbish!
I agree with ROSEAU VALLEY “We should not lie to the court or hide evidence from it” That my friendis no casting of aspersions or defamation of character, it is waht it is,THE TRUTH.
“I hate it when some fellow Dominicans show absolutely no respect for our nationals”.
And I HATE when people who should show ALLEGIANCE to the country and constitution they “claim” to “love” so much, show more allegiance to MONEY!
Tony must take a bath UNDER POWER again, to REMIND him that he IS DOMINICAN. because honestly I think a too back from this debauchery would do him GOOD!
“LET JUSTICE BE SEEN TO BE DONE”
Oh boy, let it “be seen to be done” SEEMINGLY done right???
because there IS a difference between something being done and something seemingly being seen to be done, that’s why even in law there is a prosecution and a defense. and to me it would seem that the better story teller, fact jockey, disc jockey or however you choose to play it, would be the winner.
FACT, there is no better DJ that DJ Senior Council..
to me once it come from a mans mouth it is prone to err. because a man seen cutting a tree could be for any reason. but some may convince others that he maybe passing his frustrations, others would say he making way for a road, and still others would say he going to make lumber. the truth in this case would lie with the actor.
when asked only he can justify his actions. but when a man refuses the opportunity to DEFEND HIS OWN SELF, FOR FEAR OF SELF INCRIMINATION. that in itself speaks….. and also leave room for SO MUCH SPECULATION….
well I wish us ALL luck with this. because we are the only ones suffering because of a man who CLAIMS to love and want the best for Dominica.
but that’s just my 2 cents, it’s not worth much to anyone else but me…
Roseau Valley thanks for reaffirming tony Astaphan’s character. If Dominicans think this man really care and really have the interest of the people at hert then I ave to wonder whether we are truly an independent people any more or just slaves of the existing government system
she holding examination scripts of some and setting those students back. No law No Constitition No court can stop us . Thats what their leader says. So what do you expect. Tony bumboom fly as usual.
I know that this time the government maust lose that case. She can play AHWAR SHAY if she wants. A bitter face and bitter tongue.
STOP HOLING BACK PEOPLE CHILDREN
WE KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE DONE !
YOU SHOULD BE ASHAME !
SHAME SHAME SHAME I DOH WANT TO GO TO MEXICO NO MORE MORE MORE
MENDEZ was great Tony was greater But the final decsion will be GREATEST I.E UWP WINS
you are one sick woman
i dont know why the radio station you work on doesnt close down
people like you continue to be jealous of other people development
have respect
since when a genuine compliment can be a problem to you
seek help MRS MARRIEDMAN just look at the name that you are choosing
workers will lose how can tny be greater than mendes and uwpwee win
too many contradictions
were you in court and if you were there did you understand the trial and discussions
journalist my foot not even notes you were taking
Mercilessly punish those who are found violating the supreme law, the CONSTITUTION. Jail them!
I don’t care much for UWP and who it have seat for and who it will not have seat for, call bi-election so WHATEVER allu want. I myself don’t campaign..
BUT ONE THING! RESPECT MY CONSTITUTION.
and BE WARNED ANYONE who is elected as LEADER of MY LAND OF BIRTH…. DO RIGHT!!! because I don’t care WHO YOU ARE, once you forming the ROYAL and DISRESPECTING MY PEOPLE AND THEIR CONSTITUTION…
79 will be on you like WHITE ON RICE!!
BE WARNED!!!!….DFP, UWP, DLP. Spaggs, Eddison, Roosevelt and ALLLLLLLLLL Dominican politicians..
1979 will take you to task and you WILL be held accountable!
my resolve is ABSOLUTE, and I will not relent….
What are you really saying?
Nobody broke or disrespected the constitution,because it peoples like us that are really feeling the weight with the amount of taxes that I am paying.
there is no opposition in this country, the peoples that were suppose to represent us went their own way.They neglected their position and responsibilities as opposition.
the only thing that they are good is complaining and party politics,they keep fighting among themselves in the party that lack of vision and structure.
Plus they peoples who really wants to see this country move forward are doing their part while those foolish ones keep barking on the radio but are not offering solution but more problems.
