I love America when it works for the reason it was created

I read with interest the opinion in the Lassen County Times that the California Supreme Court has determined that the right to record what happens in family court hearings for the purpose of establishing justice when a record of such events is or may be needed in future hearings.

Sometimes, even public officials will lie or just be wrong in their determinations and decision makings.

At times, the rights of a parent to make decisions applying to their children have been questioned by outside authorities.

The US Supreme Court has determined that a parent is like a judge in a court of law, and that any attempt to take that power away must be backed with evidence of great need.

Once, the County Board of Education required me to appear before them and answer for my actions with my child. For some reason, I decided that a record should be made of the event. I had a feeling. So, I took a small tape recorder with me, and before anything was said, I sat the recorder on the table and turned it on.

The collection of citizens who composed the board were all upstanding folks and seemed to be surprised by what I did without asking them first. Their reaction was interesting. With the recorder running, no one dared to say “No!”

I had heard that recording official meetings was a right reserved to authorities. However, I beat them to the punch with my first action before them.

When I first entered the room, with my long hair hanging down, I was greeted with looks of disapproval. I was encouraged by those who had been teachers of mine when I was their student many years before. A few grins appeared on their faces.

Long story short, we all parted with the understanding that I had acted as any parent ought to. A good time was had by all.

My wayward child realized that trying to get a parent in trouble was not a good way to act. I learned that honesty is the best policy. I am uncertain what the board of supervisors thought about the event, but all of us were satisfied that justice has been served.

A record of events is better than trusting that everyone will behave honestly.

I love America when it works for the reason it was created.