My definition of a free society is a society where it is safe to be unpopular.
–Adlai E. Stevenson, Jr. (1900-1965), speech in Detroit, Oct.7, 1952
Even Adlai Stevenson’s political enemies looked up to him. The highly-respected Illinois governor, diplomat and lawyer never got to be president–he lost to crowd-pleaser Eisenhower twice–but a lot of people wanted him to have that job. He liked ideas. American ones. People called him an “egghead” a lot. Ever wish that as a lawyer you did something genuinely worthwhile, important and part of a great American ideal? Something difficult, often unpopular and that reflects hard choices we’ve made as a society? Or are you just another lawyer dependent on the insurance companies for dough who wants to read a great blog every now and then? Tomorrow’s host for Blawg Review is Public Defender Stuff. “Indigent defense news, delivered fresh daily”. The guy’s name is “Gideon“.