Some may be barking on the radio, but you are barking in ignorance…You seem to be one of the lazy ones who depends on Red clinic handouts, so you are red vex that the lost verdict will come soon.Those who violate the CONSTITUTION should pay dearly. The constitution belongs to the land/all of us, so all of us should gang up on those who violate it. This should be particularly so if it is done by clueless, and incompetent leaders.go and swallow your Gwen Sel now, let it too fay you!
I say what I have to say unno!
If some of allu need to take my comment in a LAB and DISSECT it to understand it, that is left to yall, but english is my FIRST language and I spoke clearly.
In Laplaine case if Peter Stjean looses Ron green cannot be the new palrep.Why,he has dual citizen, so it must have a bar election.
Ha, ha! A “bar” election would be fun – have one on me. You mean a “by-election” I guess.
I think the word is ” bye” not bar nor by.
I say what I have to say unno!
If some of allu need to take my comment in a LAB and DISSECT it to understand it, that is left to yall, but english is my FIRST language and I spoke clearly.
I agree with you we. let them have a “bar” election.
Yes in the bar election the money for the rum bought from the bar will come from the Red Clinic.
Rain falling sun shining jumbie marrying
RV the fat finger syndrome on my smart phone forced me into premature posting.My follow up question is : isn’t it fair to say that it was legal acrobatism on the part of the high court judge to suggest that both defendants have been truthful to the court of justice. I say so because the bottom line is the existence or the lack thereof of a foriegn passport
Essentially to rule not guilty under circumstances seem to be not just legal acrobatism but also legal gymnastics on the part of judge Thom.
THE QUESTION IS , WHY IS IT OK FOR RON GREEN TO SIT IN PARLIAMENT AS A FOREIGN CITIZEN AND ITS NOT OK FOR OTHERS
Let me try to answer that for you:
“It’s because no one took Ron Green or the legality of his actions to task back then.”
But skerrit was warned before, during and after all his shenanigans and he being so arrogant and conceited refused to acknowledge the requirements of the constitution or cries of the people. Now, I am NOT saying Ron was right but rather because no one complained including the then DLP top brass he got away with it. So in his case is water under the bridge. In other words, two wrongs don’t make a right. Hope you got it this time in that thick skull of yours.
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
will somebody hand pancho a copy of the CONSTITUTION OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA?????
ok pancho… so if I go and VOLEH by astaphans and I doe get caught and then YOU GO and you get caught…will you argue that you cannot be charged because I GOT AWAY with it?????
ALLLLLLLLL dem politician VOLEH, NONE have shown to be better than the other..
it is WE THE PEOPLE WHO MUST WHIP THEM INTO SHAPE!
Why people like you didn’t take on Ron Green?.You wanted someone else to do it for you?
Have you ever heard any leader anywhere except in a dictatorship say NO Law, Not Even the Constitution Can Prevent Me……..That’s why he needs to be given marching orders, let him see that the Constitution is alive and well, and it can stop him.
If you are respectful of the constitution, you will put the country before politics and demand that justice prevail.
Hmmmmm
!
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
why is tony “seriously suprised” now huh??????
It`s official!same result,however,the rule of law is strong in our region,and we should be happy for that,even the loosers will agree that they have run their course, now lets join together to build Dominica.Hope they take a vacation to Russia,.
PROBABLE OUTCOMES
1.the matter can be sent back the high court for retrial by another judge
2. Government side wins but loses on the EXPERT EVIDENCE ISSUE
3. RONALD GREEN returned as Mp for la plaine or a bye election but the worse case scenario for the PM Skerro that a bye election is held. Under no condition will the seat be handed over to maynard Joseph. The former though possible is highly improbable beacuse of 1. the huge nargin of victory in Vielle case and as a naturally corollary of this ; the court under such circumstances is highly unlike to disregard the wishes of the overwhelming majority of electors in that constituency; alot of case law supports this position.
4. The ststus quo is maintained hence the UWP LOSES THE APPEAL because they didnt have the requiste evidential basis to prove their case.
