“Je Suis Charlie – Bis”

This is a non-political blog. Or at least, it set out to be so, fifteen (count ’em, fifteen) years ago. I hope I’ve kept true to my intention. It was my hope to continue, to report Tax Court day by day, with commentary aimed at improving the system only, leaving political considerations outside.

I am nearing the end of my career. My ability to deal with the daily strain of practice is wearing out.

But when I see this profession, which occupied the bulk of my life (and all of my working life), trashed and degraded by those with no greater aim than fattening already fat wallets by yielding whatever worth they have left, I am weary with forbearing and cannot stay.

No, I’m no paragon of virtue. I’ve got my share, and more than my share, of times when I’ve gone into the tank or fallen short.  And I know neither courage nor honesty, nor even allegiance to God and Country, can pay the rent or the mortgage.

But I must add my voice to those of my colleagues who are protesting this government’s attempt to subjugate the profession and bend it to their invidious will. Once again, we are all Charlie. Whether the terrorists wear shemaghs or MAGA hats is nothing to the point. They must be fought, and it is never cheap to fight.

Maybe Big Law is too big. Maybe Big Law has forgotten what law is about. Maybe EBITDA and ROI have replaced independent professional judgment and integrity.

Maybe law is just a sham. Maybe it’s really soap bubbles for the rich and chains of steel for the poor. Maybe those of us who believed in it are losers. But it’s better than what this government is offering.

So for me, there is no more neutrality. Elie Wiesel got it right: “Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere.”