Commentary: Law Day takes on a new meaning

There are few moments in our lifetimes that leave indelible imprints on our memories. We all have a clear recollection of events surrounding President Kennedy's assassination and Neil Armstrong's first steps on the moon. Similarly, the events of Sept. 11 will haunt us for the rest of our lives. I must admit that I will never understand the rationale used by those who planned and implemented an attack on so many innocent men, women and children of many nations. Presumably, they attacked the physical structure of the World Trade Center as a symbol of global commerce. Why the buildings could not have been attacked when they were unoccupied is just one of the many unanswered questions. By definition, the goal of terrorists is to create terror. Just how successful were the Sept. 11 terrorists? In their twisted minds, the terrorists were remarkably successful. One, the collapse of the World Trade Center towers were horrendous moments for all who watched them live and in the endless video replays. Two, the recession was deepened dramatically. Some eight months later we are nearing the end of the search for the remaining bodies and the removal of the debris from Ground Zero. Our economy appears to be recovering at a reasonable rate. I firmly believe that the same Rule of Law that brought our country through a great constitutional crisis in the 2000 residential election without bloodshed has enabled us to withstand a blow that might have crumbled other countries. There is a core value in our culture that fairness and justice will prevail and that we need to permit our processes to proceed. Lady Margaret Thatcher, former prime minister of Great Britain, speaking in Tulsa last year before the attack, said, "The rule of law is the cornerstone of freedom." Her words were both historically accurate and prophetic. As a lawyer, and as an American, I feel that I have a special privilege and a special duty to ensure that respect for and appreciation of the role of law in our society endure. For that reason, I urge you to observe, and participate in, Law Day 2002. Law Day is celebrated every year on May 1. It's a special day focusing on our heritage of liberty under law - a national day of celebration proposed by our fellow Oklahoman Hicks Epton and officially designated by joint resolution of Congress in 1961. Every year the American Bar Association is joined by national organizations, state and local bars, as well as businesses and schools, in conducting thousands of programs on the rule of law in a constitutional democracy. This year's theme is "Celebrate Your Freedom: Assuring Equal Justice for All." The U.S. Constitution provides for equal justice for all - regardless of color, gender, ability or economic status. In short, that means that everyone - black or white, rich or poor - should have the ability to obtain legal counsel, and that everyone should be eligible for the same consideration under the law. The stability of American society depends in large part on our nation's commitment to the rules of law - that all members of society are subject to the same set of laws and that these laws are enforced consistently without regard to position in society. Not every dispute needs to be resolved in court, but we should know when and how the law can protect our interests and preserve our rights. Do your part. Make yourself aware of your rights and join the fight to protect them.

Gary Clark is president of the Oklahoma Bar Association. He is a shareholder and director of Crowe & Dunlevy in Tulsa. His law practice deals with primarily trusts and estates with some real estate, commercial transactions and bankruptcy.

Copyright 2002 Dolan Media Newswires
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.