5. A landmark decision is made hence the government loses and as a result of which the PM dissolves parliament and returns to the polls.
Interestingly there was a deep exchange between newly INSTALLED justice of appeal Don Mitchell and Senior Counsel Astaphans. Also the issue of INFERENCE was central to the PETITIONERS CASE. Simply put why attempt to renounce citizenship via the letter ? Whats the effect of such an attempt? Does it therefore suggests that the PM and St jean may well be custodians of a passport by virtue of such citizenship ? Assuming that is so and such an inference can be properly drawn theb the next vexting issue is whether an extention can be forthcoming frm this inference to the effect that a conclusion van be made that they ; both repondents i.e Pm and St Jean did something as adults which can be deemed as advanving allgeiance to another sovereing state in clear vilolation of Section 32 od our Constition. However its will be deemed to be legal acrobatism if usch an extenion can be made to such an inference in clear absence of a passsport. This is why alot of emphasis was directed to the siamese twin issues of disclosure and supeonas.
ITS THE PETIONERS WHO HAVE TO PROVE THEIR CASE DID THEY WE WILL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE .
RV I applaud your fair assessment. You have also been very objective in the articles on TDN. I wish people like Peepong Tom, Gary, Observer , Lizxavier4jesus would be more responsible and stand up for integrity , intelligence and morality.
You said yhat it would be legal acrobatism to deduce that both defendants possess foreign passports when the passports were not in the evidence pool. Isn’t it fair yo say that
Be careful. I suspect that you wish to compliment ROSEAU VALLEY not this imposter who is toubled and jealous of the views of ROSEAU VALLEY
These people are desperate. They will do any and every thing to attack those who oppose their nonesense even if it means taking credit the success of others.
You are so patetic. You cannot even think of an orginal name. You can’t come close to the real ROSEAU VALLEY. You ard jeslous Laborite loser.
@ lilly u kissing up to some educated f!!! on here,u talking but u have valley in your name so whats your point thats not his right name so whats the fuss?on the note with the PM i hear some socalled dominicans referring to the man as a french man it hurt’s to see that a man navel string bury in the back yard under the cherry tree and he’s illegal in that land.
is so he will sell his navel string along with the BAG OF CRABS called Dominica…
sigh
What is to stop by-elections being called before the Appeal Court delivers its verdict, enabling Roosevelt Skerrit to stand legally as a candidate and being returned as representative of Vielle Case (being re-selected as P.M.)and so negating the Court’s ruling, whichever way it goes? Just wondering.
Why do you write as an intelligent, cohesive and grammatically correct pundit in one post, then pretend to be a functional illiterate in the next. Just who do you think you are misleading?
Come on Warrington!! You I engage in heated debate on TDN. You should know better than that. You are a smart guy. Thought you would have been able to spot the imposter.
I accept your compliment that I am an “intelligent, cohesive and grammatically correct pundit” whereas this other person is a “functional illiterate’.
I do not intend to fool anyone, my friend and I wish that people would stop using different permutation of Roseau Valley to make their point on DNO.
Respectfully
Roseau Valley
I write in full support of the views which you have expressed WINSTSON WARRINGTON. Its a classical case which needs the advent of someone who is skilled in Clinical Psychology. This so called ROSEAU VALLEY and ROSEAU VALLEY is one and the same person. One pretends to be of some intellect while that same one has a semi-illiterate posture.
Those kind of positions taken are reminiscent of ” INTELLECTUAL BI-POLARISM ” . This individual is being DAY-MASSAYED and we shall all be witness to this unmasking. Have you read his recent piece ? Its sucha well disguised attack on SC Tony Astaphan. In one almighty con artistic breathe he praised the Lawyer’s position on the CCJ and OECS COA, but in his sickening submissive conclusion, the demented part of this siamese twin show up its political head. He therefore proceeded to take a swipe at senior Counsel for witholding evidence from the court hence stiffling the Constitutional processes. What absurdity and thorough bred nonsense. His malice and hatred of this SC is well known. The burden is not on the respondents to prove their case but on the petitioners. My Lord , Any half baked Attorney knows that.
ROSEAU VALLEY and ROSEAU O VALLEY let me just say this to you. No degree of contradictory appraoches, sentiments or variance of viewpoints on whatsoever issue will be able to change the perceptions of you which you so foolishly have created. You have therefore become the victim of your own assumed intelligence hence demoted yourself into doorsteps of ignorance.
I am awaiting your expectant rebutt but if I were in your position I would plead the 100th ammendment and shut up.
WELL DONE
WARRINGTON !!!!!
I hope you are not another ROSEAU O VALLEY OR ROSEAU VALLEY in disguise. PLEASE CLEAR YOUR GOODNAME!!!!!!!
To “roseau O Valley” below:
Whoever you are, I humbly beg that you use another name instead of seeking attention by using a variation of “ROSEAU VALLEY”.
My dear citizen, I acknowledge your right to use any name you wish, however in order that we can have our views clearly distinguished, I humbly suggest that you try to be more original in the choice of your pen name. The good people of the Valley deserves better. We are not free riders on the good name, reputation, achievement and popularity of others.
We do not follow the lead of our Parl. Rep and government, who are determined to convert us into beggars and unproductive, non-thinking dependents on gov’t handouts.
We the people of the Roseau Valley are independent thinkers. We have always been proud and intelligent people. Please do not give the world a different impression of who we are. Differentiate and distinguish your contributions. You do have to try to imitate Roseau Valley. Be an original and independent thinker and let’s debate respectfully.
While in the suggestion making mode, please allow me to suggestthe following to you by way of improvement in your future contributions- hopefully under a different pen name.
– Please try to read over what you have written and let it make some sense. Whereas we can tolerate an occasional grammatical and spelling error, it is rather annoying that almost every other word or sentence is incorrect.
If you wish to portray yourself as an intelligent person, who has something meaningful to say- do so intelligently. For instance, had you read over what you wrote, you would have realized that Roseau as a proper noun should start with capital “R” so too is La Plaine and Maynard. By the way, I think his name is “Astaphan” not “Astaphans”.
You may not have realized it but you have incorrectly spelt the following words in a relatively short contribution: “nargin”, “Vielle case”, “beacuse””, “alot- (two separate words, “ststus” “didnt ”, “requiste”, Whats (without an apostrophe) , “theb”, “vexting”, “frm”, “ repondents”, “advanving”, allgeiance”, “sovereing”, “vilolation”, “od our Constition”, “acrobatism if usch an extension”, “passsport” and “supeonas”.
You will notice that I have not addressed the substance or lack thereof of your contribution as I do not believe you are knowledgeable of the subject matter.
Suffice it to say, this case has nothing to do with “the Government side.” The case involves the individuals Roosevelt Skerrit and Petter St. Jean before they were unlawfully elected to the parliament. It is not about the government especially as the Attorney General did not join in defending our laws and constitution.
But even if one accepts your terminology, what does that mean “the government loses on the expert evidence”? Expert evidence on what? What happen to options like declaring the election of the two members null and void? What about banning them from talking part in future elections? What about simply respecting the constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica?
It is unfortunate that you have so narrowly addressed the pertinent issues in making statements like, “UWP loses”.
My dear friend, this is about we as a people, respect for our constitution and the rule of law. It is not about UWP or Labour or Edison or Skerrit.UWP does not lose. Dominica has already lost too much in the process. How much more must Dominica suffer in the hands of these corrupt, disrespectful and dishonourable politicians?
I hope you will do the readers of DNO a favour and improve your future contributions hopefully under a more original name so that readers are not poisoned and confused by your worthless, partisan comments which you sek to pass off as that of ROSEAU VALLEY.
It is disgusting- I respectfully submit.
Roseau Valley
I watched with great admiration as young Dominican lawyers filed in and out of the court room during the appeal. These young men and women had spent many years at Universities studying for their profession and I salute them.
I also saw persons in court who had not spent one day in a school of law but who has been “trying” cases on the radio and certainly will be “talking” about that case before and after the decision of the Appeal Court. No doubt they will be telling persons who were not in court what they would like them to hear about the case.
Student you are a Phsycic because the person was on radio this morning saying exactly what you predicted…. wow! lol
Well between you and me the case will be further discussed…..
Court cases are not left only to the lawyers to discuss. The lawyers have the priviledge of pleading cases before the Court but all and sundry is free to express an opinion on Court matters. This is so in a democracy. Or have you Student and Joe forgotten that Dominica is a democracy?
Must be some dumb student!!!
I look up and I wander ???? Its people like you that will get long life to see your miseries for all what you have said and done to the citizens of this country.
Confession boxes are too small.
I wander how some people sleep.
But there are unconventional ways to find out the evil deeds of so many of Us who are wolves in sheep clothing.
We will live and die in the politricks of hypocrisy and deception but our sins shall find us out. What goes around will one day come around, Even on our death beds our tongues shall confess to our sinful deeds.
FLY YOUR KITE
POLITICS AND NATION BUILDING AND TALK SHOW CALLLING AND REACTION TO PEOPLES COMMENTS AND NOT RECOGNIZING THAT IN SMALL COMMUNITIES everybody knows everybody. The truth will be told. Dont hurt your head.
We and others are bow fully aware of your deeds . The discomfort is not with us.
Will our democracy be restored
will jobs be created
will freedom rein down like water again
will the justice system be improved
will that evil government fall
will people respect married men
will young people return to God
I hope that UWP WINS THE CASE and that wickid government falls
Student, that is part of democracy too. People have a right to express themselves, within the laws of slander libel or common deceny, even if we don’t agree with them. It is not only university that makes you smart. Let’hope that is a lesson the young lawyers took with them also.
I think it all boils down to who is going to be the sacrificial lamb! Is it going to the Opposition, or the questionable judicial system that somehow pervades the status quo. While the court has to show credibility and prudence overturning the judge’s decision will for some justice in an unjust state crippled by the so called powerful. Upholding her decision will somehow weaken the opposition and characterize them as “toothless or paper tigers”. Alas and alas, the Dominica constitution will be found wanting. Let us wait and see. God bless the nature isle.
i smell rat, the year 2012 is Divine order.
For the sake of justice and to protect and bring back respect to our constitution, I would like to see a verdict against Skerrit and his legal team.
Right on the other hand, for the sake of Dominica, I would prefer to see things stay as is. Outside of Skerrit, I don’t see any member of his team that is capable of leading the country. Calling early election with or without Skerrit, is spelt trouble. UWP is not ready to lead Dominica and their foolish decisions as oposition gives no right thinking person confidence in them. UWP needs to get back to their base and rebuild the party. They can still win in St. Joe, Castle-Bruce, Grandfond, Roseau Valley, Roseau North, Carib Territory, Wesley and yes, with good ground work, Colihault, Paix Bouche,Soufriere, and Roseau South are all winable. But instead of using the many errors of Skerrit to their advantage, they are using it against them. With a few more years before the next election, they only have about four candidates that are ready and no one knows who will represent other close constituencies. So they need to go back to their base and build the party like they did in the 90’s.
Looks like the courts are bought. Can’t make an unfavorable decision now, can we?
And can it be…
Once upon a time, on a beautiful idyllic lake a flock of geese were swimming. Suddenly the Sheriff appeared and ordered them off the lake. The Sheriff was a fox and the Geese spokesman, Mr. Goose snapped that they had every right to be on the lake and the Sheriff was the one who should go away. The Sheriff arrested Mr. Goose and when they got to the jailhouse, Mr. Goose looked up and saw that the Jailkeeper was a fox too.
The case got to trial and Mr. Goose looked around and saw that the Prosecuting Attorney was a fox, the Court Clerk was a fox, the committee people who made and enforced the rules were all foxes. The Judge himself was a fox and when the jury appeared every member of it was a fox. Mr. Goose shook his head and said, “I ain’t got long to stay here.”
Adapted (with apologies) from Arna Bontemps, Black Folklore.
Very good one
love this comment
hmmmm….interesting……………but not surprising #just my two cents……………..by the way…ADMIN …I’m missing the comments feature :-(